Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Ireland's sunniest terrier, dressed in ripening wheat.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium · 43–48 cm |
| Weight | 14–18 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
| Energy | Moderate–high — 60 min/day |
| Shedding | Very low — the coat mats instead |
| Coat | Soft, silky, gently waving single coat · warm wheaten |
| Group | Terrier · FCI №40 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
The poor Irish farmer's everything-dog — ratter, herder's helper, watchdog — the Wheaten kept terrier spark but shed most of the terrier edge. What remains is a bouncy, people-adoring extrovert that hurls itself into greetings, games and puddles with equal commitment, and takes training well when it's kept cheerful.
Habits & quirks
The Wheaten greetin'
Homecomings are met airborne — the breed's famous leaping hello.
Beard souvenirs
Water bowl, garden, dinner: the beard files a report on each.
Joy sprints
Sudden ecstatic laps of the garden, cause unknown, cause unnecessary.
Everyone's best friend
Strangers are simply friends who haven't been greeted yet.
Care
| Grooming | Comb to the skin every day or two — this silky coat mats quietly and quickly. |
| Exercise | A solid hour daily of walks and play keeps the bounce charming rather than chaotic. |
| Training | Teach polite greetings early; fourteen airborne kilograms is a lot of hello. |
| Health | Keep an eye on weight and ask breeders about protein-losing conditions known in the breed. |
Common questions
Do Wheaten Terriers shed?
Hardly at all — the single coat drops very little and is often better tolerated by allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. The trade-off is frequent combing to prevent mats.
Are Wheatens good for first-time owners?
Yes, if you're honest about the grooming and the exuberance. They're forgiving, friendly dogs, but untrained enthusiasm can flatten small guests.
Are Wheaten Terriers calmer than other terriers?
Noticeably softer and more sociable, yes — but the terrier core remains. Expect some chasing, digging and selective deafness when something smells interesting.