Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Breed Profile

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland more than two centuries ago and was bred as an all-purpose farm dog and family companion. He was known as the poor man’s hunting dog and used to kill vermin, as a herding dog, and a watch dog.

The Wheaten is a self-confident, happy, inquisitive, and alert dog that is known to be less aggressive in nature than other Terrier breeds. He does enjoy activity, however, and is ready and willing to learn. He is lively and affectionate and maintains a puppy like attitude most of his life. This is a breed who thrives on human companionship and is considered a family dog in the sense that he is devoted to his entire family rather than an individual. He is also excellent with children with his patient and tolerant nature.

He has a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat that is soft-textured and wavy. The colour of the Wheaten ranges from pale gold to warm honey and darker shading may be found on the ears and muzzle. The pads of the feet, nose, eye rims and lips should all be black in colour and the eyes are generally a dark hazel of brown. Puppies are born darker in colour and lighten as they mature.

Health Issues

The Wheaten is generally a healthy breed; however, like all dogs they are subject to certain health disorders including: Hip Dysplasia and Eye problems. Other health issues that affect the breed include Protein Losing Nephropathy (PLN), Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE), and Renal Dysplasia. These conditions affect the kidney and bowel function. The SCWTAC recommends that all Wheatens be routinely tested for these problems.

If you are considering the adoption of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. The SCWTAC recommends that all breeding stock be tested and cleared of any hip and eye disorders. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)

Additional Health Resources:

• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Breed Standards

• CKC Breed Standard
• AKC Breed Standard
• UKC Breed Standard
• The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
• FCI Breed Standard No. 40 for the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Grooming Information

Because the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier’s coat is non-shedding, it should be thoroughly combed at least weekly. In addition, the coat is continuous growing meaning that it needs trimming every 2-3 months to maintain its shape.

The Wheaten’s nails should be kept short and may require trimming approximately every two week. The hair between the pads of his feet should be trimmed when necessary.

The Wheaten’s ears also require that they be kept clean to avoid infection and the hair in the ears may need regular plucking.

• Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

The Wheaten is a very intelligent dog who is eager to please and easily trained. The best methods of training for this breed is through positive reinforcement, persistence, patience, and consistency. The Wheaten is a wonderful companion for both children and the elderly, however, as with all breeds, early socialization is important.

• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.