Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Origin

The Irish farmer's answer to vermin problems, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, bred and developed for over two hundred years, is a good ratter and an excellent farm dog. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog breeds were first recognised by the Irish Kennel Club in the late 1930s and by the UK Kennel Club in the early 1940s. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the oldest native Terrier of Ireland and is proof that the Irish breeding talent does not begin and end with racehorses.

Personality

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have strong personalities and a sense of fun. As long as they are included in everything you do, they will prove trustworthy companions. They will keep you on your toes by occasionally misbehaving, but are generally high-spirited in the nicest possible way. They are quick to learn, but, like most terriers, they can be stubborn.

Health

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally a healthy breed but there are a number of inherited conditions they can suffer from. The main ones are a particular type of inherited kidney disease and gastrointestinal disease. They are also prone to allergic skin disease.

Exercise

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are active dogs that need sufficient exercise or they can become somewhat unruly indoors. An hour daily should be considered the daily minimum for an adult Wheaten – though more would be preferable if you can offer it.

Nutrition

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Grooming

The non-shedding silky, gently curling coat will need to be groomed several times a week to keep it clean, shiny and tangle-free. Grooming needs will be greater between the ages of 7 to 24 months when the adult coat comes in.