Last Updated on October 26, 2022 by Pets Feed
The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a silky and slightly wavy coat that gives it a natural and simple appearance.
This trrier will surely attract attention in any place. Mainly contributes to this luxurious wool unique wheat color. Because of the color of the coat, the name of the breed arose.
The amazing color is far from the only advantage of representatives of this type. These dogs are distinguished by a highly developed intellect, excellent character and excellent physical shape.
Unlike other types of terriers, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier has no habit of barking loudly over trifles.
| Breed name | Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier |
| Country of origin | Ireland |
| Weight | 18 – 20 kg |
| Height (at the withers) | 46 – 50 cm |
| Life expectancy | 14 years |
| Size | Medium |
Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier photos
Physical characteristics of the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrierr is a medium sized, square sized dog that is attractive on the outside. The appearance is harmonious, balanced and natural, there is no need to artificially correct the coat.
The height at the withers in males averages 46-50 cm, weight – 18-20 kg. Females are smaller, their height and weight are not limited by the standard. On average, they weigh 13-16 kg, height at the withers up to 46 cm.
Distinctive features
- Head: The head is medium in length with soft outlines. The muzzle is square.
- Jaws: Straight, strong, white. The bite is straight or scissor.
- Ears: Small to medium sized triangular type ears always facing forward. They are located at the same level with the line of the upper part of the head.
- Eyes: The eyes are medium to deep set. The shadow of the iris is light brown.
- Frame: The body is more harmonious square-shaped, strong, rustic. The back is straight and strong. The neck is slightly elongated. The chest is well developed.
- Limbs: The legs are slightly smaller than average, light in proportion to the body. The thighs are strong and muscular. When running, the dog develops good speed.
- Coat: The coat is thick and soft like silk. Generously covers all parts of the body. The hair is curly or slightly wavy, no more than 12 cm long, the undercoat is completely absent. Color any shade of wheat.
Character and temperament of the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
The Irish Soft Coated Terrier exudes amazing cheerfulness and activity. This dog has a well-developed intellect, has an excellent memory and is a good worker. He easily takes orders and understands what is expected of him.
Almost always on the move, these dogs are not in a calm state for a minute. Even at a venerable age, they remain playful puppies until the end of their lives.
They categorically do not tolerate a long separation from the owner, they need his presence around the clock. They instantly begin to yearn and worry, feeling abandoned and useless.
Strangers are treated without overt aggression, sometimes barking only out of caution towards strangers. They are not at all inclined to be very aggressive.
With the children
When it comes to children, the Irish Soft Coated Terrier shows a friendly attitude, likes to communicate and play with them.
With other animals
The hunting instinct causes an irresistible desire to dig holes in search of small living creatures. Small domestic animals (guinea pigs, rats) are always perceived as prey. They can get along with representatives of the feline world, but only if they grow up together from an early age.
Health
The owner of a wheaten terrier should familiarize himself with the list of diseases to which his pet is predisposed:
- Addison’s disease is a pathological process that develops in the endocrine system.
- Nephropathy with protein loss.
- Oncological diseases.
- Protein loss enteropathy.
- Allergy – allergic reactions to shampoo and other wheat care products are more common.
- Gastrointestinal diseases – intestinal inflammation, diarrhea.
- Renal dysplasia is a very serious pathology associated with impaired functional separation of organ cells. With this pathology, the kidneys lose the ability to filter blood and synthesize urine.
- Atopic dermatitis is a genetically caused itchy skin inflammation associated with the formation of IgE antibodies.
- Babesiosis – caused by blood parasites, without timely treatment, a terrier can die within a few days.
Life expectancy
The average life expectancy of the soft-coated wheaten terrier is 12-14 years.
Basic care
In maintenance and care, the soft-coated wheaten terrier is unpretentious. He feels good in apartments, but if they take a weekly walk in nature.
Pet care consists of traditional procedures:
- Once a week, comb the hairs with a comb.
- Bathe your dog only when absolutely necessary, but no more than once a month.
- The teeth are brushed regularly.
- Nails are trimmed as needed.
- Ears are checked and cleaned 2-3 times a week.
- Eyes are checked 2-4 times a week, cleaned with lotion.
Exercise
The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a very active dog who has to train hard enough not to become a bit stubborn at home.
The minimum amount of exercise for an adult dog of this breed would be an hour a day, but if you can offer more exercise time, it will be grateful.
Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Fun Facts
- The coat of the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier goes through several stages in the process of growing up, it thrives, finally forming only by 20-30 months.
- A pack of Irish wheaten terriers is able to withstand even wolves. That is why in ancient times, these bold dogs were called “wolfhounds for the poor.”
- Unlike other types of terriers, the wheaten terrier has no habit of barking long and loudly.
- The wheaten terrier does not tolerate boring monotony, therefore it likes to create vanity around, feeling comfortable in movement.
- For the first time, Maureen Holmes (a breeder from Ireland) began to trim the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, her initiative was met with hostility by many lovers of the natural beauty of wheaten terriers.
- Most of all, American owners like to make decorative haircuts for the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier. In Ireland and in England they prefer the natural look of luxurious wool of wheaten terrier.
Breed History
The soft-coated wheaten terrier has been known in Ireland for at least 200 years. Today, this breed is generally used as a companion dog for the family, however, 100 to 200 years ago, this breed served as an all-purpose dog.
People used these farm pets everywhere, whenever possible. The list of duties included the destruction of rats, moles, protection of livestock, guard duties, help with grazing. As you can see, the list is impressive. Otherwise. In the pack, these dogs could even resist wolves, for which they were even called “greyhounds of the poor”.
The soft-coated wheaten terrier shares its ancestry with the Irish Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier. Despite the fact that this breed has a long history and is widely known in its country of origin, the Irish Kennel Club did not officially recognize these animals until 1937. After Ireland, the United Kingdom recognized the breed in 1943.
Three years earlier, several individuals had been exported to the United States. Today, the breed is widely recognized around the world, used not only as a family dog, but also as a psychological therapy assistant with people in various rehabilitation programs.
