Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

by Amy Tokic

Published: February 13th, 2013

About Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Weight

30-45 lb

Lifespan

10-15 years

Group

AKC Terrier

Best Suited For

Families with children, singles, seniors, houses with yards

Temperament

Lively, confident, curious, playful

Comparable Breeds

Cairn Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier

Height

17-20 inches

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Basics

Do you want a soft, adorable dog to cuddle up with? Then the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a breed you’ll want to get better acquainted with. A compact, hardy, medium-sized dog, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is lively, confident, curious, playful, congenial, and gentler compared to other terrier breeds. Dependable and affectionate, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are athletic by nature and need a daily workout by either a moderate to long walk or a vigorous game.

So how does the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sound so far? Need to know more? No problem – read on to find out more about this breed.

A compact, hardy, medium-sized dog, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is lively, confident, curious, playful, congenial, and gentler compared to other terrier breeds.

Origin

Originally called the “Poor Man’s Wolfhound” and hailing from Ireland, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers were versatile dogs. These dogs guarded the farm against both human and animal intruders, killed vermin and were herders and hunters. In the 1940s, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was imported to the United States but it took until 1973 for the American Kennel Club to recognize this breed officially.

Today, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers compete in obedience, agility, and tracking competitions, and are used in animal-assisted therapy.

Pedigree

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are believed to be a cross between the Kerry Blue Terrier and one of the larger mixed terrier breeds popular in the Irish farming communities. As well, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is believed to be one of Ireland’s oldest breeds of dog.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1973.

Food / Diet

As with most breeds, you’ll want to feed your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier a diet of high-quality dry dog food or homemade meals. As well, you may choose to add a coat supplement, like a little corn or safflower oil, sprinkled over the food once a day, which will help keep the coat from drying out. For an added treat, a daily milkbone adds nutrition and keeps teeth clean.

A fierce competitor at obedience trials and events as well as agility and hunting competitions, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s have a high level of ability to solve problems and are less independent than many of the terrier breeds.

Training

An intelligent breed, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will quickly learn what owners want. A fierce competitor at obedience trials and events as well as agility and hunting competitions, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s have a high level of ability to solve problems and are less independent than many of the terrier breeds.

Training for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier should be started at an early age using positive training methods, which will strengthen the bond between the trainer and the dog. Never train your dog using punishment methods as this can seriously limit the dog’s trust of you. Because this breed likes to play, you should plan to a playtime before and after each short training session to encourage engagement in training activities. Repetitive training is not required and will cause the dog to be less compliant.

You’ll get the best results from your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier by challenging it both mentally and physically during training. Some games, commands and tasks can include fetch, completing obstacle courses and even to playing hide and seek with favorite toys or even family members. Since it has a chase instinct, this breed should be taught to work on a retractable lead. As well, socialization should be a key component of any Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier training program from the earliest possible age.

Weight

Male Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers weigh 35 to 45 pounds, while females weigh 30 to 40 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

Like all terriers, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a bit of a stubborn or independent streak, but this is usually quickly corrected with proper training and socialization. You dog will need a challenge during training sessions otherwise it will become bored and non-responsive.

If you socialize your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier from an early age, it will get along with other dogs. This breed gets along with other dogs, but it is not good with cats, unless it has been carefully socialized and raised with cats since it was a puppy.

The male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier may be more dog-aggressive than females so neutering and socialization is particularly important. This dog isn’t a problem barker like many terriers, but it will usually bark just to let you know when someone new has arrived at your doorstep. At first, your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier may be somewhat stand-offish with new people, but it will warm up to guests after a few visits.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier won’t lose its puppy playfulness as it grows older. It will love playing with kids and isn’t prone to snapping or biting like many of the terrier breeds are. You’ll find that this breed is protective of children and will listen to commands by children, making it an ideal playmate for kids.

A close bond will be formed with your family and your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bonds. This dog does best when it’s constantly with the family. It can tolerate some time alone, but this breed does best when it’s an active part of the family on a daily basis.

Common Health Problems

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has few health problems to lookout for. Protein wasting diseases (PLN and PLE) are a concern with this breed. These are immune diseases that aren’t noticeable until the dog is over five years old. Renal Dysplasia, a kidney problem, and flea allergies, both which can be treated are issues as well. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is also known to occasionally suffer from hip dysplasia, von Willebrands Disease and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

Life Expectancy

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are active, versatile family dogs that can live a variety of situations, including the country, suburb or city, as long as it gets the exercise it needs. Energetic, playful, and exuberant, this breed requires moderate exercise to keep from becoming bored. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a moderately active dog indoors but it still needs a daily walk and play time in a secure fenced yard. When outside of the fenced yard, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers should be on a leash as it loves chasing after squirrels and other small animals. Your dog will always be ready for a hike, jogging, or playing ball, and it does well in dog sports such as herding, tracking, fly ball and agility.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier won’t lose its puppy playfulness as it grows older.

AKC

The American Kennel Club says this about the breed: “As its name implies, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is prized for its coat, which is soft, silky, with a gentle wave, and of warm wheaten color. Underneath, however, is a formidable dog that leaves no doubt as to his terrier origins. Square and medium-sized, he is happy, steady, self-confident and alert to his surroundings.”

Coat

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a single, silky relatively long and wavy coat that covers its entire body and all its fur is the same length. The coat should be wavy, not curly or straight, and should not be frizzy looking in appearance. Its face will have a beard, and if you plan on showing your dog, its coat can’t be clipped or plucked. This breed doesn’t shed much as long as you take care of its coat, and is recommended for those people that have dog allergies.

Puppies

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will be a welcome addition to any home. Start the socialization process as early as possible and introduce it to as many people, dogs and animals as possible.

Photo credit: Eric Isselee/Shutterstock

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Soft Coated Golden

Soft Coated Golden Basics The Soft Coated Golden is a fun and loving mix of the always happy Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the friendly, sweet-natured Golden Retriever. Without question an ideal family dog, this playful pooch gets along with kids of all ages and other animals so is a perfect fit for a multi-pet family. The terrier side of this dog can be a bit stubborn and is known to be overly-exuberant when displaying affection – often jumping up on strangers and trying to lick faces – however this bubbly nature can be toned down a little with early training. The challenge with this people-loving dog is not that he wants to be involved in all family activities, but he doesn’t do well when left on his own for longer periods of time. Both parent breeds are known to suffer from separation anxiety that can result in destructive behaviors and this means that an ideal home for this pooch is one where a pet parent is at home. The friendly, playful Soft Coated Golden brings the sweet-natured Golden Retriever together with the fun-loving Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Origin The Soft Coated Golden is a Designer Dog which means he dates back no further than the 1980s or 1990s, when breeders first began crossing two or more popular pure-breds to produce a dog that was healthier, often non-shedding and sometimes smaller and gentler than many of the foundation breeds. With the Soft Coated Golden, his pure-bred parents include the Golden Retriever and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and in spite of he himself being a fairly “young” breed, his parents have some pretty serious roots. The Wheaten dates back over 200 years to Ireland where he was bred to be a jack-of-all-trades farm dog. From herding to hunting to guarding livestock, this feisty little dog did it all. Across the pond in Scotland, the Golden Retriever was being developed by hunters who were looking for a dog that was capable of hunting on both land and water and could bring back waterfowl with a gentle “mouth” meaning without damaging the bird. He also dates back almost 200 years, to the mid-18th century. Pedigree

Whoodle

Whoodle BasicsThat’s right. The Whoodle. You might have not heard about this designer dog breed, but that’s going to change. Whoodles are becoming popular and loved hybrids that have more than enough to offer to the right owner. These doggos are intelligent, affectionate, friendly and energetic - all of which gives them a dedicated following with good reason. Also known as the Sweatenpoo, Wheatendoodle, Wheatenpoo, or Wheatiepoo, this designer dog breed can thank its impressive lineage for its many impressive qualities. The name might feel a bit weird coming out of your mouth, but trust us - just a few minutes alone with one of these guys will have you screaming “Whoodle” from the rooftops. They’re just that loveable. A Whoodle is a cross between the Poodle and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: the result is a medium-sized dog with a soft, curly coat and a wonderful personality. Of course, because Poodles come in three sizes, the Whoodle also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, or standard. The size is largely related to genetics, and breeders never know for certain how a litter will come out. So whether you want a large athletic companion, a petite energetic pooch, or something in between, you can find it all in this designer dog breed. The Whoodle is a breed that can truly be all things for all owners. You just have to find the right one for you!While their adorable teddy bear looks and cheerful temperament make Whoodles popular with many pet owners, they do have some specific requirements and personality traits that might not make them an ideal match for your own family. Just like all dogs. Not every dog is meant for every owner, but certainly those who are the right fit for their Whoodles love them. To find out if the Whoodle is your perfect pup, read on!Whoodles also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, or standard.OriginHybrid dogs have been quite common for many years, so the first crossing of Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle may have occurred long ago. However, it’s not those accidental litters of mixed breed puppies that “count” as first Whoodles. Don’t be absurd. Nope, it’s only the hybrids that were developed intentionally that are thought of as the original Whoodles. Sadly there’s not enough information about their start in the world of designer dogs. Yet, even though it’s unclear when the Whoodle precisely came into existence, we all can be certain that this pup will be around for a long, long time.Like the majority of hybrid breeds, the Whoodle doesn’t have a well-documented history. It’s most likely, though, that breeders first developed Whoodles sometime in the last 20 years. And, since Australia and the United States seem to have produced the most of today’s hybrid breeds, it’s safe to assume that one of these two places was the “birthplace” of the breed. This might not be the most satisfying explanation for where these adorable doggos originated, but unfortunately it’s the best we can do. Fortunately, even though we’ll never now exactly where Whoodles came from, it doesn’t mean that we’ll love them any less - they continue to rise in popularity and are equally loved all across the world. Pedigree

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Why is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

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Hypothermia puts your cat’s health at risk, and if not treated in time, can be fatal. So, it’s wise to know even just the basics about hypothermia so you can recognize the symptoms and get your cat the help they need right away. Here’s a short guide to get you started.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Your Cat Itchy? Causes and Treatments for Itching in Cats

Itching, or pruritis, in cats has various causes, so it’s a symptom of multiple problems. Sure, a cat will have an itch they need to scratch every now and then, just like people do. But if you see your cat scratching more than usual, or they’re scratching, licking, or biting themselves so much that they’re losing fur and causing cuts and scabs on their skin, there may be an underlying issue that should be addressed.Whether your cat is scratching at one area or they’re itchy all over, don’t ignore this problem. Read on to learn about some of the causes of itchiness in cats, along with some of the things you can do to provide relief. Remember, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian about your cat’s symptoms so you can give your pet the right treatment.Reasons Why Your Cat Is ItchyHere are some of the conditions that can cause a cat to feel itchy:AllergiesA lot of things can cause an allergic reaction in cats that leads to itchy skin. For example, if your cat is allergic to an ingredient in their food, such as a particular protein, their allergy might manifest as itchiness. As another example, your cat might be allergic to something in the environment, such as dust in the house or pollen that blows in through a window. And some cats have contact allergies to products, from litter to plastic or fabric, that can cause a reaction. The goal is to find the allergen and remove it from your cat’s environment as best as possible. In the case of a food allergy, using food trials with the guidance of your vet can help you figure out what’s causing the reaction so you can start giving your cat food that’s appropriate for them. ParasitesBites from insects and parasites can cause your cat to feel itchy. Fleas and mites are a couple examples. And, yes, indoor cats can get fleas, as they could be brought in from outside and find their way to your feline.When it comes to mites, such as ear mites or mange, your veterinarian can prescribe treatments after performing some tests for an accurate diagnosis.For flea allergy dermatitis caused by flea bites, it’s a matter of eliminating the flea infestation and preventing future infestations. You can use over-the-counter products, such as Frontline Plus for Cats, which is a topical treatment you apply between your cat’s shoulders (where they won’t be able to lick it off). It kills flea eggs, flea larvae, and adult fleas, as well as ticks and chewing lice, and each dose works for a month. But you also need to thoroughly clean your home and your pet’s things to be sure you eliminate fleas in the environment.

Let's Talk Turkey... and Why the White House Pardons One Each Year

It’s now a Thanksgiving tradition… and we’re not talking about the Macy’s parade, the Black Friday sales or that cranberry chutney Aunt Sally whips up each year. We’re talking about the turkey pardon that according to the White House Historical Association, is rumored to have begun back in 1863 with then-President Lincoln. Whether this tale is fact or fiction is debated. What we know is that more recent history confirms the big bird officially began as a gift made to the White House by The National Turkey Federation back in 1947. Alas, no details on his outcome.This year, President Biden pardoned two 42-pounders, preventing them from being on the wrong side of the Thanksgiving feast when he gave Liberty and Bell, a pass and a certain cushy future.As mentioned, this fun seasonal practice began in 1947 and over the years tended to be rather on-again/off-again depending on the whims of whichever administration was in place. It wasn’t until the Kennedy era in the early ‘60s that Tom Turkey was formally spared and lived to see another day. Since then, the support to spare this fine feathered fowl has ramped up considerably and his well-being post-pardon was carefully tracked by both the media and animal rights groups throughout the country.Was it just for show? Did he really make his exit from the White House intact versus being basted, carved and covered in gravy?Before I answer, let’s just say that the fun spin on this tradition is how it has evolved. Not only did Liberty and Bell enjoy a stay in a suite at the luxe Willard Intercontinental Hotel the night before their widely shared pardon, but following their moment in the spotlight, they returned home to Minnesota where the state’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences will oversee their care.So, yes. Beginning with the Bush administration in 1989, the turkey pardon became a tradition that sees one lucky bird truly pardoned and destined for a life of ease and indulgence.In fact, past White House pardons have typically resulted in said turkey being relocated to a local children’s farm where they can live out their remaining years being adored by the junior crowd and noshing down on kibble from a cone. BTW, did you know that a turkey can live to 10 years of age?Of course, now we’re all feeling warm and sentimental about turkeys, the inevitable question arises: Can a turkey be kept as a pet? The short answer is yes, these highly social critters enjoy the company of humans and can be curious, vocal, and entertaining.  So much so that they’re a top pick for hobby farmers and those who have already ventured into keeping chickens.Just a little food for thought!

New Survey Ranks America's Top Dog Breeds by State

There’s no doubt about it - Americans love their dogs! We know that your pooch is the best breed, but have you wondered which are the most favored dog breeds in America? Forbes surveyed 10,000 dog owners across the 50 states to find America’s top dog breed. The survey involved the top 25 most popular dog breeds nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club. So, what is America’s top dog? As it turns out, “no breed in particular” is the country’s favorite at 13%.However, if Americans had to decide, they’d pick the Australian shepherd as a favorite, followed by the German shepherd and the bulldog.The highly intelligent and energetic Australian shepherd was ranked as the top dog breed in 10 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Missouri, New York, and Virginia. This breed was also voted the second favorite in nine states. Although Aussies won the popularity vote, the German shepherd was the number one pick in 16 states. That’s more than any other breed!Known for its loyal and courageous nature, the German shepherd is the most common breed to serve as a police K9 but also makes a wonderful family companion. They ranked as the second favorite dog breed in nine states. Interestingly, more men than women picked German shepherds as their favorite breed (9% compared to 6%). America’s 3rd favorite breed, according to Forbes, is the bulldog. The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed, best known for its stocky build, large head, and wrinkled face. The bulldog ranked as the top dog in eight states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Utah. Among all states, Nebraska ranked the bulldog lowest, placing this breed at 24th place, The lovable and friendly Labrador retriever ranked as the nation’s 4th favorite breed. Thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and energetic nature, Labs make great companions to people of all ages and families with children. Labrador retrievers ranked as the most favorite dog breed in 10 states, including Louisiana, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Bernese mountain dog is the 5th favorite dog breed in the United States. Large in size and built for hard work, Bernese mountain dogs are easy to train and make affectionate, loyal, and faithful companions. So, it’s no surprise that this doggo ranked as the most favorite breed in nine states. Compared to four other top-ranked breeds, the Bernese mountain dog had the most varying results, with 10 states ranking this breed in the bottom 10.The beagle is the nation’s favorite small breed. Ranked as the 6th favorite breed overall, the beagle was placed in the top 10 favorite breeds in all but seven states. This breed received the lowest ranking in Utah, where it was voted as the state’s 3rd least favorite breed.The golden retriever comes in at 7th place, after being voted as the most favorite dog breed in Michigan and Wisconsin. Medium in size and best known for their gorgeous golden coats, golden retrievers are loving, loyal, and affectionate companions to active people and families with children. Goldens were the 2nd favorite dog breed in four states, including New Hampshire, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Vermont. This breed ranked the lowest in Alabama, where it received 17th place.These are America’s most favorite dog breeds, but the nation also has the least favorite doggo. This title goes to the Havanese, which was the bottom-ranked breed in 33 states.The Havanese is followed by Pembroke Welsh Corgi which was the least favorite dog breed in 17 states. And what about you? What’s your favorite and least favorite dog breed?Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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