Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Although the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has been around for over 200 years, their roots are in farm work, eradicating vermin, probably providing some sport for their owners, and guarding/watchdog activities. Some could even turn their hand to driving cattle and herding sheep. As such, owners were not particularly bothered about breeding to a standard, instead rather breeding for function, and so the breed was very variable in appearance and not recognised by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937. The Kennel Club finally recognised the breed in 1975, but the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has never been one of the more popular terriers.

Enthusiasts of the breed say that they are the ‘original Irish Terrier’ that all others were developed from (although most Irish terrier breeds claim this!) but given their versatility that makes them such a great all-rounder, it is entirely possible.

Make no mistake, the only thing soft about this breed is their coat, underneath that teddy-bear exterior the SCWT is all terrier, and requires an experienced owner who understands how to train for the best, and manage to prevent the worst. If the idea of managing a dog who does not like all dogs (or people for that matter) does not put you off, and you love this breed for their quirks not despite them, they’ll reward you well. Ideal owners will have time for long walks, time for the significant grooming required, will enjoy training a sparky and clever breed, and will live rurally, with a secure garden.

A minimum of an hour per day of walking, ideally more and with a variety of walking routes, free running and engaging activities such as scent work, chasing lures or thrown toys. This is an active dog with a quick mind, if you don’t engage their brain in something constructive it’s likely to become engaged in something destructive!

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier does not need lavish housing, but a securely fenced garden is a must. This is an agile hunter who can dig well and jump surprisingly high. Better suited to a quieter rural or suburban home, as the Wheaten will feel the need to alert you to anything seen or heard and this rarely goes down well with the neighbours. Access to a variety of interesting walks and a secure place to run off lead is ideal.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.

The non-shedding silky, gently curling coat will need to be groomed several times a week to keep it clean, shiny and tangle-free. Grooming needs will be greater between the ages of 7 to 24 months when the adult coat comes in. Early preparation for visiting a groomer is sensible as this coat can take a long time to wash, brush through and dry fully. Check between the pads and in the ears after each walk as these areas easily gather debris and foreign bodies. 

A quick learner with an independent mind, Wheaten’s are often described as stubborn but in reality, they need strong motivation to want to work with their person rather than do their own thing. Understand their desire to chase, rag, kill and bite and provide for those needs with suitable toys, games and activities, and the Wheaten will be a fun and engaging companion.  

Pay particular attention to socialisation with other dogs, cats and livestock, and work hard on teaching a strong recall and a reliable retrieve and drop. 

An excellent family dog with older children in a family that do a lot of dog related activities, long country walks, and enjoy dog training as a hobby. Not ideal with young babies or toddlers as the terrier nature is not forgiving or tolerant, and the time requirements for training, exercise and grooming are quite demanding. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.