The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, affectionately known as the “Wheaten” or “Wheatie,” is a vibrant Irish breed celebrated for its playful personality, devotion to family, and unique, soft, wheat-colored coat. This medium-sized terrier, originally bred as a versatile farm dog, embodies the lively spirit of the terrier group with a generally more amiable nature.
Here’s a closer look at the Wheaten Terrier’s characteristics:
Appearance
- Coat: The breed is named for its defining characteristic – a soft, silky, and wavy single coat, ranging in color from pale beige to shimmering golden wheaten. Puppies are often born with darker coats that lighten as they mature. While low-shedding, the coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
- Build: Wheatens possess a sturdy and muscular, yet graceful build, described as being square in outline. Males typically stand 18-19 inches tall and weigh 35-40 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 17-18 inches tall and 30-35 pounds. They have a distinctive beard and hair that falls forward to shade their eyes.
Temperament and personality
- Friendly & Affectionate: Wheatens are known for their loving and devoted nature, forming strong bonds with their families. They are generally good with children, though their enthusiastic greetings (the “Wheaten Greetin'”) may be a bit much for very small children or the elderly.
- Energetic & Playful: Wheatens are lively and spirited, often retaining their puppy-like enthusiasm throughout their lives. They enjoy playtime, especially with their humans, and thrive on regular exercise.
- Intelligent & Stubborn: While intelligent and capable of learning quickly, they can also be strong-willed and independent, requiring patience and consistent training.
- Watchdogs: Their protective nature and alert personality make them good watchdogs, barking at approaching strangers or perceived threats. However, they are typically friendly and affectionate once they determine there’s no danger.
- High Prey Drive: Due to their history as farm dogs, they have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller animals like squirrels or cats, necessitating a securely fenced yard or leash walks.