Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Right for You?

 

Let Me Tell You About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a cheerful, affectionate, and hypoallergenic terrier with Irish roots and a golden personality.

🌾 Breed Overview

• Height: 17–19 inches

• Weight: 30–40 pounds

• Coat: Silky, wavy, single-layer

• Color: Wheaten (ranging from pale beige to shimmering gold)

• Lifespan: 12–15 years

• Group: Terrier

• Hypoallergenic: Yes

🧠 Temperament & Personality

• Friendly & Affectionate: Known for the “Wheaten greetin’”—a joyful leap to welcome loved ones

• Energetic & Playful: Needs daily exercise and mental stimulation

• Intelligent but Stubborn: Responds well to positive reinforcement

• Social: Gets along with children and other pets when properly socialized

• Alert: May bark at new sights and sounds, a trait from its farm-dog heritage

🐕 Origins & History

• Bred in Ireland over 200 years ago as an all-purpose farm dog

• Used for herding, guarding, and vermin control

• Officially recognized by the AKC in 1973

🧼 Care & Maintenance

• Grooming: Requires regular brushing and trimming to prevent matting

• Shedding: Low-shedding, but coat grows continuously

• Exercise Needs: Moderate to high—daily walks and playtime

• Health: Generally healthy, but may be prone to protein-losing conditions and allergies

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Compatibility

• Kid-Friendly: Great with older children; may be too bouncy for toddlers

• Senior-Friendly: May be a bit energetic for some seniors unless well-trained

• Companionship: Thrives on human interaction; dislikes being left alone

This breed blends the charm of a cuddly companion with the spirit of a working terrier. If you're exploring therapy-suited or allergy-friendly dogs for seniors, the Wheaten is a strong contender—especially with its affectionate nature and low-shedding coat.

references: www.akc.org, www.dog-breeds.net, www.thesprucepets.com