The soft-coated wheaten terrier hails from Ireland, where it worked as a farmhand to guard the home, protect livestock from foxes and other predators and to control the population of rats and other vermin. Soft-coated wheaten terriers first arrived in the United States during the 1940s. In 1973, the American Kennel Club recognized the soft-coated wheaten terrier as a member of the terrier group.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed with square proportions. They have quite large heads with short muzzles. The ears are small, fold forward and are set at the side of the dog’s head and pendant. SCWT’s coat comes in two varieties: The American variety is slightly more heavy and coarse than the thinner, silkier Irish variety. The coats need to be trimmed regularly. They also need regular brushing.
Personality
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is joyful, energetic, affectionate, and will never lose their love of playtime. They are more friendly and easy going than other terrier breeds and generally get along well with other dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Terriers |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | SCWT, wheaten terrier, a wheaten and an Irish soft-coated wheaten terrier. |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Build Information
The soft-coated wheaten terrier is medium in size, standing at an average height of 60 to 18 inches at the shoulders and weighing 30 to 40 pounds. The body is powerful and agile. The coat is long, silky and wavy, and its hue may be any shade of wheaten or red. The muzzle displays the characteristic terrier beard, the hair on top of the head falls forward over the eyes, the button ears flip downward and the tail, which is usually docked, stands erect.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
The soft coated wheaten is affectionate and exuberant in its greetings. The breed gets along with children. It can get along with other dogs if it is raised with them, but it has a strong instinct to chase cats and other small mammals. The soft-coated wheaten terrier is confident and independent, displaying a stubborn streak when it sees fit to do so. Soft-coated wheaten terriers tend to be boisterous, they love to jump on people, dig under fences and pull on the leash. Obedience training and socialization from an early age is an important part of raising a dog that will obey commands and exercise acceptable manners. It is also essential to provide these dogs with plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and to keep them out of mischief. Soft-coated wheaten terriers make effective watchdogs.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The silky and wavy coat of a soft-coated wheaten terrier tangles easily. Daily brushing or combing is essential to detangle the hair and prevent matting. Having the coat trimmed every other month will make the brushing task easier. The ears should be checked every week for signs of debris, and they should be kept clean and dry to prevent ear infections. Brush a soft coated wheaten terrier’s teeth daily as part of the grooming routine to prevent the onset of periodontal disease.
| Colors: | Wheaten |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Curly |
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Common Health Conditions
Soft-coated wheaten terriers live average lifespans of 12 to 15 years. Some genetic health conditions to be aware of in the breed include renal dysplasia, protein-losing nephropathy, protein-losing enteropathy, Addison’s disease, hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a dog that exudes sheer delight and welcomes you home with boisterous enthusiasm, the soft-coated wheaten terrier’s affection for you will always be apparent. The soft coated wheaten terrier originated in Ireland. The soft-coated wheaten terrier is also known as a wheaten terrier, a wheaten and an Irish soft-coated wheaten terrier. The soft-coated wheaten terrier is an exuberant and affectionate companion with a stubborn streak. The soft-coated wheaten terrier stands 16 to 18 inches tall and weighs 30 to 40 pounds. The soft-coated wheaten terrier has a high energy level. The soft-coated wheaten terrier requires daily grooming. The average lifespan for a soft-coated wheaten terrier is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
