Known as the poor man's hunting dog of Ireland, this terrier breed was developed as an all-round working dog. Bred for the survival of the fittest, Soft Coated Wheaton's are now said to be exceptionally hardy and healthy.This medium-sized, long-legged terrier is a favorite of families. Wheatons have a non-shedding coat and require only moderate exercise. In addition to enjoying swimming, they are very playful and like to retrieve.
Temperament
Wheaten temperament is unique, combining the alert intelligence of the terrier tribe with the steadiness of the working dog. A quick lively affectionate dog, the Wheaten retains his puppy exuberance and medium to high energy level all his life. Eminently adaptable, he can enjoy life in the city or the country, just as long he is close to his people and receives ample daily exercise.
All children should be supervised when a dog is present. Wheatens do well with considerate, well-behaved children. Because Wheaten exuberance and activity may overwhelm small children and since Wheatens require a great deal of time and attention, many breeders urge parents of infants and pre-schoolers to wait until children are older to get a Wheaten. Most Wheatens will bark an alarm when strangers approach, but generally they are quieter than the smaller terriers. They must be carefully fenced or walked on a lead since they will wander if not fenced.
History and Origins
The Wheaten was originally bred in Ireland to be an all-purpose farm dog whose duties would have included herding, watching and guarding livestock, and vermin hunting. This is probably why they are not as aggressive as other terriers, who were primarily vermin hunters. They are believed to be related to the Kerry Blue Terrier. Today Wheaten terriers also compete in obedience, agility, and tracking, and many are used in animal-assisted therapy as well.
Despite its long history, the Wheaten wasn’t recognized as a breed in Ireland by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937. In 1943 the British Kennel Club recognized the breed as well. The first Wheatens were exported to the United States in 1946 but serious interest in the breed took years to develop. Lydia Vogel was one of the first breeders of the Wheaten Terrier in the United States. Finally, in 1973, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club. The first Wheatens imported into Australia occurred in the 70's by Anubis Kennels. Since then many more have been imported. Recent importation of Irish style dogs have improved and broadened the gene pool.
Size & Weight
A dog should be 18 to 19 inches at the withers, the ideal being 18½.
A bitch should be 17 to 18 inches at the withers, the ideal being 17½.
Major Faults--Dogs under 18 inches or over 19 inches; bitches under 17 inches or over 18 inches.
Grooming Requirements
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers require brushing once a week to keep their coat healthy.
Exercise Needs
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Terriers are active go-getters. They MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things.
Health Issues
Like almost all dog breeds, Soft Coated Wheatens are prone to some genetic disorders, particularly protein-losing enteropathy and protein-losing nephropathy. Protein-losing enteropathy and protein-losing nephropathy are both the loss of protein (from the Intestinal tract, and the kidneys, respectively). These two conditions are both potentially fatal, and difficult to diagnose. Renal dysplasia has also been reported, especially in Europe. Hip dysplasia and Progressive retinal atrophy are occasionally seen.
Trivia
Lydia Vogel of Massachusetts brought the first Wheatens to the United States in the 1940s, but real activity in the breed in this country did not begin until the late 1950s when the O'Connors and Arnolds imported their dogs.
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