The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Ireland’s Dog for All Seasons


An Irish breed, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier‘s history can be traced back some 200 years. The Wheaten shares a common ancestry with the Kerry Blue and the Irish Terrier, but unlike those breeds, was not owned by the landed gentry. They were poor man’s dogs, excelling in any number of tasks including guarding, killing vermin, herding sheep, and hunting small game.
As the name implies, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is characterized by its coat, which is wheaten in color, soft and silky, with a gentle wave.
Gorgeous coat aside though, this is a formidable dog, a true-blooded terrier, who is steady, self-confident and alert.
If you are thinking about getting a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier you’ll get a happy, balanced dog who loves his family and is good with children.
Wheatens are less aggressive than most other terrier breeds, but spirited nonetheless, and highly active. They need vigorous daily exercise.
The Wheaten sheds very little, but its trademark coat requires regular grooming to keep it mat free.
SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER FACT FILE |
| Group: Terrier Country of origin: Ireland Date of origin: 1700′s Originally bred for: Hunting small game / All purpose farm dog Current function: Companion Size: Medium Coat length: Medium Shedding: No Grooming requirements: Daily Town or Country: Either Ideal home: Small or large house Minimum garden size: Small or medium Exercise requirements: Up to 1 hour per day Lifespan: Over 10 years |
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