Wheaten Terrier

The Wheaten Terrier is a small but long-legged terrier with an unusually soft, silky, and wavy coat. As the name implies, this coat is characterized by a pale yellow wheat-like color, ranging from beige to golden. The long facial hair, which nearly obscures the eyes, has a distinctive and iconic shaggy appearance. There are generally two variants of the Wheaten Terrier: the Irish coat and the heavy (or American) coat. The Irish coat tends to be softer and wavier, while the heavy coat tends to be thicker and fuller. It is possible to create a heavy Irish coat by cross-breeding the two together.

Evolution And History

The Wheaten Terrier, also known as the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, is one of three breeds of terrier originating from Ireland. This breed can be traced back at least 200 years, and it is believed that it is the ancestor of the Kerry Blue and Irish Terriers. There is even an old folktale that says after the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a dog swam to the Irish shores from the sinking ship and bred with native terriers to parent the Wheaten terrier.

Its original purpose was to be an all-around versatile farm dog that could hunt vermin, protect the chicken coop, and herd animals. This breed was particularly popular among the common farmers, who were restricted by law from owning hounds or beagles. As the purpose of a farm dog steadily declined, the Wheaten Terrier eventually morphed into more of a pet and companion.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Wheaten Terrier

Size And Weight

The Wheaten Terrier is a small to medium-sized dog with long legs and a slim physique. Males tend to be a fair amount larger than females on average.

Common Health Issues

The Wheaten Terrier is a very healthy breed with a lifespan of some 12 to 14 years, but there is always the chance that it develops some health conditions. The Wheaten may be particularly prone to a developmental kidney disorder called renal dysplasia, which may be particularly serious if it affects both kidneys. Another potential problem is Addison’s disease, meaning the low production of adrenal hormones, which causes poor appetite and loss of energy.

The Wheaten may also develop two conditions called Protein-Losing Nephropathy and Protein-Losing Enteropathy. These conditions cause the dog to lose an excessive amount of protein and plasma from the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, respectively. Other common problems include allergies, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and dermatitis. A good breeder should ideally try to reduce the risks of some inheritable diseases. In summation, these are the most common health problems:

• Allergies
• Dermatitis
• Cancer
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Temperament

The Wheaten Terrier is a good-natured and well-mannered dog that combines the alert, inquisitive nature of a terrier with the strong drive and work ethic of a working dog. Its friendly and upbeat personality and its tendency to form strong bonds with its owner are all appealing traits of this breed. Owners should be aware that it might have a tendency to develop some destructive behavior if left alone without anything to engage its active mind.

How To Take Care Of The Wheaten Terrier

Despite its small size, the Wheaten Terrier is actually a real handful to care for. Its constant need for exercise, its high-maintenance coat, and its somewhat stubborn and independent mind all require an engaged and experienced owner who knows how to handle this breed. The Wheaten will also require regular physical examinations at the vet to catch health problems as early as possible. If you have any other questions or concerns about how to take care of your dog, then you should consult with your vet.

The Best Dog Food For Wheaten Terriers

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier may need around 1 or 1.5 cups of dog food every day. The exact amount depends on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. It is not a good idea to leave out more food than is necessary for your dog to munch on. This may cause it to gain weight.

Maintenance And Grooming

The Wheaten Terrier is a dog that doesn’t shed and is touted as hypoallergenic. Nevertheless, their coat still requires meticulous clipping and grooming sessions at least two to three times per week to prevent matting and tangling. These sessions should begin with the use of a pin brush or slick brush to remove the loose dirt and hair. This should be followed with the use of a fine or medium-tooth metal comb. Mats need to be pulled apart with the brush, comb, or even the fingers, but never with scissors.

Dental hygiene is another important aspect of its regular maintenance routine. The teeth need to be brushed at least two or three times a week with high-quality canine toothpaste. Owners should also trim the nails once or twice a month or whenever they begin to seem uncomfortable. Finally, you should check the ears for wax and debris regularly and clean them out with a cotton swab or ball.

Training

The Wheaten Terrier is an intelligent dog that’s eager to learn and please, but its strong, independent mind might frequently wander off track and get it into trouble. Owners will need to strike a fine balance between being too lax and too harsh. It is necessary to let the dog know who’s in charge without seeming negative or mean, which will just discourage it. This breed should respond very well to positive reinforcement methods such as praise and treats.

Owners should also strive to keep the commands consistent, but try to vary the routine to make things interesting. If you’re struggling to formulate an effective training method, then there’s no shame in taking your dog to a professional trainer.

Exercise

The Wheaten Terrier is a high-energy dog (even in its older golden years) that requires at least 30 minutes and probably more than an hour of exercise every single day. At least half of this time should be spent on long walks, jogs, or runs. The rest can be devoted to ball games and other playtimes. It is recommended that you have a fenced yard or enclosed space nearby in which it can run and play. When you venture out of the yard, you should keep this dog on a leash, because its instincts may take over and cause it to chase after small animals and objects. This dog’s soft, silky coat can also become warm and overheated in the summer, so you should take special care to find shade and rest in particularly hot weather.

Puppies

Wheaten puppies take about two years to fully mature both physically and mentally. They are born with darker fur and only grow their lighter, wavy hair upon reaching maturity. During this time, puppies need to be properly trained and socialized as early as possible. While naturally curious and friendly, the Wheaten will benefit from exposure to unfamiliar people, dogs, and situations so it can become a well-behaved adult.

Wheaten Terriers And Children

The Wheaten Terrier is a great family dog. Its playful behavior, friendly and affectionate temperament, and tendency to form strong bonds with its owner should appeal to children of all ages.

Dogs Similar To The Wheaten Terrier

If you are looking for a dog with similar characteristics to the Wheaten Terrier, then you might want to consider one of these Irish dogs:

• Irish Terrier: One of the quintessential Irish breeds, this terrier has a bright red coat, a bold temperament, and a friendly and charismatic personality. Terrier fans will find a lot to love about this breed.
• Kerry Blue Terrier: Originating from the southwestern county of Ireland, which bears its name, the Kerry Blue Terrier is an alert, animated, and friendly farm dog turned companion with a light gray or deep blue coat of fur.
• Glen of Imaal Terrier: The gentle but brave Glen of Imaal is a short-legged farm dog with a wheaten or blue-colored coat of fur. It is named for the isolated valley south of Dublin from which the dog originated over the centuries.