Dog breed · Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Famous for the 'Wheaten greetin'' — full-body bouncing welcomes. A friendly, low-shedding terrier with a softer temperament than most of the group.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Terrier
- Origin
- Ireland
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 14–20 kg
- Height
- 43–48 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Silky, softly waving wheaten-coloured single coat
- Temperament
- JoyfulExuberant greeterAffectionatePlayful
History
An Irish farm dog of all work — herding, guarding and vermin control — for over two centuries.
Appearance
Medium, square terrier covered in flowing silky wheaten hair; puppies are born dark and lighten with age.
Exercise and activity
An hour-plus daily; enjoys agility and family activities.
Care and grooming
The silky coat mats without thorough brushing several times a week and regular trimming.
Health considerations
- Protein-losing nephropathy and enteropathy (breed-specific)
- Addison's disease
- Hip dysplasia
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: An hour-plus daily; enjoys agility and family activities. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Protein-losing nephropathy and enteropathy (breed-specific), Addison's disease, Hip dysplasia), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
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Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice