What is a Wheaten Terrier?
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a relative newcomer to North America, but has been known in Ireland for over 200 years. Legend has it that this breed is the oldest of the native Irish breeds, sharing a common ancestry with the better known Kerry Blue and Irish "Red" Terriers. The Wheaten Terriers were the commoner's farm dogs, used for hunting vermin, herding domestic farm animals, and often sharing a day's hunting with his master. It is only recently that the Wheaten Terrier has become known in the show ring. This breed was first introduced to North America in the early 1960's, and in 1979 gained official recognition by the Canadian Kennel Club. Since then the breed has been gaining in popularity, largely due to their friendly easy-going temperament and their non-allergenic coat. An active fun-loving dog, the Wheaten Terrier lacks the more assertive nature of other terriers. He is a playful yet gentle dog, and exceptionally good with children.
The most distinguishing feature of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is the abundant, flowing, blond coat which does not shed. The texture is soft and silky, falling in loose waves, and can vary in colour from a pale honey to a warm rich gold. Ideally the adult coat should be the colour of ripened wheat. There may often be black or grey shading on the ears and muzzle, but here should not be black or grey patches on the body. Puppies are generally born a dark butterscotch colour, often with a black face or black shadings on the body, but this quickly lightens to a very pale honey colour as adolescents. Some young Wheatens (12-18 months) may appear almost white. This is not unusual. Full adult colour and texture of coat are seen after 2 years of age. The Wheaten is a medium sized breed; males stand 18"-19" at the shoulder, females 17"-18". Average weight for a male is about 35-40 lbs., for females 30-35 lbs. In general appearance the Wheaten resembles a Kerry Blue Terrier or a small Bouvier. The body is square in outline; the head rectangular. Size and bone are moderate but appear heavier due to the profuse coat. Expression is alert and lively; the gait free, self-assured, and graceful. The coat is trimmed to present a neat appearance
Overall, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a real Irish charmer. However, this is not the ideal breed for everyone. The coat requires a fair bit of regular brushing and combing to keep it tangle-free and clean. Wheatens often have sensitive skin, so regular brushing is a must. Trimming is also required on a regular basis to keep the dog tidy. The Wheaten is an energetic dog and needs time and space to burn off excess energy. Sometimes Wheatens are too exuberant to be around very young children. Most of all, the Wheaten is a "people" dog; one that thrives on lots of love and attention and cannot be left alone in a kennel. Wheatens love to show their affection by frequently kissing and licking their human friends. For someone willing to spend the necessary time and love with a Wheaten Terrier, he will be well rewarded with a delightful companion and friend.
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a relative newcomer to North America, but has been known in Ireland for over 200 years. Legend has it that this breed is the oldest of the native Irish breeds, sharing a common ancestry with the better known Kerry Blue and Irish "Red" Terriers. The Wheaten Terriers were the commoner's farm dogs, used for hunting vermin, herding domestic farm animals, and often sharing a day's hunting with his master. It is only recently that the Wheaten Terrier has become known in the show ring. This breed was first introduced to North America in the early 1960's, and in 1979 gained official recognition by the Canadian Kennel Club. Since then the breed has been gaining in popularity, largely due to their friendly easy-going temperament and their non-allergenic coat. An active fun-loving dog, the Wheaten Terrier lacks the more assertive nature of other terriers. He is a playful yet gentle dog, and exceptionally good with children.
The most distinguishing feature of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is the abundant, flowing, blond coat which does not shed. The texture is soft and silky, falling in loose waves, and can vary in colour from a pale honey to a warm rich gold. Ideally the adult coat should be the colour of ripened wheat. There may often be black or grey shading on the ears and muzzle, but here should not be black or grey patches on the body. Puppies are generally born a dark butterscotch colour, often with a black face or black shadings on the body, but this quickly lightens to a very pale honey colour as adolescents. Some young Wheatens (12-18 months) may appear almost white. This is not unusual. Full adult colour and texture of coat are seen after 2 years of age. The Wheaten is a medium sized breed; males stand 18"-19" at the shoulder, females 17"-18". Average weight for a male is about 35-40 lbs., for females 30-35 lbs. In general appearance the Wheaten resembles a Kerry Blue Terrier or a small Bouvier. The body is square in outline; the head rectangular. Size and bone are moderate but appear heavier due to the profuse coat. Expression is alert and lively; the gait free, self-assured, and graceful. The coat is trimmed to present a neat appearance
Overall, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a real Irish charmer. However, this is not the ideal breed for everyone. The coat requires a fair bit of regular brushing and combing to keep it tangle-free and clean. Wheatens often have sensitive skin, so regular brushing is a must. Trimming is also required on a regular basis to keep the dog tidy. The Wheaten is an energetic dog and needs time and space to burn off excess energy. Sometimes Wheatens are too exuberant to be around very young children. Most of all, the Wheaten is a "people" dog; one that thrives on lots of love and attention and cannot be left alone in a kennel. Wheatens love to show their affection by frequently kissing and licking their human friends. For someone willing to spend the necessary time and love with a Wheaten Terrier, he will be well rewarded with a delightful companion and friend.