Introduction

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a warm-hearted, vivacious, and steadfast companion that originally served as a hardworking farm dog in Ireland. According to the Wheaten Terrier Association of America, this charming breed shares historical roots with the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Irish Terrier, although the exact origins remain somewhat mysterious.

Fully matured Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers boast a height of 17–19 inches and weigh between 30–40 pounds. True to their name, they feature a stunningly soft, silky coat complemented by a distinctive, flowing beard that adds to their unique charm.

Caring for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Known for their boundless energy and affectionate nature, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers pour endless love into their families. While their coats shed minimally, they demand diligent grooming to prevent tangles and matting. Prior to welcoming a Wheaten puppy into your home, ensure you have the time to commit to regular at-home brushing and the resources for professional grooming appointments.

This breed’s sharp intellect often shines through a spirited independence, so training requires patience and the rewarding power of positive reinforcement to bring out their best behavior.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Issues

On the whole, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are robust dogs with an average lifespan of 12–14 years, typical for medium-sized breeds.

However, like all breeds, Wheatens can be prone to certain health challenges that owners should be mindful of. Considering pet insurance is wise, as some conditions demand extensive diagnostics and ongoing care.

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease arises when the adrenal glands produce insufficient glucocorticoid steroids (cortisol) and/or mineralocorticoid steroids (aldosterone). Early signs may appear intermittently and subtly, including:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Weakness

Prompt veterinary evaluation is essential if these symptoms occur. In severe cases, an Addisonian crisis can cause collapse due to critically low adrenal hormone levels.

Management typically involves lifelong monitoring and treatment, with medications such as oral prednisone for glucocorticoid support and injectable options like Percorten® or Zycortal® for aldosterone replacement. Alternatively, the pill Florinef® (fludrocortisone acetate) can substitute both hormone types.

Renal Dysplasia

Renal dysplasia is a hereditary disorder affecting kidney development in the womb, leading to rapidly deteriorating renal function. It commonly emerges in Wheaten Terrier puppies, presenting symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, poor appetite, stunted growth, and eventual kidney failure.

Diagnosis involves blood tests and abdominal ultrasound, though a kidney biopsy confirms the condition. While incurable, supportive care can enhance quality and longevity. This genetic disease underscores the importance of refraining from breeding affected dogs.

Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

PLE refers to excessive protein loss through the digestive tract, typically causing persistent diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting. This leads to reduced blood protein levels, promoting fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen or causing swelling (edema). A hereditary form of PLE affects Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and can result in severe, sometimes fatal illness.

Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN)

PLN triggers abnormal protein leakage through the kidneys into urine. Normally, proteins are scarcely present in urine, so their presence signals trouble. Increased thirst and urination often accompany PLN.

As with PLE, protein loss lowers blood protein levels, potentially causing fluid build-up and edema. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers may inherit PLN genetically, and it frequently coexists with PLE. Both conditions are grave and often life-threatening.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland underperforms, disrupts metabolism. It may result from autoimmune destruction or fatty replacement of the gland.

Symptoms include weight gain, sluggishness, dull coat, and recurring skin infections. Blood tests confirm diagnosis, and lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine) effectively manages the condition.

What To Feed a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Providing your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with a balanced, complete diet is easily achieved by selecting commercial kibble or wet food that meets guidelines from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Puppies thrive on formulas specially crafted for their growing needs or those designed for all life stages.

How To Feed a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Adult Wheatens do best on two measured meals per day. Puppies require three to four scheduled feedings daily to promote stable blood sugar and steady growth.

How Much Should You Feed a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Caloric needs vary significantly based on an individual dog’s size, metabolism, neuter status, and activity level. Consult your veterinarian to calculate precise daily portions tailored to your Wheaten’s requirements.

Nutrition labels on dog food packaging also serve as helpful guides. Be mindful not to overfeed, and remember that treats contribute extra calories, which can add up quickly!

Nutritional Tips for Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

A well-rounded diet balancing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates keeps Wheatens healthy and lean. They will obtain all necessary nutrients from an AAFCO-compliant dog food.

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can offer additional benefits. Found in fish oil, joint supplements, and certain specialized formulas, omega-3 fatty acids possess natural anti-inflammatory properties supporting skin, coat, kidney health, joints, and heart function.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Personality and Temperament

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are bright, playful, and deeply affectionate members of the family. They generally get along beautifully with children and other pets when introduced early and socialized properly. Thanks to their heritage, these dogs maintain lively energy throughout their lives, flourishing with regular exercise and mental engagement.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Behavior

Wheatens form swift and strong bonds with their human families and dislike being left alone for too long. Expect your bearded buddy to shadow you around the house.

Given their farm dog ancestry, Wheatens may bark to alert you when visitors approach. Early socialization and consistent training can moderate this, and they tend to be quieter compared to many other terrier breeds.

Their natural prey drive means they might chase smaller animals like cats or rodents, but with time, patience, and careful introductions, they can coexist peacefully with smaller pets.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Training

Though intelligent and eager to please, Wheatens can show some stubborn streaks. Using engaging training games and positive reinforcement methods proves most effective. Starting obedience training early lays the foundation for a well-mannered and happy Wheaten Terrier.

Fun Activities for Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

• Agility courses
• Obedience training
• Flyball
• Nose work
• Scent walks

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Grooming Guide

True to their name, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers sport a silky, wheat-colored, soft coat. Their single-layered fur sheds very little, but requires thorough brushing, detangling, and regular trims.

Often considered a hypoallergenic dog, Wheatens may suit some allergy sufferers better than other breeds. However, since all dogs produce allergens, spend time with the breed before adoption to gauge your personal reaction.

Skin Care

Monthly baths help keep the coat clean and odor-free without stripping essential oils. Avoid bathing more than twice monthly to preserve the skin’s natural barrier against irritants. Always choose gentle, dog-specific shampoos.

Coat Care

Because their soft coat can easily mat, daily brushing is ideal, with a minimum of twice weekly. De-matting conditioners and spray-on detanglers can be extremely helpful in managing tangles.

Many owners choose to keep their Wheaten’s coat trimmed short for easier maintenance, but whether long or short, professional grooming every four to six weeks is essential.

Eye Care

Wheatens may develop tear stains around their eyes. Gently rinsing the eyes once daily with a mild eye wash helps prevent staining. Any signs of squinting or unusual discharge warrant prompt veterinary attention to rule out more serious issues.

Ear Care

These terriers tend to have lots of hair inside their ear canals. The benefits or drawbacks of plucking this hair remain inconclusive, so discuss the best ear care strategy with your veterinarian.

Cleaning ears every one to two weeks helps ward off infections. Redness, foul odor, or debris signals the need for a veterinary check-up.

Considerations for Pet Parents

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a joyful, affectionate dog that adapts well to nearly any household—provided their physical and emotional needs are met. Daily walks, ample playtime, affectionate attention, and consistent grooming upkeep are vital.

Though generally gentle with children and pets, early training and socialization are key to raising a confident and friendly Wheaten Terrier.

Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers high-maintenance?

These dogs do require dedicated grooming, which can feel demanding. Daily brushing, monthly baths, and professional grooming every four to six weeks are necessary to keep their coats healthy and tangle-free.

Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers bark a lot?

Wheatens, like many terriers, have a tendency to bark. Early training to discourage excessive barking and increasing their daily activity can help manage this behavior effectively.

Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers good family dogs?

With their affectionate, lively nature, Wheatens make wonderful family pets. Though their prey drive may tempt them to chase smaller animals, early socialization and careful introductions enable harmonious living with cats and other pets. They usually interact gently with children, but all dog-child interactions should be supervised.

Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers shed?

Wheatens have a uniquely soft single coat that sheds minimally. Their low-shedding nature is paired with a need for regular professional grooming and daily brushing to maintain their silky texture.