The Wheaten is a medium sized dog with a distinctive silky, gently curling coat that gives a natural, unfussy look.
| General
Physical Description |
The Wheaten is a medium sized dog with a distinctive silky, gently curling coat that gives a natural, unfussy look. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Size Category | Medium | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight Height Range | Dogs should measure between 46-49cms and weigh between 16-20.5 kgs. Bitches should ideally measure between 43-47cms and weigh between 13.5-18kgs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ailments | The Wheaten appears to be quite a hardy dog that doesn’t suffer from many health problems. Skin problems can and do occur, these occurrences can be reduced with correct grooming, coat and skin care. There have been limited incidences of hip dysplasia and PRA which breeders are screening their stock for. Some occurrences of kidney problems in the form of RD, PLE and PLN are known in the breed. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Ailments | Skin Problems |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Susceptibility To Illness | Low | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| History | The Irish farmer’s answer to vermin problems, the Soft-coated Wheaten, bred and developed for over two hundred years, is a good ratter and an excellent general farm dog. They were first recognised by the Irish Kennel Club in the late 1930’s and by the UK Kennel Club in the early 1940’s. This dog is the oldest native terrier of Ireland and is proof that the Irish breeding talent does not begin and end with racehorses. | |
| Intelligence | The Wheaten is an intelligent dog that is quick to learn, but they can be stubborn and independent. | |
| Show Characteristics | The head should be flat, relatively long and be profusely covered with hair, which falls over the eyes. The muzzle should appear square and the jaws are strong with a complete scissor bite. The eyes should be of medium size and dark hazel in colour. Their ears should be v shaped, thin, of medium size, lie close to the head and covered with hair. The neck should be fairly long, strong, muscular and arch slightly. The chest should be deep and fairly wide with the back strong and level. The front legs should appear straight and muscular; the back legs should also be muscular. The feet should be strong and tight. Their movement should be free and lively with long, low strides and the tail carried high. The tail is customarily docked, high set and not too thick. The coat should be abundant, flow naturally and be soft and silky. The preferred colour for the show ring is wheaten. | |
| Country Of Origin | Ireland |
| Other Names |
 |
Wheaten, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
| Dog Group Kennel Club | Terrier | |
| Breed Classification | The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a member of the terrier group. They were originally used for guarding, droving, herding, hunting and for controlling vermin populations; today they are used mainly as companions and seen in the show ring. |
|
||||||
| Energy | High | |||||
| Overall Exercise | 60 - 80 minutes per day. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are active dogs that need sufficient exercise or they can become somewhat unruly indoors. |
|||||
| Distress Caused if Left Alone | Medium | |||||
| Personal Protection | Low | |||||
| Suitability As Guard Dog | Low | |||||
| Risk of Sheep Worrying | Low | |||||
| Tendency to Bark | Medium | |||||
| Ease of Transportation | Medium | |||||
| Level of Aggression | Low | |||||
| Compatibility With Other Animals | High | |||||
| Suitable
For Children |
High | |||||
| General Character And Temperament | These dogs have strong personalities and a sense of fun. As long as they are included in everything you do they will prove trustworthy companions. They will keep you on your toes by occasionally misbehaving, but are generally high-spirited in the nicest possible way. | |||||
| Lifespan |
9 - 15 years The average lifespan of the Wheaten is 12 to 14 years. |
|
| Average
Litter Size |
6 The average number of puppies in a litter is 6. |
|
|||||||
| Average
Food Cost |
$8-15 per week | ||||||
| Feeding
Requirements |
The Wheaten is an undemanding dog to feed with no special dietary requirements, they generally have a good appetite. | ||||||
| Other
Expenses |
The average price of a puppy ranges from $1600 to $2000. | ||||||
| Average
Puppy Price |
>$1600 | ||||||