The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Appearance

Medium-sized, compact, terrier well covered with a soft, wheaten coloured, natural coat that falls in loose curls or waves. An active, short-backed 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.

History

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. The Wheaten was used as a general-purpose farm dog so 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

Temperament

Described in the ANKC (UK) breed standard as “good-tempered, spirited and game. Full of confidence and humour; a delightful, affectionate and intelligent companion …. Giving the appearance of a happy dog, full of character.” With their Irish farm dog heritage they need adequate exercise and proper manners training right form the start.

Care / Grooming

Quality silky Wheaten coat is more resilient than it looks and once the coat is through the puppy phase should only require proper comb-out once a week. Pups will require almost daily combing but it takes just a few minutes and should be seen as part of training. It is essential to go through the coat carefully with a metal comb. Heavier or woolly coats will require more frequent comb-outs.
Dogs should be washed before trimming which should be about every 6-8 weeks but their non shedding coat, with its appeal for allergy suffers can be washed once a week with the right shampoo and conditioner.
Like all dogs good husbandry is important. Ears, eyes and feet need care: Keep corners of the eyes cleaned daily and ears checked regularly. Owners find keeping ears in traditional close trim should avoid any issues. Informed veterinarians not longer recommend ear plucking. Like all dogs nail maintenance is important for feet structure and there are plenty of good videos on training and techniques. Brushing your dog’s teeth with suitable animal toothpaste is also useful in maintaining dental hygiene and again training videos will show how.

Health

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 genetically transmitted conditions within Wheatens.
Protein Losing Nephropathy (PLN) - loss of protein through the kidneys is/was the issue of most concern. Since 2012 there has been a DNA test to identify dogs who are carriers and at risk of developing the disease. Some breeders no longer breed these lines. For more information on health see the website of The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Great Britain https://wheaten.org.uk
Wheatens can also suffer from:
- Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE) - loss of protein through the intestinal tract.
- Juvenile cataracts can occur so ACES eye testing of parents is a valuable tool for breeders.
- Renal Dysplasia (RD) - congenital malformation or abnormal development of the kidneys (generally evidenced before 24 months of age). Blood tests or ultrasound at 8 weeks will usually identify any issues before pups leave the breeder.
- Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) - insufficient production and secretion of hormones by the adrenal gland cortex

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