Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, joyful Irish farm dog distinguished by its silky, wheaten-colored coat and exuberant personality. Often called the happy-go-lucky terrier, this breed combines alertness with a softer, more agreeable temperament than many terriers.
Key Stats
Weight
30-40 lbs
Height
17-19"
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Energy
4/5
Is This Breed Right For You?
Origin & History
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland over 200 years ago as an all-purpose farm dog. Due to laws restricting hunting dogs to the wealthy, terriers were the poor man's dog, earning the Wheaten the nickname Poor Man's Wolfhound. The Irish Kennel Club recognized them on St. Patrick's Day, 1937. AKC recognition followed in 1973.
Traits & Characteristics
Individual dogs may vary from breed-typical traits
Family & Social
Personality
Physical Traits
Adaptability
Health & Wellness
Key health information for Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners
Health Screening
- Hip & Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Eye Certification
Exercise Needs
- 60+ minutes daily
- Mental stimulation important
- High energy breed
Watch For
- Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN)
- Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE)
- Addison's Disease
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Care Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Grooming
daily
Exercise
60+ min/day
Training
Moderate
Health
Generally Good
Training Your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement with varied activities. Keep sessions short and fun. Consistency across all family members is essential. Early socialization is critical.
Training Tips
- Start training and socialization early
- Use high-value treats and praise
- Keep sessions short and engaging
- Be consistent with all household members
- Practice recall commands daily
Common Challenges
- Stubbornness and independent thinking
- Tendency to jump on people (Wheaten greeting)
- Can be difficult to housetrain
- May pull on leash without proper training
Is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Right For You?
Great Match If...
- You have children or a family
- You have other dogs
- You're active and outdoorsy
- You want a loyal companion
Think Twice If...
- You want a low-energy dog
- You're away from home often
Frequently Asked Questions
Wheatens are considered a good choice for some allergy sufferers. They have a single coat that sheds minimally. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Spend time with the breed before committing.