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The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
| Size |
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| Exercise Requirements |
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| Grooming Requirements |
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| Weight | 16-20 Kg (approx) |
| Life Span | 12-15 Years (approx) |
Medium-sized, compact, upstanding terrier well covered with a soft, wheaten coloured, natural coat that falls in loose curls or waves. An active, short-coupled dog, strong and well built; well balanced in structure and movement, not exaggerated in any way. Standing four square with head and tail up, giving the appearance of a happy dog, full of character.
The Irish/ Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is probably the oldest of the four Irish Terrier breeds. Its existence for at least 200 years can be inferred from textual references to "soft coated" dogs. The relation of the modern Irish Terrier to the Wheaten, though less well documented, appears to have been the result of deliberate breeding experiments. So the humble Wheaten probably has a fairly mixed ancestry. Despite the long history of the Wheaten, it wasn't until 1937, that the Soft Coated Wheaten was officially recognised by the Irish Kennel Club. The breed has grown steadily in popularity since and is now well known world-wide
Good tempered. Most affectionate and loyal to his owners. Most intelligent. A trusty, faithful friend, defensive without aggression.
Washing your wheaten weekly or bi-weekly and regular brushing (daily) and grooming (1-2 times per week) will generally ensure a clean and matt free coat while preserving the natural oils that are so essential in maintaining a healthy coat and skin. Clipping or filing your dogs nails weekly after a wash will help prevent splaying or your dogs feet .
Plucking the hair from the ear canal with your fingers and cleaning with a suitable ear cleaner will help prevent ear infections. A localised irritation that starts in the ear may also turn into a generalised or secondary irritation for your wheaten. Avoid plucking with forceps as a sudden head shake or movement could result in the ear drum being damaged.
Suitable brisket bones along with regular brushing will assist with dental hygiene and help avoid canine gum disease. Brushing your dogs teeth with a suitable animal toothpaste is also useful in maintaining dental hygiene.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are basically healthy dogs with an average life expectancy between 12-15 years. Genetic predisposition, proper healthcare, nutrition and exercise all influence a wheaten's longevity and quality of life.
Veterinary research has identified two possibly genetically transmitted conditions within Wheatens.
Protein Losing Nephropathy (PLN) - loss of protein through the kidneys.
Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE) - loss of protein through the intestinal tract.
For more explicit information regarding "Research Services and Programs" for Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers please refer to NC State University: College of Veterinary Medicine.
Wheatens can also suffer from:
Renal Dysplasia (RD) - congenital malformation or abnormal development of the kidneys (generally evidenced before 24 months of age).
Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) - insufficient production and secretion of hormones by the adrenal gland cortex
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