Origin
Ireland
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
14–18 kg
Height
43–48 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Wheaten
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
About This Breed
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an Irish terrier known for its soft, silky, wheaten-colored coat that doesn't shed. Originally an all-purpose farm dog, they greet everyone with a joyful 'Wheaten greeting' (jumping up).
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Origin
| Origin | Ireland |
| Group | Terriers |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 14–18 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Height | 43–48 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Wheaten |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Happy · Friendly · Devoted · Lively |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Coat care can take more time. Check for tangles and choose a brushing routine that suits the coat.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a friendly, outgoing, and loyal breed that originated as a farm dog in Ireland. According to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America (SCWTCA), these terriers share a common background with the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Irish Terrier, though precise details of their history aren’t clear. Full-grown Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers stand 17–19 inches tall and weigh 30–40 pounds. As their name suggests, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a beautiful silky coat and a distinguished beard.
Care Guide
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an energetic breed with an endless supply of love to give to their people. They are low-shedding but do require extensive coat care to avoid matting. Before bringing home a Wheaten Terrier puppy, make sure you have the time to keep up with at-home grooming and the budget for regular trips to a professional groomer. The Wheaten is an intelligent breed and often has a mind of their own. Positive reinforcement and patience are needed for training.