History of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (also soft-coated) is an Irish breed. The exact history of the breed is unclear, but it is believed to be a descendant of the Kerry Blue Terrier. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was first recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1937. The breed was originally used as a working dog on farms, but it quickly became popular as a companion dog.
The first Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers were brought to America in the early 1800s; however, they started being exported in the United States in the 1940s and gained popularity a decade later. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, (and thus the Wheatens), was recognized by the AKC in 1973.
Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Characteristics
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a working dog that was originally bred in Ireland. Though they were once used for hunting and guarding livestock, they are now primarily companion animals. The breed gets its name from its soft, wheat-colored coat, which is unique among terriers. Wheaten Terriers are also one of the longest-living breeds of dog, with many individuals living well into their teens.
How Does a Wheaten Terrier Look Like
The Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build. They typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds and stand 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a long head with triangular ears that droop down toward the cheeks. The coat is soft and silky, with a color that ranges from light wheaten to ginger. The breed is double-coated, meaning that they have a dense outer coat and a soft, downy undercoat. The outer coat is wavy or curly, and the hair on the head and legs is usually shorter than the body hair.
Coat
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers come in two coat types: the Irish type and the American (heavy) type. The difference between the two types is primarily in the density and texture of the coat.
The Irish type is less dense, with a softer, silkier texture. The American (heavy) type is denser, with a coarser, wavy texture. Both types of coats require regular grooming, but the American (heavy) type will require more frequent brushing to prevent matting. In terms of temperament, there is no significant difference between the two types of coats. Both are intelligent, loyal dogs that make great family pets.
Wheaten Terriers are not always pure in coat color. The puppies are usually born in darker hues and their coat lightens in the span of a few years. If an adult Wheaten is injured, the fur may grow back in the puppy color.
Breeding a Wheaten Terrier
There are a few things to keep in mind when breeding Wheatens. First, it is important to only purchase puppies from reputable breeders. This will help to ensure that your puppy is healthy and has a good temperament. Secondly, Wheatens require regular exercise and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Wheaten Terrier puppies might be particularly challenging, so anybody interested in getting one should be thoroughly prepared.
Wheaten Terrier Temperament
Wheaten Terriers are cheerful, friendly dogs that make great companions. They are lively and playful, but also have a calm and gentle side. Wheatens are intelligent and relatively easy to train. They are generally good with children, although they may try to herd them by chasing after them or nipping at their heels. With proper training, Wheatens can make excellent family pets. They do require some exercise, so they may not be the best fit for a home where no one has time for walks or play sessions. Overall, Wheaten Terriers are wonderful dogs that bring a lot of joy to their families.
How to Groom a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Trimming and grooming a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is essential to keeping their coat healthy and preventing matting. Their coat should be trimmed every 6-8 weeks to prevent it from getting too long. When trimming, be sure to use sharp scissors and follow the direction of the hair growth. You should also pay close attention to the dog’s skin, as it can be easily irritated. If you are not comfortable trimming your dog’s coat yourself, you can always take them to a professional groomer.
Common Health Problems of the Wheaten Terrier
The Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized breed of dog that typically has a lifespan of 10-12 years. They are generally healthy dogs, but there are some health risks that are associated with the breed. They are prone to protein-losing nephropathy, renal dysplasia, and Addison’s disease. Protein losing conditions can cause muscle loss and weakness, while renal dysplasia is a condition that affects the kidneys. Addison’s disease is a hormonal disorder that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue and weight loss. In addition to that, owners should watch out for ear infections.
Wheaten Terriers as Show Dogs
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a breed of dog that often participates in show events. These dogs are known for their gentle disposition and their soft, silky coats. Show dogs of this breed often undergo special grooming procedures to maintain their silky coats and to accentuate their muscular build. In dog shows, Wheatens are typically judged on their appearance, temperament, and obedience.
How Much Does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Cost
Soft coated Wheaten Terriers typically cost around $1,200. The price of a puppy can be affected by a number of factors, including the breeder’s experience, the dog’s pedigree, and whether the dog has been trained or not.
In general, breeders with more experience charge more for their puppies. Puppies with pedigrees from champion lines can also be more expensive. Finally, puppies that have already received basic training may cost more than those that have not. However, soft coated Wheaten Terriers are generally a very healthy breed, so the additional cost of purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder is often worth it.
Valued Qualities of the Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is known for its gentle and friendly disposition, and it is frequently used as a therapy dog. And, while they do shed some hair, they are considered to be one of the breeds that shed the least.
The soft coated Wheaten Terrier is a breed of dog that is often considered to be hypoallergenic. This means that they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to dogs. Wheatens have a special coat that is low in dander, which is one of the main allergens found in dogs. They also do not shed very much, which helps to keep allergens out of the air. However, it is important to note that no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Even Wheaten Terriers can cause allergic reactions in some people.
In addition to these wonderful qualities, Wheatens are also one of the longest-living breeds of dog, with many individuals living well into their teens. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that the soft coated Wheaten Terrier is one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
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