Aptly named for its silky coat and yellowish hue, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a humble canine hailing from the Irish countryside. Read on to learn more about this versatile terrier!
1. This Breed Hails from Ireland
Like many other terrier breeds, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier descends from the Emerald Isle. This canine was bred and developed by Irish peasants who needed a dog that could perform a variety of tasks. Back then, Irish peasants were forbidden to keep certain dog breeds such as Irish Wolfhounds and Beagles (which were reserved for the upper class), so they had to create a breed of their very own.
The breeding lines that created the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier also may have resulted in the creation of a few other related breeds, such as the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Irish Terrier. The Irish Kennel Club did not recognize the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier as a breed until St. Patrick’s Day in 1937, and the British Kennel Club would then follow in 1943.
The first Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers were exported into the United States in the 1940s but didn’t become very popular until around a decade later. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was founded in 1962, which helped this canine establish a foothold of popularity in the country.
The American Kennel Club would recognize this canine as a breed in 1973. Today, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is well-represented, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America strives to further promote and celebrate this breed.
2. These Dogs Can Perform Many Tasks
As mentioned earlier, Irish peasants and other common folks were prohibited from owning various dog breeds; therefore, they had to create their own dogs to assist them in various duties. With the restrictions that were established back then, the result was a dog that had both the traits of terriers and other working breeds.
The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier was developed to be an ideal work dog that could perform a variety of tasks, working on the farm or guarding property. Being a terrier at heart, this canine could pursue vermin that was causing trouble for its owners. This dog could also herd livestock, such as cattle and sheep, and could also be utilized as a livestock guardian to protect the herds from predators and thieves. The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier was also used as a hunting dog, nicknamed the “poor man’s wolfhound”. This dog could even pursue quarry such as badgers and foxes.
While called the “poor man’s wolfhound”, this nickname shouldn’t undermine the fact that the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier was a very useful companion. While life as an Irish peasant wasn’t easy, this handy canine helped alleviate some of the hardships that they faced in terms of labor. The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is eager to please its handlers and is a hard-working canine at heart.
To be exempt from taxation, the dogs often had their tails docked to be recognized as working animals. You probably won’t see as many docked tails today; docking and cropping are opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association and other animal welfare groups.
3. This Breed is Born Dark, Then Lightens
Interestingly, the iconic golden coat of the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier starts off darker in color, usually a brown or mahogany shade. As the puppies grow older, the fur itself will usually lighten up over time. If a dog ever gets wounded on its skin and loses the fur in the process, the new fur will grow out brownish, and then will also lighten up as time progresses.
By the time the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier reaches the age of three, the canine will have its trademark wheat-based coloration. Some individuals may also sprout guard hairs that are either darker or lighter in color.
4. Like All Terriers, These Dogs Need Exercise
Like all dogs, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier requires daily exercise to maintain both its physical and mental well-being. Being both a working dog and a terrier in one, exercise shouldn’t be skimped out for this canine. An hour of exercise for an adult dog can suffice, but more activity is always appreciated by this energetic breed.
Long walks are appreciated and highly recommended. As with other breeds with a high prey drive, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier must always be on a leash. Dogs with a high prey drive will instinctively go after small animals, children, or even dangerous objects such as speeding vehicles, which could result in disastrous consequences. Some playtime in a large, secure yard is also another great way to let your dog release extra steam.
Being a versatile breed at work also makes them a suitable candidate for a wide variety of sports, ranging from agility to herding trials. With its ancestry as both a terrier and a farm dog, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier can also compete in simulated herding, ratting, and tracking trials.
5. You Must Regularly Groom These Dogs
The fur of the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier doesn’t shed, which may be a relief to some; however, this breed’s coat must be groomed regularly to prevent any mats and tangles.
Interestingly, this breed comes in two fur types: the traditional “Irish” coat, which is thinner and silkier, and the “American” coat, which is typically the type much preferred in the show ring. Either way, both coat types require the same maintenance regimen. The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier should be brushed and combed at least a few times a week to limit the formation of mats and tangles on its coat. This also helps remove any dirt and debris in their fur. After a thorough brushing with an appropriate brush, a metal comb is useful for loosening this canine’s silky fur. Any mats or knots encountered can be loosened up with your fingers.
Bathing should be done every few weeks, and only after a brushing session is completed. It is much more difficult to untangle and remove any mats after a bath. A professional groomer can also trim and maintain your dog’s coat to keep it in peak condition. As with all dogs, you should trim your dog’s nails to prevent breakage and discomfort.
Maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene is also important and can be done by brushing your canine’s teeth. While it is most ideal to brush your dog’s teeth every day, 2-3 times a week can suffice. While dental chews are usually relished by dogs, they should be supplemental treats only and should not be a substitute for teeth brushing.
6. This Breed Is Generally Healthy
Usually, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a very healthy breed; in fact, a 2024 study from the United Kingdom has found that the average Wheaten lives to around 13.7 years on average, while a typical purebred dog of another breed typically lives for around 12.7 years. However, this canine is prone to some congenital health conditions. Two protein-losing conditions, aptly called protein-losing nephropathy and protein-losing enteropathy, are issues that affect this breed’s protein intake in both the kidneys and digestive system respectively.
Addison’s disease, a condition that affects the adrenal glands, can also affect the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, along with renal dysplasia. If obtaining your dog from a breeder, always ensure that their dogs are genetically screened to prevent these hereditary diseases from being passed down. Some Wheatens may also develop food or skin allergies. They may also develop a skin condition known commonly as atopic dermatitis (or, simply known as eczema in layman’s terms).
Having your dog examined by a veterinarian annually is critical, as they can detect issues that arise early on. You should also schedule an appointment if your dog shows any early symptoms or signs of illness.
7. This Breed Is Ideal for Experienced Owners
The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a dog known for its playful attitude and affectionate personality; however, this energetic breed requires experience to keep. To curb problematic behaviors, training and socialization must begin early in puppyhood. This breed requires a firm yet patient owner with some experience with other stubborn yet intelligent breeds. Like all other dogs, harsh training is not recommended as this will only result in a fearful and aggressive animal. Fortunately, a well-trained Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier makes a great family dog as it typically gets along great with children (though supervision is always very important).
Provided its daily exercise needs are fulfilled, Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers can live in apartments or other household settings; however, bigger is always better, and as mentioned earlier, this breed will appreciate a large, secure yard. Provided all its needs are met, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier makes a fantastic member of the family which will provide its loved ones with many playful years to come. Always be sure to obtain your dog from a responsible breeder or a rescue group.
