Is the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier a good family dog?
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are cheerful and affectionate medium-sized dogs with a soft, silky coat, sturdy build and lively, friendly expression. Originally bred in Ireland as versatile farm dogs, they are known for their playful nature, intelligence and strong attachment to their family. Generally sociable and good-natured, Soft Coated Wheatens can be energetic, enthusiastic and occasionally stubborn, so they benefit from consistent training, regular grooming and plenty of exercise.
| Recommended for | Active families or owners wanting a cheerful terrier and able to commit to grooming and training. |
| Breed Classification | Terrier Group |
| Other names | Wheaten |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Temperament | Happy, affectionate, energetic and people-loving |
| Intelligence | Generally intelligent; best results come from patient, positive and consistent training |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate; enthusiastic greeter |
| Maintenance Level | Brush/combing several times weekly; coat mats easily |
| Health Risk | Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are generally robust when well bred and well cared for, but they can still be affected by recognised breed-related conditions that should be discussed with a vet or breeder. |
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Breed history of Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier developed in Ireland as an all-purpose farm terrier rather than a specialised show dog. It guarded the home, controlled vermin, helped with stock and sometimes hunted, making it a practical working companion for ordinary rural families.
For many years, the breed existed without the formal recognition given to some older show terriers, partly because it was associated with farms rather than fashionable kennels. Irish breeders eventually secured recognition in the twentieth century, preserving the breed’s distinctive wheaten coat and cheerful working-terrier heritage.
Physical description of Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, sturdy terrier with a square outline and a cheerful, open expression. It has a moderately long head, dark eyes, folded ears and a balanced body that appears both strong and agile.
Its coat is soft, silky and gently wavy, giving the breed a much softer appearance than many other terriers. As its name suggests, the coat is wheaten in colour, ranging from pale beige to warm gold, often becoming lighter and silkier as the dog matures.
| Weight range | 14 to 20 kg |
| Height range | 43 to 49 cm |
| Colours | Wheaten shades from pale beige to gold |
| Coat length | Medium length, soft, silky, wavy single coat |
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier personality and temperament
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is cheerful, affectionate and playful, with a lively but generally friendly temperament. It has the energy and confidence of a terrier, but is often more sociable and less sharp than some other terrier breeds.
Wheatens usually enjoy family life and are known for their enthusiastic greetings and people-loving nature. They can still be energetic, bouncy and occasionally stubborn, so consistent training, regular exercise and early socialisation are important.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers with kids and other pets
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are usually cheerful, affectionate and playful with children, making them a good fit for active families. They can be bouncy and enthusiastic, so supervision is important around younger children while they learn calm manners.
With other pets, Wheatens often do well when socialised early. They can live with other dogs and cats, although their terrier instincts may lead them to chase smaller animals, so training and supervision are helpful.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier training and exercise
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers need regular daily exercise, including walks, play, running in secure spaces and interactive games. They are cheerful, lively dogs that enjoy being active with their families and can become bouncy or restless without enough activity.
Training should be positive, consistent and started early. Wheatens are intelligent and affectionate, but they can also be enthusiastic and occasionally stubborn. Short, fun sessions, early socialisation and impulse-control training help shape good manners.
| Energy level | High |
| Exercise requirements | High - daily walks, play and training games |
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Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier feeding and nutrition
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier needs a nutritious diet that supports its active body, cheerful energy and soft coat. Quality protein helps maintain muscle, while healthy fats support skin health and the breed’s silky coat texture.
Portions should be measured according to age, size and exercise level. Wheatens can gain weight if overfed, so treats and table scraps should be limited. Some may have dietary sensitivities, so a consistent, digestible diet and veterinary guidance are important if stomach or skin issues occur.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier care and grooming
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a soft, silky, wavy coat that requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Brushing and combing several times a week is important, especially around the ears, legs, beard, belly and underarms. Unlike wiry-coated terriers, the Wheaten’s coat is softer and can mat easily if neglected.
Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks is usually recommended to maintain a practical coat length and tidy shape. The beard should be cleaned regularly, as it can collect food and moisture. Routine nail trimming, ear checks, dental care and occasional bathing help keep the Wheaten comfortable and clean.
Health issues for Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers
- Protein-losing enteropathy: A syndrome where excessive protein is lost through the intestines, often due to inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal lymphangiectasia, lymphoma or other gut disease. Signs may include diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, poor appetite, fluid-filled swelling in the abdomen or chest, and low blood protein levels.
- Protein-losing nephropathy: A kidney disorder where damaged kidney filters allow excessive protein to leak into the urine. Signs may include weight loss, lethargy, increased thirst and urination, fluid swelling, high blood pressure or progression to chronic kidney disease.
- Addison’s disease: A hormonal disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough essential hormones, affecting fluid balance, blood pressure and stress response.Signs can be vague and may include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, weight loss, shaking or collapse.
- Renal dysplasia: A developmental kidney disorder where the kidneys do not form normally before birth, leaving abnormal tissue that may not filter waste properly. Signs often appear in puppies or young dogs and may include excessive thirst and urination, poor growth, weight loss, vomiting or lethargy.
- Allergies: These commonly cause itchy, inflamed skin, leading to scratching, licking, redness, hair loss, hot spots and recurring ear or skin infections. Common triggers include fleas, food sensitivities and environmental allergens.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
FAQs about the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
It can be, provided the household matches the breed’s exercise, training, grooming and supervision needs.
High – daily walks, play and training games.
Shedding depends on coat type, season and grooming routine. The breed has a medium length, soft, silky, wavy single coat.
No. While some individuals may shed less than others, no dog breed is truly allergy-free.
Most respond well to positive, consistent training, but owners should work with the breed’s instincts rather than against them.
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MORE INFORMATION
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Breed Club of NSW Inc: http://scwtclubnsw.com/
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America: https://scwtca.org/
