Wheaten Terrier (Soft Coated) Breed Information and Buying advice

Overview

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized terrier originating from Ireland, known for its friendly temperament, distinctive soft coat, and lively personality. Unlike many terriers, the Wheaten is typically more sociable and less confrontational, making it a popular family companion.

Originally bred as an all-purpose farm dog for herding, guarding, and vermin control, the breed remains energetic, intelligent, and independent. While affectionate and people-oriented, it still retains typical terrier traits such as enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination.

In the right home, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a loyal and engaging companion.

Physical Appearance

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, well-balanced dog with a distinctive silky coat.

Key physical characteristics:

• Compact, athletic build

• Soft, silky, gently waving coat

• Rectangular body shape

• Dark, expressive eyes

• Medium-length drop ears

The coat is always a shade of wheaten (pale beige to warm golden tones).

How big do Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dogs get?

• Height:

  • Males: 46 - 48 cm

  • Females: 43 - 46 cm

• Weight:

  • 14 - 20 kg

Character Traits

The Wheaten Terrier is friendly, energetic, and affectionate. It is known for its cheerful nature and strong bond with its family.

They are best described as:

• Sociable and lively

• Affectionate and loyal

• Playful and spirited

Common personality traits

• Intelligence: High

• Affection: Very high

• Energy level: Moderate to high

• Loyalty: Strong

• Playfulness: High

• Aggression: Not aggressive, but can be excitable

• Trainability: Moderate

• Guarding ability: Low to moderate

Like many terriers, they can be independent and occasionally stubborn.

Ability to Socialise

Wheaten Terriers are generally sociable but benefit from early training.

• With other dogs: Usually good, though can be lively

• With children: Very good

• With cats and small pets: May chase, supervision required

• With strangers: Friendly

Early socialisation helps manage excitability.

Lifestyle Suitability

The Wheaten Terrier is adaptable but requires regular activity.

Best suited to:

• Families or active individuals

• Owners who can provide training and engagement

• Homes with access to outdoor space

Lifestyle considerations

• First-time owners: Yes, with guidance

• Apartment living: Possible with exercise

• Left alone: Short periods only

• Noise sensitivity: Moderate

• Barking: Moderate

• Drooling: Very low

• Heat tolerance: Moderate

• Cold tolerance: Moderate

This breed thrives on companionship and routine.

General Health & Health Issues

Average lifespan: 12 - 14 years

Known health concerns include:

• Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN)

• Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)

• Hip dysplasia

• Addison’s disease (rare)

Responsible breeding and health screening are particularly important.

Exercise & Play Time

Minimum requirement: 1 - 1.5 hours daily

Ideal activities:

• Walks and play

• Training sessions

• Interactive games

This breed benefits from both physical and mental stimulation.

Nutrition & Feeding

A balanced, high-quality diet is recommended.

Feeding guidelines (approximate)

• Adults: 200 - 350 g per day

• Puppies require structured feeding

Diet may need to be monitored due to breed-specific health sensitivities.

Care & Maintenance

Grooming

The coat requires regular maintenance:

• Brush several times per week

• Professional grooming or trimming

• Routine ear and dental care

Shedding is low, but grooming commitment is high.

Emotional Care

Wheaten Terriers are highly social and can become overly excitable or anxious if left alone frequently. Consistent interaction and training are important.

History of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland as a farm dog used for herding, guarding, and vermin control. It is one of the oldest Irish breeds and was traditionally kept by farmers for its versatility.

The breed is closely related to other Irish terriers such as the Kerry Blue Terrier and Irish Terrier.

Interesting Facts About Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dogs

• Known for their signature “Wheaten greeting” (enthusiastic jumping)

• One of the oldest Irish terrier breeds

• Recognised for their soft, silky coat

• Originally used as an all-purpose farm dog

Getting a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Puppy

You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important steps being visiting your Wheaten Terrier puppy in person, seeing it with its mother, and assessing the breeder’s standards carefully.

More specifically, here is some Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy buying advice:

This breed requires consistent grooming and training. Buyers who are unable to commit to coat maintenance or managing an energetic temperament should reconsider.

Always:

• Confirm Kennel Club registration

• Verify health testing (particularly for PLN and PLE)

• Ensure early socialisation

• Meet the mother and assess temperament

Avoid breeders who cannot provide clear health information.

Average Costs

Owning a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier involves ongoing financial commitment.

Typical purchase price:
£1,000 - £2,000

Monthly food cost:
£40 - £60

Insurance:
£40 - £70 per month

Annual routine veterinary care (approximate):
£300 - £700

Grooming costs may be higher than average.