All About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier:

The pup on the left is Irish and the one on the right is American.

This is Gracie. Her sire is Irish and her dam is American.

Before getting a Wheaten Terrier, I did quite a bit of research. They really have so much going for them.

What stood out to me during my research was that this breed originated in Ireland over two hundred years ago. They share a common ancestry with the Irish Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier. They were said to be a poor man’s working dog and they were named for their soft, wheaten-colored coat. Despite their long history, they only gained official recognition as a breed in 1937 in Ireland. Six years later, the British Kennel Club also recognized them. In the mid and later 1900’s they came into recognition as a breed in many other countries and were being shipped all over the world.

For more details on their history here’s a link to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Ireland: https://www.iscwtclubireland.com

Energy Level

Wheatens have a moderate energy level but still need regular exercise. A large backyard to run around in and a good, brisk walk will keep them happy and out of trouble. They are adaptable and can thrive in an apartment as long as they get outside for at least one, preferably two, good walks a day. That said I have heard of what has been referred to as the "lazy Wheaten." A Wheaten that is happy to lay around all day. So like other characteristics some things can really vary.

Wheatens are usually adventurous and up for anything. Many owners take them kayaking, boating, paddleboarding, and on other outdoor adventures.

Appearance: American or Irish?

My first Wheaten Terrier was American. Her coat was thicker and not as silky as my Irish Wheaten. She was also a little hardier. She didn’t mind the cold and was happy to dig herself a tunnel and bury herself under the snow. She could also handle a bit of heat which is an issue for some Wheatens.

I later went to Dublin and brought home an Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. I did this for two reasons. One I thought their coat would be easier to manage as it seemed a little finer and not as dense. And two I wanted fresh DNA to breed with my girl. As a breeder I was concerned about too much interbreeding in North America.

What surprised me with my Irish Wheaten was his coat was just as hard to manage as the American coat. I also found he wasn’t quite as cold or heat tolerant. We were out hiking one day with the two of them. The temperature was about 78F and I noticed he was struggling. We gave him some water and headed home immediately but it was frightening. I was scared he wasn’t going to make it. He was clearly in distress. I have since read that the breed is less tolerant of heat than many other purebred dogs.

As their name suggests they are a ‘wheaten’ color. This ranges from very pale wheat to light browns and can even have tones of red. One of their distinguishing features is the dark hairs on the outer half of their ears and their beard. The Irish Wheatens don’t necessarily have this.

The cool thing about Wheaten puppies is they are born a dark color. The American pups tend to all look the same as in very dark brown. The Irish may not be so dark at birth and can even have a mix of darker to light brown pups in the litter. But regardless, by the time they are one they will all look the same. A lovely wheaten shade.

Both the Irish and American coats are beautiful, just a little different. The Irish coat is thinner, silkier, and shinier, while the American coat is fuller, thicker, and still very soft to the touch. Both are nonshedding and hypoallergenic.

When it comes to temperature, both prefer a moderate climate. However, the Irish Wheaten is definitely more sensitive and vulnerable to heat. American Wheatens seem to love the snow and tolerate the cold well, while Irish Wheatens are more likely to prefer staying indoors on very cold days. They are naturally accustomed to Ireland’s temperate climate rather than the harsh winters of Canada.

Size

Wheatens are truly the perfect size. They weigh between 30 and 45 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder. Solidly built, they can keep up with you wherever you go. Considered a medium-sized breed, they are also surprisingly strong.

I was out walking with Grace one day when, without warning, she suddenly turned and lunged at a dog behind us that I hadn’t noticed. I literally felt myself flying up through the air. I landed on all fours, tearing my clothes and getting scratched up. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe she was strong enough to do that. She is a solid, powerful, and protective girl.

One of my puppies, the largest in his litter at birth, grew to 50 pounds. Charly clearly had the prime spot in the uterine horn and just kept on growing! I have heard of Wheatens growing as large as 75 pounds, so size variation does happen. I have read that in the early days of the breed in Ireland, breeders specifically worked to limit their size.

Managing Their Gorgeous Locks

Wheatens, much like humans, require regular grooming, brushing, and haircuts. Both the Irish and American coats mat easily and need to be combed and brushed weekly or kept short for easier maintenance.

Because their hair is naturally fluffy and wavy, it is quite forgiving if you want to groom them yourself. Many of us do this, and there are numerous online tutorials and classes available for those who want to learn more.

Origins: The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier’s Beginnings

Personality:

The Best Part of the Wheaten!

Wheatens are happy, sociable, fun-loving, owner loving, loyal and curious. They are intelligent and need a stimulating life to thrive. When I describe my dogs, I often say, “They have a wonderful sense of humor.” They are goofy, silly, and inclined to recognize a joke when they see one. They are good natured and sweet.

This breed is also known for being highly attuned to their owners. Some Wheatens are exceptionally intuitive and empathetic. I found my Irish Wheaten was considerably empathic and attentive to even very subtle nuances. My current love, Grace, on the other hand, is generally oblivious! So while this trait varies, some Wheatens make excellent therapy dogs.

Training

Wheatens are friendly and sociable but have a sensitive side. If treated harshly, they can become skittish or even aggressive. They respond best to gentle training using treats, praise, encouragement, and consistency. They are highly food-motivated and truly want to please you. Because they are smart and have a mind of their own, training needs to be a priority. They excel in obedience and agility training.

It’s also essential that they understand they are not the alpha. If this isn’t established early, they will take charge. I’ve seen situations where Wheaten puppies needed to be rehomed because they were left primarily with children and not properly managed by the adults in the household. Training should begin the moment they walk through the door, and it shouldn’t be left to the kids.

If you’re unsure how to approach training, seek professional assistance. Many new puppy parents work with trainers to set a solid foundation. If you’ve trained animals before, you likely have a good sense of what to do, but it never hurts to brush up on your skills. I’ve read books like How to Raise the Perfect Dog by Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer), along with many others. There are also countless online resources, videos, and articles that can be incredibly helpful.