Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier greets everyone as a long-lost friend. It is a lively, silky-coated Irish terrier, famous for its exuberant "Wheaten greetin'", an enthusiastic hello that often includes jumping.

Origins and appearance

The breed is one of Ireland's old farm terriers, used to hunt vermin, herd livestock and guard homes. It was recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1937. Wheatens are medium-sized and square, with a long head, a bearded muzzle, folded ears and a soft, silky, wavy coat in shades of wheat. Puppies are born darker and lighten as they mature.

Temperament

Wheatens are happy, friendly and bouncy. They love people and often greet strangers with great enthusiasm. They are playful, intelligent and sometimes stubborn. They have terrier instincts, including digging and chasing. They are usually good with children but can knock small ones over. They tolerate other dogs well when socialized.

Exercise

They need an hour or more of daily exercise, such as walks, running and play. They enjoy agility, tracking, herding and swimming. They need mental stimulation too. Use a secure yard and a leash outdoors. See recall training guide.

Training

They are smart and eager to please, but also exuberant. Use positive training with variety and rewards. Teach calm greetings early to curb jumping. Socialization is important. House training is usually easy.

Coat and grooming

The silky coat sheds little but tangles and mats easily. Brush daily or every other day, down to the skin, and book a professional trim every six to eight weeks. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Clean the beard and eyes, trim nails and check ears.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Protein-losing enteropathy and protein-losing nephropathy, more common in the breed. See kidney disease in dogs
• Addison's disease. See Addison's disease in dogs
• Skin allergies. See dog skin allergies
• Renal dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy
• Cancer

Ask breeders about screening and family history.

Living with a Wheaten

They suit active families with fenced yards. They enjoy company and need regular grooming. They can be noisy greeters.

Behavior and daily management

A Wheaten needs structure and outlets. Provide daily exercise, training games and a digging area, and teach calm greetings with treats for sitting. Keep the coat brushed. They are happiest when included in family life.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and mouthy. Begin socialization, handling and grooming practice and train early. Teach four paws on the floor. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for professional grooming and vet care, including screening tests. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

Wheatens tolerate cool weather but can overheat in summer. They travel well and enjoy company.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include skipping grooming, not teaching calm greetings, underexercising and ignoring early digestive or urinary signs.

Questions to ask a breeder or rescue

Ask about kidney and gut health in the line, Addison's disease history and the parents' temperaments.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Wheaten suits active families who want a happy, low-shedding terrier and can groom regularly. It may not suit someone wanting a calm dog. For a bolder cousin, see the Kerry Blue Terrier.

Training notes

Wheatens love attention, which makes praise and play powerful rewards. Teach a quick sit for greetings and reward it every time to curb jumping. Keep sessions upbeat and brief, since adolescents can be silly and distractible. Many enjoy tracking, agility and therapy dog work.

What the breed is like indoors

Indoors, a Wheaten is a warm, funny companion that wants to join in. The long beard collects water and food, so keep a towel handy. Expect enthusiastic greetings whenever you return.

The takeaway

Wheatens are exuberant, silky and loving, and they need grooming, exercise and training.