Let's talk Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
It could be fair to say that Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers never met a person they didn’t like. One of the four Irish Terriers and originally developed as a multi-purpose working breed, these friendly, dynamic dogs combine character traits typical of terriers with an added, distinguishing attribute: a soft, tousled coat that gives them an added touch of adorable. Deeply loyal, the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a sturdy dog with plenty of pep who will thrive on being with you while giving just enough canine attitude to keep you on your toes.
Official name: Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Origins: Ireland
| Drooling tendencies |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Physical activity needs | Moderate | Kid-friendly? |
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| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone? | |
We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
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46 - 48 cm
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15 - 18 kg
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43 - 46 cm
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13 - 15 kg
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| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 months to 1 year |
| Adult age | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age | From 10 years |
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Get to know the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
All you need to know about the breed
Some say you’re only as old as you feel. And it seems the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has this approach down pat. Enthusiastic and affectionate, this charming breed puts the “b” in bounce, which they are known to do – quite literally – often in the aim to lick your face. This affection also translates into a protective instinct, which makes them great guard dogs. However, beyond giving an initial warning bark, an Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will likely try to make friends with whomever it is.
While regular exercise helps channel their nearly lifelong puppy-grade energy, owners of Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers would be wise to keep them well occupied with games, play sessions, and most importantly, their presence. These are terriers, after all. And while maybe the least “scrappy” of the terrier breeds, the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be strong-willed and mischievous, especially when bored. Like most dogs, they prefer to be with their owners and can get into trouble – digging, chewing, barking, etc. - when left on their own for too long. This means that an Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and their owners will be more likely to find mutual contentment when the former are kept regularly occupied, whether by play or a nice cuddle, when at home with their human family.
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2 facts about Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
1. By land – or by water!
To the extensive list of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s skills, we can apparently add diving! Recently, a female Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier named Krista nearly made the top 10 at a national diving dog championship, jumping 10 feet 2 inches (+3 metres) into the water. Look out Tom Daley, you’ve got competition!
2. Pups of many colours
Of course, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their signature wheat-coloured coat. But what many perhaps do not know is that these charming dogs don’t have this colouring from birth. Wheaten Terrier puppies are often born with white or cream coats, and some even have deeper colours with black tipping during their first year of life!
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History of the breed
Thanks to 200-year-old written references to ‘soft-coated dogs’, it can be confirmed that the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has been in Ireland for at least that long. Because hunting and coursing breeds like the Irish Wolfhound could only be owned by landed gentry, Irish commoners sought to breed a versatile working dog that could get rid of vermin, guard property and livestock, and be all-around companions – and so the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was born.
However, it wasn’t until 1937 that this breed was officially recognised by the Irish Kennel Club, and 1946 when it made its official entry into the United States. In 1962, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was formed and held its first meeting on St. Patrick’s Day. Since then, the breed has continued to enjoy popularity at home in Ireland and abroad, earning recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1973.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
1. Head
Long, flat head with dark eyes and medium-sized ears carried in front.
2. Body
Muscular, proportionate body, strong back and well-sprung ribs.
3. Tail
Well-set tail of medium thickness carried jauntily.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
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Caring for your Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a silken, wavy coat that, while low shedding, should be groomed daily to prevent knotting, first with a pin or slicker brush to remove dirt and loose hairs followed by a thorough combing using a metal comb. All mats should be manually separated or with help from a comb or brush. Remember to also brush their teeth often and trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort. Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are an energetic breed, and should get between 1 and 3 hours of exercise per day. This can be accomplished with two half-hour walks and a few good fetch sessions each day. Just be sure to keep them on-lead when outside of an enclosure since they can tend to indulge in their strong sense of adventure and chase the first squirrel they see. As for training, with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, the earlier, the better. Quite intelligent and strong-willed, this breed will respond best to training given with firm but kind consistency, plenty of positive reinforcement, and a sense of humour.
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All about Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers
An Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can get along well with other dogs - and even cats - when raised alongside them. However, this breed has a vermin-catching history that will have them setting after birds, rodents, and other smaller animals making it best to avoid such interactions.
Though not the mouthiest breed, the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is considered an occasional barker. They’ll bark at a stranger, but that’s usually as far as it goes!
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Read more on this topic
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/