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Dogs 101 SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER Top Dog Facts About the SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a mediumsized dog native to Ireland. One of the three Irish terrier breeds, it has been around for at least two hundred years, and probably from earlier than that. It was bred to be a multipurpose farm dog, used as a ratter, a guard dog and even in herding livestock. Some accounts even mention its training as a gun dog. A workingman’s dog, it was commonly referred to as the ‘Poor Man’s Wolfhound’, and was given a breed status as late as 1937. The first Wheatens came to the US in 1946, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was founded in 1962 to preserve and protect the breed. Subsequent years have seen gradual rise in public interest in the breed, but it has remained a dog of moderate popularity.

Time for some Ruff Trivia:
Apart from being a popular breed in Ireland by itself, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is also considered an important ancestor of which one of these other breeds?
o A: Jack Russell Terrier
o B: Kerry Blue Terrier
o C: West Highland White Terrier
What do you think, give it your best guess in the comments below before we get to the answer! Hang on tight and we’ll get back to this Ruff Trivia Question toward the end of the video.

The height range for the adult male Wheaten is 18 to 19 inches, with weight being between 35 to 40 pounds. The female typically has a height between 17 and 18 inches and weighs between 30 and 35 pounds. It is a wellbalanced sporting terrier, square in outline. The head is rectangular in profile, with small to medium sized ears, level with the skull and dropping slightly forward. The abundant single coat is a distinguishing feature of the breed, covering the entire body, soft in texture and silky with a gentle wave. There are two coat types – the Irish is more silky and wavy; the American is thicker and woolier. Puppies have dark coats of red, brown, mahogany or white, eventually maturing into a wheaten color, as the dog grows older.

Grooming:The Wheaten does not shed, but requires daily brushing to keep it free of mats. The hair grows continually and requires trimming every two months to keep the dog looking neat. Bathing once every few weeks is suggested. Clipping of nails, brushing of teeth and cleaning of ears have to be regular.

Temperament:Wheatens are generally playful, goodnatured and gentler than most terriers. They still do have preyhunting instincts, and need socializing if staying with other pets. They get along well with other dogs and children. They are suspecting of strangers, and make good watchdogs. But, they seldom get aggressive, making them poor guard dogs.

Training:The Wheaten is a sensitive dog, and does not take well to harsh treatment. Training should be firm and consistent, but gentle. The dog was bred as a multipurpose farm dog, which is reflected in its easy trainability and performance in different kinds of events. It is also used often as a therapy dog. It is a very active breed, requiring a long walk on leash or an exhausting game daily to stay happy. It is not meant for warm climates.

Health:The life expectancy of the breed is 12 to 14 years. Generally a healthy breed, it is prone to some inheritable diseases. Two protein wasting conditions – one where it loses proteins via kidneys, another where it fails to absorb proteins completely via the digestive tract – are commonly seen and can be fatal. But early detection can help manage through dietary changes and medication. Other possible concerns can be renal dysplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, Addison’s disease and cancer. Dermatitis is also seen in the breed.

Spirited and affable, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a long history of fitting into any role assigned to it. As long as it has its family around it, it will be happy whether on a farm, in the suburbs or in the city.

Find out if the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrierwould be a good addition to your home. Now you can visit Brooklyn’s Corner.com to take our quiz and find out which dog would be the best match for you.


Music by Kevin McLeod Royalty Free