Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: a do-it-all, versatile dog who is a great family pet

The fun-loving Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a good friend to all. He is relatively easy to live with (for a terrier), friendly, people-oriented and a great family dog. Here's what else you need to know about him!

A bold and adventurous dog, considered to be the oldest Irish terrier. Despite being highly skilled, calm, loyal and an ideal family pet, it is quite rare.

History

In Ireland, the terrier was the poor man’s dog, a versatile farm dog, able to rid the land of pests and help protect the property from intruders, animals and humans alike. The Irish Soft-Haired Terrier the oldest Irish terrier breed and is said to be the Kerry Blue Terrier and the ancestor of the Irish terrier. Legend has it that a large blue dog swam ashore from a ship that wrecked in Tralee Bay about 200 years ago. This blue dog became known for its fighting abilities, and was highly prized in the days when dogs were the popular dogfighting for popular dog racing.

They were mated with the native Wheaten Terrier and from this the Kerry Blue was derived. Wheaten puppies appeared in the litter from time to time. Similarly, Irish terrier litters also tend to show soft fur. There is no record of cross-breeding in the Wheaten Terrier and it remains as it is in the earliest records of it.

It took a long time for the breed to be recognised

The population of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was rapidly declining in Ireland, and it was only when it was almost too late that Dr Gerard J. Pierse saved them from extinction. Dr Pierse’s attention was drawn to the behaviour of a Wheaten Terrier during a field trip for terriers. Together with Patrick Blake and others, he decided that the Irish Kennel Club should recognise the breed. After a long and hard struggle, in August 1937, they succeeded in getting the I.K.C. to recognise them as a separate purebred terrier.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers were introduced as a separate breed at the St Patrick’s Day Show in March 1938. A dog called Kingdom Leader, owned by P. Blake, became the first champion, closely followed by Dr. Pierse’s own dog. The breed also made a name for itself in the Terrier Working Trials with Bench Champion Kingdom Leader, where it became the first of its breed to win the title of Field Trial Champion, a rare achievement for a terrier.

Breed standard

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, lively and brave dog. It has a medium long head and a flat skull between the ears. His stop is firm, his jaws are strong and his bite is scissor-like. Nose black, well developed. Eyes dark hazel, not too large, not prominent. Ears small, thin, protruding forward. Chest deep, trunk not too long, loin short. Fore limbs straight, hind limbs muscular. Paws small, fingers closed. Coat abundant and soft, wavy or curly. Its colour is light wheaten. Weight approximately 15 kg, height at withers 43-48 cm. Expected lifetime 12-15 years.

Character

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a lively, inquisitive and bouncy dog. He jumps up and licks your face to express his love and joy – not only to his immediate family, but to everyone who is welcome in the family nest. Being very people-oriented, the breed needs to be raised with care and affection, and thoughtfully socialised, sensibly, positive training.

The Wheaten Terrier is a good watchdog, barking to announce the presence of a stranger. His common sense usually prevents him from being a constant barker. It is defensive without being aggressive, but is usually too people-loving to be a true guard dog. In the past, Wheaten Terriers had strong sporting instincts and excelled as hunters of rats, rabbits, otters and badgers. They could work on any terrain, including water, and their soft fur provided ample protection against the densest undergrowth, into which they could sink unharmed. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a friendly dog, eager to play with all the other dogs he meets. It therefore needs careful early socialisation with other friendly dogs to maintain this happy attitude.

Ideal environment

Great family pet, very people-oriented. Loves children and gets along well with other animals, especially when raised with them. However, he will chase any small, furry creature that crosses his path outside, so be on the lookout for this and always walk him on a lead. His exercise requirements are moderate to high (depending on the individual), but it is important that he can exercise his wits. Agility is a dog sport is the best choice for him.

Care

The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a very unique coat. He is a joy to behold in all his glory, shiny and tangle-free, but this is only achieved through the effort of the owner. His coat does not shed, so he does not shed. The most important part of his grooming is daily combing to prevent dead hairs from clumping together. The owner can choose to learn to trim the coat himself or choose a professional groomer, but daily brushing is essential. A clean eyes and ears and eyes should always be taken care of claws should be trimmed if they become too long.

Common health problems

A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally a long-lived breed. It is susceptible to a variety of inherited diseases, although it is most commonly known for two protein-losing conditions: protein-losing nephropathy (PLN), where dogs lose protein through the kidneys; and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), where dogs do not fully absorb protein in their digestive tract, causing it to be passed in the faeces. Both PLN and PLE can be potentially fatal, but if detected early enough can sometimes be treated with strict dietary changes and medication. Other health problems associated with the Wheaten Terrier include renal dysplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, Addison’s disease and cancer. Some individuals may suffer from food and environmental allergies, and may be prone to atopic dermatitis to the development of atopic dermatitis.

Literature János Szinák–István Veress: A világ kutyái II., Dr. Pál Sárkány: International Dog Encyclopaedia