Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is very energetic. It is difficult for them to sit in one place for a long time. Even if you give him many different toys, they will quickly get bored, and the pet will look for new adventures. These dogs are not suitable for people who lead an inactive lifestyle.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is descended from other Irish Terriers. But of all the dogs that fell from a common ancestor, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is similar. Scientists claim that he is the one who appeared much earlier for all the dogs of the group.

Representatives of this breed were bred through natural selection. The dogs, which lived in the villages and towns of Ireland, were crossed with other terriers. They helped people in the pastures for a long time, catching rats and mice and accompanying the owner when hunting wild animals. The breed was officially recognized in 1937. Now it is actively used around the world as a companion and family pet.

Appearance

The physique is harmonious and compact. The dogs’ height does not exceed 48 cm and weight – no more than 18 kg. The limbs are strong, with well-developed muscles and musculature.

The dog’s coat is soft, slightly silky, with no undercoat. The length of the coat is about 12 cm, in the light is shining. Color – any shade of wheat. The ears are often darker than the rest of the body, hanging.

The pet’s eyes are medium-sized, oval in shape, and have brow arches. The color of the eyes is usually dark brown. The tail can be cropped. In the natural position is down, does not rise above the back. Puppies can be various colors, with the wheat color appearing at about two years of age.

Character

The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is very energetic. It is difficult for them to sit in one place for a long time. Even if you give him many different toys, they will quickly get bored, and the pet will look for new adventures. These dogs are not suitable for people who lead an inactive lifestyle.

The pet will gladly accompany its owner during a walk, jog, or other sporting activity. Its excessive vigor does not affect its poise. This dog will never bark for no reason, show aggression to others.

One of the disadvantages of the breed is its stubbornness. It is impossible to get a pet to do something they don’t like. These dogs like to play and have a lot of fun throughout their lives. They never grow up and remain puppies at heart.

Care

The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier can easily live in an apartment or private home. They should not be kept outside, as they are very attached to their families and will not feel well alone.

A pet needs sufficient exercise, so it is essential to devote several hours a day to active games and sports. Once a week it is recommended to go to the woods or the countryside, you can also take it for a swim in a lake or river.

The dog’s hair hardly sheds, but it needs care. It is important to brush once a week with a special brush (starting at the neck) and bathe regularly. It is possible to trim the hair under the tail, around the legs, and neck.

Regularly check her teeth’ condition and, if necessary, give her a special treat to clean the plaque. From an early age, you need to accustom the pet to clipping claws to get used to the procedure. They will happily play different games and compete with other dogs.

Training

It is vital to show the pet right away who his master is because they can be too stubborn and independent in training. The training process should resemble a game because the best form of learning these terriers is playful. In general, the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier has an excellent memory and quickly memorizes commands.

Common Diseases

It is important to remember regular vet checkups and vaccinations. The following diseases are common to dogs of this breed:

• Addison’s disease;
• allergies;
• retinal atrophy;
• kidney pathology;
• cataract.

But in general, illness is rare for dogs. With proper care, a dog can live up to 14 years without any disease.

Nutrition

The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier may have a calcium deficiency in the body, so it is recommended to give vitamins and minerals. In general, the diet should be made with a doctor’s help, who will suggest the best way to feed.