Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
An Irish terrier with a silky, wheat-coloured coat, the Wheaten is cheerful, sociable and very affectionate, and excellent with children.
History and origins
The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is an old Irish farm dog used for guarding, hunting vermin and herding cattle.
Its coat, the colour of ripe wheat, gave it its name.
Temperament
Cheerful, exuberant and very sociable, the Wheaten adores its family and often greets visitors enthusiastically. It is usually excellent with children.
Less scrappy than other terriers, it is still a little stubborn and needs consistent training.
Health
The breed is predisposed to diseases that cause protein loss through the kidneys or gut; regular screening (urine and blood tests) is advised. Hip dysplasia and some eye diseases are also reported.
Discuss this with your veterinarian.
This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.
Feeding
Good-quality food matched to its activity suits it.
Monitor its weight and digestion.
Exercise
It needs about an hour of daily activity, with games and walks.
It loves joining in all family activities.
It is a good family dog in an apartment if it gets enough exercise, and it sheds very little.
Grooming
Its silky, wavy coat hardly sheds but tangles easily: brush daily or every other day and trim every six to eight weeks.
Clean its beard after meals.
