The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, wheaten-coated terrier from Ireland with a friendly, energetic nature. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is affectionate, playful and intelligent, a loving family dog that loves children, other dogs and being part of everything.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Ireland
- Group: Terrier
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Weight: 14–20 kg
- Height: 43–48 cm at the shoulder
- Temperament: Friendly, energetic, intelligent, playful
- Good with kids: Yes — playful and sturdy with children
- Good with other pets: Yes, with early socialisation
- Exercise needs: High — about 1–1.5 hours a day
- Grooming: High — soft, silky coat, daily brushing and trimming
Temperament & Personality
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are friendly, energetic and deeply loyal to their family. They bond closely with their people, love children, and are usually good with other dogs. They are happy, bouncy dogs that love to play and be part of everything — they famously greet people with a jumping hug. They are terriers through and through: they dig, chase and bark, and they need a job to do. They can be stubborn and independent, so training needs patience and consistency. They love company and can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for long — a Wheaten Terrier needs a family that is home most of the day.
Health
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers need an honest health note: the breed is prone to protein-losing enteropathy (a gut condition) and protein-losing nephropathy (a kidney condition). Other known issues include allergies, hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease, and eye problems. Buy from a breeder who health-tests the parents, and see the vet regularly.
Training
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are intelligent and quick to learn, but they can be stubborn — training needs patience, consistency and high-value rewards. Short, fun, reward-based sessions work best, and early socialisation helps them stay confident with strangers, children and other dogs. Teach a reliable recall from puppyhood: a Wheaten Terrier on a chase will not come back. Harsh methods damage trust.
Food & Nutrition
A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier needs a good-quality complete food in measured meals — two meals a day suit most adults. Treats should be counted as part of the daily intake. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are lean, active dogs and should stay lean — you should be able to feel the ribs easily. A vet can advise the right amount for your dog’s age and weight, and fresh water should always be available.
Grooming
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s soft, silky coat needs brushing daily to prevent tangles, plus trimming every 6–8 weeks to keep the shape. Baths only when dirty. The ears should be checked weekly, nails trimmed regularly, and teeth brushed. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers shed very lightly.
Exercise
A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier needs about 1–1.5 hours of activity a day: walks, play and training games, plus mental work such as scent games, agility and puzzle feeders. They are medium dogs with plenty of energy — a Wheaten Terrier needs to run, dig and think every day. Without it, expect digging, chewing, barking and escaping.
Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Right for You?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier suits active families who want a friendly, bouncy companion and can give it 1.5 hours of exercise, daily grooming and plenty of company every day. It does well in houses with a garden. It is less suited to owners who dislike grooming, or anyone away from home all day.
FAQs
Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers good for first-time owners?
Yes, for an active first-time owner. They are friendly and trainable, but their energy, grooming needs and separation anxiety surprise many new owners.
Do Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers shed a lot?
Very lightly. Their soft, silky coat sheds very little but needs daily care.
How much exercise does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need every day?
About 1–1.5 hours of walks and play, plus training to keep the mind busy.
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