Breed Information

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was bred as an all-purpose farm dog and family companion in his native Ireland. The Wheaten shares a common ancestry with the Irish Terrier and the Kerry Blue and is distinguished by his soft silky coat and merry disposition. The mature Wheaten should exhibit a gently waving jacket with color varying from pale beige to shimmering gold.

In disposition, Wheatens are steady and fun-loving and they tend to be less scrappy than most other terriers. But, they are still terriers. Wheatens are adaptable to both country and city environments. They relate well to children and usually make good watch-dogs who will bark to announce the arrival of a stranger. This does not mean Wheatens are everyone’s perfect pet. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are lively, inquisitive, exuberant dogs who jump and kiss to express their love of people.

A fenced yard or exercise on lead is required to insure safety. A regular grooming schedule with brush and comb is absolutely essential to maintain the lovely coat in a shining, clean, and mat-free condition. Being so “people-oriented,” Wheaten puppies must be carefully home-raised and socialized; they need gentle but firm and consistent training. The Wheaten is a house dog whose marvelous personality and temperament flower only in a good home environment. Those who do not have the time to train intensively or to do the brushing and combing required should not consider this breed.

A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy should not be an impulse purchase. Buying a Wheaten is a commitment for the life of a dog which may live 12 years or more. You owe it to yourself to shop carefully and make sure that you are getting a quality pet who has been bred and raised to insure a sound body and a sound mind. Take time to discuss the characteristics of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with different owners and breeders and to see adult Wheatens. Make sure that a Wheaten is the right pet for you and your family.

To learn more about wheatens go to these links on the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America website:

Wheaten Temperament
Grooming
Training