Breed History:

The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier hails from Ireland, where it was developed over 200 years ago as a versatile farm dog. Bred to herd livestock, guard property, and hunt vermin, it was the working companion of poor Irish farmers who needed an all-around capable and low-maintenance dog.

This breed shares ancestry with other Irish terriers, such as the Kerry Blue and Irish Terrier, but was distinguished by its soft, wheaten-colored coat. Despite its long presence in Ireland, it was not officially recognised until 1937 by the Irish Kennel Club and much later by the American Kennel Club in 1973. Today, the Wheaten is known for its cheerful temperament and charming looks.

Its intelligence, endurance, and cheerful temperament made it an invaluable all-purpose working dog. Selective breeding preserved its distinctive soft wheaten coat and friendly personality while maintaining its athleticism and versatility. Today, the breed is recognised worldwide for its affectionate nature and lively spirit.

If you want to learn about other Terrier breeds, check out our page "Different Terrier Dog Breeds".

Size – Medium

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Breed Appearance:

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, athletic, and well-balanced dog with a sturdy yet elegant build.

The breed commonly features:

• Broad, well-proportioned head
• Strong, medium-length muzzle
• Dark, oval-shaped eyes
• Small, folded ears
• Deep chest
• Strong, muscular neck
• Well-developed limbs
• Medium-length tail carried upright where permitted

Its single coat is soft, silky, gently wavy, and free flowing, giving the breed its distinctive appearance.

Common coat colours include:

• Wheaten

The coat may range from pale beige to warm golden wheaten, with puppies often born much darker before gradually developing their adult colour.

The breed's silky coat and athletic build reflect its heritage as a versatile Irish farm terrier.

Breed Type – Terrier:

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an intelligent, affectionate, and energetic terrier breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Friendly
• Intelligent
• Playful
• Affectionate
• Confident

The breed forms strong bonds with its family and is generally excellent with children and other pets when properly socialised.

Training:

The Wheaten is intelligent and eager to please, though it can sometimes show a stubborn streak typical of terriers. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training works best, using treats, praise, and variety to keep it engaged.

Early socialisation and obedience training are recommended to manage potential willfulness and to help the dog become a confident, well-mannered adult. This breed is quite responsive to training but benefits from firm yet gentle leadership.

Health & Care:

The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a generally healthy breed but can be prone to a few hereditary conditions, including:

• Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)

• Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN)

• Renal dysplasia

• Addison’s disease

• Hip dysplasia

Health testing and regular checkups are important. A high-quality diet, appropriate exercise, and preventive care help maintain the breed’s overall health.

Living Conditions:

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapts well to a variety of living environments provided it receives regular exercise and close family companionship.

Ideal environments include:

• Apartments
• Houses with secure yards
• Urban or suburban homes
• Active families
• Experienced or committed first-time dog owners

The breed prefers living indoors with its family and is not suited to prolonged isolation.

Exercise:

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has moderate to high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Daily walks
• Running
• Interactive play
• Agility
• Obedience training
• Mental enrichment activities

Regular physical activity and mental stimulation are essential to maintain the breed's physical and mental well-being.

Grooming:

The soft, silky coat requires high maintenance.

• Brushing three to four times per week
• Professional trimming every six to eight weeks
• Occasional bathing
• Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming
• Regular dental care

The breed sheds very little throughout the year.