Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog

Lively Irish farm terrier known for its soft, flowing coat and friendly nature.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Medium 30 - 40 lbs 17 - 19 inches 12 - 14 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Ireland



Own a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Coat maintenance may require significant regular grooming.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier developed in Ireland as a practical farm dog rather than a carefully documented aristocratic breed. For generations, ordinary Irish farmers kept versatile terriers to control rats and other vermin, guard property, help with livestock, and hunt small game. Wheaten-coloured dogs with softer coats existed alongside other Irish terrier types, but little formal attention was paid to preserving pedigrees. Their usefulness mattered more than a standardized appearance. Because of this working-class background, the breed's early history is less thoroughly recorded than that of many dogs developed on wealthy estates. Organized interest in the Wheaten increased during the 20th century. The breed made an important public appearance at an Irish Kennel Club show in 1937 and received official recognition in Ireland soon afterward. Breeders then worked to establish a consistent type and preserve the distinctive soft, wheaten-coloured coat. The breed spread slowly outside Ireland before becoming better known internationally after the Second World War. The American Kennel Club recognized the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in 1973. Although now primarily a companion, it retains the lively confidence and versatility expected of an all-purpose Irish farm terrier.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally considered hypoallergenic, but no dog is completely allergen-free. Individual reactions can vary.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has moderate trainability and generally benefits from patient, consistent training.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.