Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: Ireland
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized Irish terrier breed known for its silky, wheat-colored coat and lively, affectionate personality. Originally bred as a working farm dog in Ireland, the Wheaten is energetic, intelligent and deeply loyal to its family.
| Breed | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
| Size | Medium (30–45 lbs) |
| Height | 18–19 inches |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Temperament | Playful, Affectionate, Energetic |
| Energy Level | High●●●●○ |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | High Maintenance |
| Training | Good |
| Shedding | Minimal |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Overview
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier combines the spirited independence of a terrier with a warm, people-loving nature that sets it apart from many other terrier breeds. Its signature soft, flowing coat is low-shedding and considered more suitable for allergy-sensitive households, though regular grooming is essential to prevent matting. The breed thrives with active families who can match its energy and provide consistent training from puppyhood.
📜 History & Origin
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of Ireland's oldest terrier breeds, with records suggesting it has existed for at least 200 years as a versatile farm dog used for herding, hunting vermin and guarding livestock. The breed was officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1937 and later gained AKC recognition in 1973. Despite centuries of Irish heritage, the Wheaten only gained significant international popularity after being introduced to the United States in the 1940s.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 30–45 lbs (14–20 kg)
- Height: 18–19 inches (46–48 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 30–40 lbs
- Height: 17–18 inches
Coat type: Soft, silky, wavy single coat with no undercoat
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Can show aggression toward other dogs or animals. Early socialisation is important, but this breed may need careful management in multi-pet households.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are high-energy dogs that require at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This includes brisk walks, off-leash running, fetch, or swimming. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.
✅ Apartment living: Possible with adequate daily exercise commitment.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier)
- Daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Daily brushing required to prevent matting and tangles.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier lifespan is 12–15 years. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Active families with children
- Owners with time for regular grooming
- Households seeking a low-shedding medium dog
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- First-time dog owners wanting easy trainability
- Multi-pet households with cats or small animals
- Owners unable to commit to daily exercise and grooming
- Requires significant daily exercise
- High grooming maintenance and cost
🆚 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Other Breeds
✅ Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier wins at
The Wheaten has a softer, silkier coat and a slightly more affectionate, family-friendly temperament.
✅ Kerry Blue Terrier wins at
The Kerry Blue Terrier is generally more trainable and has a more distinctive, striking appearance.
✅ Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier wins at
The Wheaten sheds significantly less and its soft coat is considered more allergy-friendly than the wiry Irish Terrier coat.
✅ Irish Terrier wins at
The Irish Terrier tends to be bolder, more courageous and slightly easier to train with consistent handling.
🏠 Who Should Own a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Active families with children
- Owners with time for regular grooming
- Households seeking a low-shedding medium dog
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- First-time dog owners wanting easy trainability
- Multi-pet households with cats or small animals
- Owners unable to commit to daily exercise and grooming
- You have a very sedentary lifestyle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier good for families?
Yes, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally an excellent family dog that bonds closely with all members of the household, including children. The breed is playful and energetic, making it a great companion for active kids who can handle a dog that plays with enthusiasm. However, very young toddlers should always be supervised, as the Wheaten's exuberant greeting style can accidentally knock small children over.
How much does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy cost?
In the UK, a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs between 1,200 and 2,200 pounds depending on lineage and breeder reputation. In Pakistan, prices generally range from approximately 80,000 to 180,000 PKR, though the breed is rare and availability from responsible breeders is limited. In India, expect to pay between 60,000 and 150,000 INR, again with limited availability due to the breed's scarcity in South Asia.
Is Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier easy to train?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an intelligent breed but carries the classic terrier trait of stubbornness, which makes consistent training a requirement rather than an option. The breed responds best to positive reinforcement methods using treats and praise, and training sessions should be kept short and varied to hold the Wheaten's attention. This breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners who lack experience managing an independent-minded dog.
What food is best for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is prone to food sensitivities and serious protein-losing conditions, so a high-quality, easily digestible diet with a single named protein source is strongly advised. Many owners and veterinarians recommend limited-ingredient diets to help identify and avoid trigger ingredients, particularly if any gastrointestinal symptoms arise. Adult Wheatens typically eat around 1.5 to 2 cups of dry kibble per day, but portion sizes should always be adjusted based on activity level and your veterinarian's guidance.
Does Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bark a lot?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a moderate barker that will alert its owners to strangers or unusual sounds, which is typical terrier behavior. With proper training and sufficient daily exercise, excessive barking can usually be managed, making the breed reasonably suitable for suburban and even apartment living.
Can a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier live in an apartment?
A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can adapt to apartment life provided it receives at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day, including off-leash play or brisk walks. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, the breed will become bored and may develop destructive behaviors or excessive barking that is not fair to neighbors.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 12–15 years, high energy demands, and high maintenance grooming requirements, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will reward you with years of loyal companionship.