Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier — A complete guide.

As a puppy, almost all dogs are irresistibly cute. However, the mature canine and its personality characteristics must be the determining criteria when selecting a new companion from a specific breed of dogs. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier many truly awesome characteristics and it definitely should be considered.

Still, to prevent future problems, prudent breeders will insist that prospective owners become well acquainted with this high maintenance, large personality breed. You should know about its different developmental stages and extensive form diversity. You should study any breed carefully and be as knowledgeable as possible before committing to the next 14+ years.

Character

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a companionable and caring dog who is always happiest when sharing family life, which typically includes the furniture and your bed. Despite your best efforts, these endearing dogs will find their way into the couch and beyond. As an intelligent and sensitive Terrier, this breed is not adapted to kennel-life or living in solitude. Being cooped up all day can trigger sadness and isolation, as well as have a negative impact on its sunny nature, but they are not suitable for working owners who are out all day. The individual’s puppy-like excitement normally persists into old age.

Already at a young age, it’s obvious that this dog is a game-spirited terrier. This teddy bear fluffy canine turns into a serious hunter as the exuberant, fun-loving, and energetic big personality takes over. He will hunt anything including other dogs, small prey, and children.

The Wheaten Terrier, like all terriers, is very people oriented and expects others to share his joy. This necessitates proper socialization as well as firm, optimistic, disciplined, and consistent teaching, especially during puberty, between the ages of 8 and 24 months, when specific acceptable habits are reinforced.

A jumping dog

The Wheaten greeting has become iconic. Not everyone enjoys being unexpectedly bombarded with a storm of dirty paws and damp hair when the happy and joyful Wheaten Terrier puppy enthusiastically jumps up on anyone close enough. Dogs can also object to a playing child cajoling them, putting the child at risk of being nipped.

At home, every guest is normally welcomed like a long-lost acquaintance. The dog’s delight is often conveyed vocally, and he will invariably hop up in an effort to kiss your nose. Some dogs never learn to say hello quietly or peacefully, instead of trying to extend their circle of friends. Many, but not all, of your guests, would be warmly welcomed.

A guarding dog

The Wheaten Terrier will guard and defend its property. While he is not a yappy dog, his effective warning bark would leave no doubt that he means business. If a dog who lives alone is left by himself for a prolonged amount of time, it may become agitated and alarm everyone. He will bark and show his unhappiness and fear, much to the irritation of the neighbors.

Despite its intellect and delicate disposition, this breed is versatile and adaptable, having been developed as a general multi-purpose farm dog. It is a true “Jack of all trades,” and with moderation and diligence, it can be taught to perform most canine tasks: Such as Obedience, Agility, Field Trial, and Therapy Dogs (selection according to its aptitude). Its intellect can be misinterpreted as stubbornness on occasion.

The Wheaten Terrier is a tough buddy

While many people are drawn to this lovely breed because of its gleaming palomino curves and waves, this Terrier is no pushover. Don’t be fooled… Underneath his glitzy exterior, there is a rugged, dynamic, high-energy Terrier that will not stand down and is just enough dog for any task, no matter how difficult.

Wheaten Terriers with a good hunting instinct are more Terrier-like than most. Without clear control, these individuals would gladly take on a swan, chase ducks, horses, deer, and so on. When he sents the prey deafness and stubbornness take over, and no amount of yelling or begging would be able to distract this determined hunter. Without tight discipline and proper preparation, your ‘Goldilocks’ will create mayhem, much to your humiliation. The smell of a fox will turn your adorable pet into a wolf.

While your puppy will coexist happily with your cat, the same love will not be extended to your neighbors’ dog or chickens. They will be threatened and considered as fair game. Most Wheaten Terriers are polite and approachable, but some can be too cautious and guarded, seeing other dogs as a challenge. Prospective owners must consider the full spectrum of Terrier instincts and disposition.

Grooming the Wheaten Terrier

Grooming is a constant concern. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier does not moult, which makes it all a bit easier, but the hair needs a lot of care. The coat of the Wheaten Terrier ranges from light and silky to coarse and fluffy, with everything in between. Both coats will knot and matt, necessitating regular grooming. The puppy hair falls out at about 8 months of age and your pet will need regular combing until at least 18 months when it turns into the adult coat. This everyday routine is relaxing for some; while for others, it’s a tedious obligation. If not done right, or neglected, it can make the dog uncomfortable and sore.

If not cured enough, it could come to a situation where your Wheatn Terrier has to be shaved. You should be aware that it can take up to 4–5 years for the final coat and color to mature. Since silkier coats mature more slowly, your silk coat puppy might look more like a mop than the stunning adult dog you imagined.

Both coats, but particularly heavy coats, become an absolute sponge for wet and mud. Your dog can love paddling in pools and ditches with treacherous mud bottoms. Regular paw rinsing after walks can become habitual, particularly during the rainy winter months. Shampooing and washing become a regular occurrence. It is advised to bathe the Wheaten Terrier every 6 weeks; however, the Wheaten Terrier is not a smelly breed. The soil normally falls out as the dirty coat dries into its bed. The coat would need to be trimmed on a daily basis to keep it manageable and the dog healthy.

The ear flaps must be kept well-trimmed. Otherwise, the dark, wet ear canal can become a breeding ground for ear infections. Furthermore, with a long fur, heat is trapped inside the ear, and your pet would be very uncomfortable, particularly in hot weather. The ear canal should be kept clean and free of fur.

The Weathen Terrier as a full-grown, adult dog

All puppies grow up. Your adult dog may spend all day resting on the couch seemingly asleep but will leap into action as you reach for your shoes. As an expert of body language, your pet will learn to read your moods and actions from a young age having every desire to live in harmony with its family. ‘Zoomies’ and ‘Wheaten Whirls’ are all typical glee expressions adopted by your pet to make you smile.

In the right setting, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier can be a delightful, faithful life companion full of good humor and hope, devoted for years. This same sense of irony can be misinterpreted and viewed as a nuisance in the wrong setting.

It is highly encouraged that you focus your final judgment on spending time with experienced owners and their dogs. Don’t trust just an interesting foto from the Internet.

Quality, well-socialized, health-checked puppies raised conscientiously by diligent breeders are seldom marketed. You might have to check the market very well, and be prepared to wait, to travel, and do your homework before you find your dream puppy.