Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier at a Glance: Quick Facts
Temperament
Friendly, Joyful, Devoted, Energetic, Stubborn
Height
Males: 18-19 inches; Females: 17-18 inches
Weight
Males: 35-40 pounds; Females: 30-35 pounds
Lifespan
12-15 years
Grooming Needs
High; requires daily brushing to prevent mats
Exercise Level
Moderate to High; at least 30-60 minutes of daily activity
Good With
Families, children, active individuals, other dogs (with socialization)
Shedding Level
Low; considered a hypoallergenic breed
The Soul of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Temperament and Personality
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the quintessential "happy-go-lucky" dog. Their temperament is defined by a joyful and loving disposition that makes them wonderful family pets. Originating as versatile farm dogs in Ireland, they are bright, inquisitive, and have a playful, sometimes mischievous, nature that keeps their families entertained. Wheatens are deeply loyal and devoted, forming strong bonds and thriving on being involved in daily life. Their confidence and extroverted personality make them social butterflies who are enthusiastic greeters.
This breed is alert and makes a good watchdog, quick to bark at unfamiliar people, noises, or activity. However, their guarding instincts are generally reserved for livestock, as they are typically friendly with people once properly introduced. While they can be somewhat standoffish with strangers at first, their protective nature quickly gives way to their friendly enthusiasm. A key part of their soul is the famous "Wheaten Greetin'," a bouncy, joyful jump to say hello. They are energetic and intelligent, a combination that makes them both a fun-loving companion and a capable partner in canine sports.
Is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Right For Your Family & Lifestyle?
A Wheaten's loving nature and low-shedding coat make them an appealing choice, but their high energy and stubborn terrier mind require a dedicated owner. It’s essential to be honest about your lifestyle before committing to this spirited breed.
A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an ideal companion for:
Active Families: They are energetic dogs that need daily exercise and love to be part of family activities.
First-Time Dog Owners: Their friendly nature can make them a good choice for novices, though puppy training classes are highly recommended to navigate their stubborn streak.
Allergy Sufferers: Their silky, low-shedding coat qualifies them as a hypoallergenic breed, making them a great option for those with dander-related allergies.
Homes with a Secure Yard: While adaptable, they do best with a fenced-in yard where they can safely burn off their energy.
You might want to reconsider a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier if:
You Have Cats or Small Pets: Their strong terrier prey drive means they have a powerful instinct to chase. While they can coexist with cats if raised together, this instinct will always be present.
You Want a Quiet Dog: Wheatens are prone to barking—at strangers, new sounds, and out of excitement or boredom. This requires management through training.
You Prefer a Low-Maintenance Pet: Their beautiful coat is high-maintenance, requiring daily brushing to prevent painful mats.
You're Away from Home for Long Periods: They bond closely with their families and are prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for extended lengths of time.
Caring for Your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Needs & Recommendations
To keep your Wheaten happy, healthy, and looking their best, a consistent care routine is essential.
A high-quality diet is crucial for this active breed. An adult Wheaten should eat between 1.5 to 2 cups of premium dog food per day, divided into two meals. The exact amount will depend on your dog’s age, size, and activity level. For puppies, the feeding schedule should be more frequent: at two months, they should eat about 0.2 cups three times a day, increasing gradually as they grow. Always consult with your veterinarian to develop the perfect nutritional plan for your Wheaten.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a moderate-to-high activity level. They require at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy. This should include daily walks plus dedicated playtime. They are athletic and enjoy activities like running, hiking, and trips to the dog park. Because they have a strong urge to chase, they should never be let off-leash in an unsecured area.
The Wheaten's signature soft, silky, and wavy coat is beautiful but demands daily attention. This low-shedding coat is prone to matting, so daily brushing with a slicker or pin brush, followed by a comb, is essential to remove tangles and loose hair. A bath is needed only as necessary, but professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is recommended to keep their coat trimmed and healthy. You'll also need to trim their nails monthly and check and clean their ears weekly to prevent infections.
Training a Wheaten can be both rewarding and challenging. They are highly intelligent (ranking #40 among dog breeds) and can learn quickly, but they are also headstrong and independent. This stubborn streak means training must be consistent, firm, and full of positive reinforcement. They are easily bored, so they enjoy being challenged mentally and physically during training sessions. Early and frequent socialization is crucial to help them become well-adjusted adults and to manage their tendency to be wary of strangers and chase smaller animals.
Health & Lifespan: What to Expect
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Reputable breeders screen their stock to ensure puppies have the best chance at a long, healthy life.
Potential health concerns to be aware of include:
- Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN) and Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE): Serious conditions affecting the kidneys and digestive tract.
- Renal Dysplasia: A congenital kidney disease.
- Addison's Disease: A disorder of the adrenal glands.
- Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint.
- Skin Conditions: Such as atopic dermatitis.
Responsible breeders will be transparent about the genetic history of the parents and provide health clearances. The national breed club recommends a series of tests, including DNA tests for PLN, to ensure the health of puppies.
The History of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: The "Poor Man's Wolfhound"
The Wheaten Terrier is a true son of Ireland, with a history stretching back over 200 years. They were bred as the all-purpose farm dog, tasked with herding livestock, guarding property, and controlling vermin. Unlike their cousins, the Kerry Blue and Irish Terriers, who were often favored by nobility, the Wheaten was the dog of the common man, earning the nickname the "Poor Man's Wolfhound." Despite their long history in Ireland, they were not officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937. They arrived in the United States in the 1940s and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973, where they have since become a beloved family companion.
Meet Our Available Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Puppies
Your search for the perfect, joyful Wheaten Terrier puppy begins here. Below is our gallery of available puppies from our exclusive network of ethical, vetted breeders. Each puppy is raised with the utmost care and is ready to bring a lifetime of happiness to your home. Click on a profile to see more!
Standard Poodle - Baxter
$2,450.00
Mini Bernedoodle - Paddy
$2,450.00
English Bulldog - Gunther
$4,000.00
Chihuahua - Winston
$2,650.00
Chihuahua - Mikey
$2,650.00
Cavapoo - Wallace
$2,350.00
Boxer - Mike
$2,400.00
Boxer - Bruiser
$2,400.00
Find a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Near You
While PuppyGuyz proudly offers our signature safe and convenient nationwide home delivery, we also have strong partnerships with ethical breeders across the country. If you're looking for a Wheaten puppy in your region, start by checking these popular locations:
Looking for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy in your area? We deliver healthy, well-socialized puppies to families across the United States. Explore our available puppies by state to find the perfect addition to your family:
Pennsylvania
Ohio
New York
California
Florida
Texas
Your Comprehensive Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier FAQ
We've compiled every common question about Wheatens, combining our expert knowledge with competitor analysis to create the most complete FAQ on the web.
How long does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier live?
A Wheaten's average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. With excellent care, proper nutrition, and regular vet check-ups, they can live long, happy lives.
Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers hypoallergenic?
Yes, they are considered a hypoallergenic breed. Their low-shedding, hair-like coat produces less dander than many other breeds, making them a good choice for people with allergies.
Do Wheaten Terriers bark a lot?
Yes, they can be frequent barkers. As alert terriers, they will bark at new people, sights, and sounds. If not properly trained and exercised, this can become excessive. Early training helps manage this tendency.
Are Wheaten Terriers good family dogs?
They are excellent family dogs. They are devoted, friendly, and gentle, forming strong bonds with all family members, especially children.
Can Airedale Terriers be left alone?
They are not typically an aggressive breed and are known for their friendly nature. However, like any terrier, they can be reactive towards other dogs of the same sex or may snap if startled or handled roughly by a rambunctious child. Socialization is key.
How much exercise does a Wheaten Terrier need?
They have a moderate-to-high energy level and require at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. This should include daily walks and opportunities for more vigorous play.
Are Wheaten Terriers good with cats?
This depends on the individual dog. If raised with cats from puppyhood, they can learn to live with them. However, their strong, innate prey drive means they will always have an instinct to chase smaller animals.
Can Wheaten Terriers be left alone?
They are prone to separation anxiety. They bond very deeply with their families and do not do well when left alone for long periods. They are best suited for households where someone is often home.
When are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers full-grown?
They typically reach their full adult height and size somewhere between 6 and 8 months of age, though they may continue to fill out until they are about a year old.
Are Wheaten Terriers easy to train?
They are intelligent and learn quickly, but their headstrong terrier nature can make them challenging to train. They have a "what's in it for me?" attitude. Training must be patient, consistent, and full of positive reinforcement to keep them engaged.
