Dog breed profile
Soft coated wheaten terrier
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized Irish terrier developed as an all-purpose farm dog for controlling vermin, guarding property, herding livestock and assisting with hunting. Most adults stand around 43 to 49 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 14 to 20 kilograms. The breed has a strong, square body and a soft, silky, gently waving coat in shades of warm wheaten.
Puppies may be born darker and gradually develop the characteristic adult colour and texture. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are typically affectionate, energetic, cheerful and strongly people-oriented. They often greet family members and visitors enthusiastically and may jump, bounce or display the lively behaviour sometimes called the Wheaten greeting. Their terrier background gives them determination, curiosity and an interest in chasing small animals, although many are more socially outgoing than some other terrier breeds.
They usually enjoy children and active family life when properly trained and supervised. Wheatens are intelligent but can be independent, excitable or slow to mature. They may become vocal, destructive or anxious when under-exercised or left alone for long periods. The coat sheds relatively little but mats easily and requires substantial maintenance. This breed generally suits active owners who can provide companionship, regular exercise, positive training and professional grooming.
Before choosing a Soft coated wheaten terrier, prospective owners should consider adult temperament, activity and handling needs as well as appearance. People choosing a Soft coated wheaten terrier should meet mature examples where possible, because adult energy, confidence and handling needs may be less obvious in an appealing puppy. Responsible selection of a Soft coated wheaten terrier should consider stable temperament, functional structure and documented health history alongside colour, coat and outward breed type.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
For the Soft coated wheaten terrier, care involves at least one hour of daily exercise, including brisk walks, controlled play, scent work, obedience and agility. Training should begin early and focus on recall, lead manners, calm greetings, quiet behaviour and keeping all four feet on the ground when meeting people. Build the Soft coated wheaten terrier's weekly routine around several forms of movement rather than repeating one route, and include lower-intensity recovery after unusually demanding activity.
Positive reinforcement and short, varied sessions are generally effective. Off-leash exercise should occur only in secure areas because the dog may chase wildlife or smaller animals.
The soft coat should be brushed and combed thoroughly several times a week and preferably daily when kept long. Professional trimming is usually required every six to eight weeks. Mats commonly develop behind the ears, beneath the legs, around the feet and under collars or harnesses. The beard should be cleaned after meals and drinking. Teeth should be brushed regularly, nails kept short and ears checked for wax, moisture or infection.
Food portions should maintain a lean body condition. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor hips, eyes, kidneys, digestive health and blood protein levels. Persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, swelling or increased thirst should be assessed promptly because the breed can be vulnerable to protein-losing kidney or intestinal disorders. Owners should establish the Soft coated wheaten terrier's normal appetite, breathing, movement, sleep and social behaviour so a persistent departure from that baseline can be investigated promptly. Care requirements for a senior Soft coated wheaten terrier should be reviewed as mobility, senses and recovery change; shorter sessions, better footing and easier access can preserve independence without removing enrichment. Seek veterinary advice promptly if a Soft coated wheaten terrier develops breathing difficulty, collapse, severe pain, repeated vomiting, inability to urinate, sudden weakness or a rapidly worsening change in behaviour.
Conditions linked to this breed
Hypoadrenocorticism [Addison's Disease]
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Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Congenital Renal Disease [Hereditary Nephropathies]
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Cutaneous Asthenia [Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome]
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Familial Glomerulopathy
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Hip Dysplasia
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Ichthyosis
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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