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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

General
Other Names		Wheaten, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Dog Group Kennel Club		Terrier
Breed Classification		The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a member of the terrier group. They were originally used for guarding, droving, herding, hunting and for controlling vermin populations; today they are used mainly as companions and seen in the show ring.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		The Wheaten is an undemanding dog to feed with no special dietary requirements, they generally have a good appetite.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		The average price of a puppy ranges from £800 to £1000.
Average Puppy Price		>£800
Lifespan		9 - 15 years The average lifespan of the Wheaten is 12 to 14 years.
Average Litter Size		6 The average number of puppies in a litter is 6.
General Physical Description		The Wheaten is a medium sized dog with a distinctive silky, gently curling coat that gives a natural, unfussy look.
Height Min Max Bitch 43cm (17") 47cm (19") Dog 46cm (18") 49cm (19") Weight Min Max Bitch 13.5kg (30lbs) 18kg (40lbs) Dog 16kg (35lbs) 20.5kg (45lbs)
Size Category		Medium
Weight Height Range		Dogs should measure between 46-49cms and weigh between 16-20.5 kgs. Bitches should ideally measure between 43-47cms and weigh between 13.5-18kgs.
Ailments		The Wheaten appears to be quite a hardy dog that doesn’t suffer from many health problems. Skin problems can and do occur, these occurrences can be reduced with correct grooming, coat and skin care. There have been limited incidences of hip dysplasia and PRA which breeders are screening their stock for. Some occurrences of kidney problems in the form of RD, PLE and PLN are known in the breed.
Common Ailments		Skin Problems
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		The Irish farmer’s answer to vermin problems, the Soft-coated Wheaten, bred and developed for over two hundred years, is a good ratter and an excellent general farm dog. They were first recognised by the Irish Kennel Club in the late 1930’s and by the UK Kennel Club in the early 1940’s. This dog is the oldest native terrier of Ireland and is proof that the Irish breeding talent does not begin and end with racehorses.
Intelligence		The Wheaten is an intelligent dog that is quick to learn, but they can be stubborn and independent.
Show Characteristics		The head should be flat, relatively long and be profusely covered with hair, which falls over the eyes. The muzzle should appear square and the jaws are strong with a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be of medium size and dark hazel in colour. Their ears should be v shaped, thin, of medium size, lie close to the head and covered with hair. The neck should be fairly long, strong, muscular and arch slightly. The chest should be deep and fairly wide with the back strong and level. The front legs should appear straight and muscular; the back legs should also be muscular. The feet should be strong and tight. Their movement should be free and lively with long, low strides and the tail carried high. The tail is customarily docked, high set and not too thick. The coat should be abundant, flow naturally and be soft and silky. The preferred colour for the show ring is wheaten.
Country Of Origin		Ireland
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		60 - 80 minutes per day. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are active dogs that need sufficient exercise or they can become somewhat unruly indoors.
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Medium
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Low
Tendency to Bark		Medium
Ease of Transportation		Medium
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		High
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		These dogs have strong personalities and a sense of fun. As long as they are included in everything you do they will prove trustworthy companions. They will keep you on your toes by occasionally misbehaving, but are generally high-spirited in the nicest possible way.
Grooming
Coat Length		Medium/Long
Grooming Requirement		> Once a week
Trimming		Frequent
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		The non shedding silky, gently curling coat will need to be groomed on a regular basis to keep it clean, shiny and tangle free. Grooming needs will be greater between the ages of 7 to 24 months when the adult coat comes in.
Colour		This dog has a very distinctive coat. It is best described as being the warm colour of ripening wheat.
Shedding		None
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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