Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Friendly Irish Terrier
AKC & CKC Terrier Group
*Hypoallergenic Breed
Is This the Right Breed for You?
✔ Excellent Match For
- Families who want a friendly, affectionate, and playful medium-sized companion
- Allergy sufferers seeking a low-shedding, hypoallergenic breed
- Active households looking for a cheerful, adaptable dog with a terrier personality
✖ Consider Carefully If
- You want a low-maintenance coat (they require regular grooming and professional trimming)
- You want a dog with reliable off-leash control — terrier instincts can override training when they see prey
- You're not prepared for potential health issues like PLN and PLE
Owner Suitability
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a cheerful, affectionate companion that brings joy and energy to the right home. While friendly and adaptable, they require dedicated grooming and consistent training. Success depends on commitment to their coat care, early socialization, and understanding their terrier nature.Stats:
- Height: 17-19 inches
- Weight: 30-40 pounds
- Coat: Soft, silky, wavy single coat; hypoallergenic
- Colors: Various shades of wheaten (pale to golden)
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
Origin & History
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier hails from Ireland, where it was developed as an all-purpose farm dog. One of Ireland's four terrier breeds, Wheatens were used for herding, guarding, and vermin control. Their name comes from their distinctive soft, wheaten-colored coat that resembles the color of ripening wheat.
Today, the Wheaten is prized as a cheerful, affectionate companion dog that maintains its working dog intelligence and energy while being more adaptable to family life than many terrier breeds. Their friendly nature and low-shedding coat make them popular family pets.
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: Moderately high; needs daily exercise | ✓ | ||||
| Easy To Train: Intelligent but can be stubborn; responds well to positive methods | ✓ | ||||
| Shedding: Very Low; low-shedding, single coat | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: High maintenance; requires regular brushing and professional grooming | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Excellent with children; friendly and affectionate | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Good; will alert bark but not aggressive | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Suitable for novice owners with commitment to training | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: Moderate; may chase small animals | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Moderate; may bark to alert | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Good; social, friendly dogs | ✓ |
Health Concerns:
- Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN): Kidney disorder common in the breed
- Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE): Intestinal protein loss condition
- Hip Dysplasia: Joint development abnormality
- Renal Dysplasia: Kidney development disorder
- Addison's Disease: Endocrine system disorder
- Allergies: Skin and food allergies
Please check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and parent breed clubs for health information.
Glossary of general canine health conditions.