Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is Ireland's oldest terrier breed — believed to be the foundation stock from which the Kerry Blue Terrier and Irish Terrier developed.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Ireland
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
14–20 kg (30–45 lbs)
Height
43–49 cm (17–19 in)
Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — quality medium breed kibble; protein-restricted diet may be indicated for dogs with PLN
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is Ireland's oldest terrier breed — believed to be the foundation stock from which the Kerry Blue Terrier and Irish Terrier developed. A farm dog of the Irish countryside for hundreds of years, used to hunt vermin, herd livestock, and guard the homestead, the Wheaten was the all-purpose dog of the Irish tenant farmer. Its distinctive soft, silky wheaten-coloured single coat — unlike the harsh double coats of most terriers — was naturally selected in the damp Irish climate. The breed was officially recognised by the Irish Kennel Club only in 1937 and by the AKC in 1973.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's most distinctive feature is its coat — abundant, silky, and wavy rather than wiry, with a texture unlike any other terrier. Puppies are born dark (red or black tipped) and gradually lighten over approximately two years to the clear warm golden-wheaten adult colour. The fall of hair over the face gives a characteristic bearded, shaggy look. The body is compact and athletic.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
Daily
Bathing
Every-2-3-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Wheatens are enthusiastic, playful, and deeply devoted — they greet family members with the full-body "Wheaten greeting" (jumping up and licking the face with exuberant energy). They are gentler and more sociable than many terrier breeds while retaining the terrier's playfulness and independence. Their stubborn streak and enthusiasm mean consistent training from puppyhood is important.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
30 to 45 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
the "Wheaten Greetin" (jumping on people), excessive energy, barking, clinginess
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Daily vigorous exercise of 45–60 minutes. The silky coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Unlike most terriers, the Wheaten coat should not be hand-stripped — it is scissored. Dental care is important.
Nutrition Notes
Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) are breed-defining threats — protein levels and type may need management. Low-protein diets sometimes prescribed for PLN. Regular urine protein screening from age 2.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
PLN (protein-losing nephropathy) — potentially fatal kidney disease. PLE (protein-losing enteropathy) — intestinal protein loss. Annual urine MA (microalbumin) testing from age 2 is STANDARD OF CARE. Renal dysplasia. Addison's disease. The famous "Wheaten Greetin" — joyful jumping greeting. 12-14 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1000 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
700 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) are serious heritable conditions elevated in the breed causing loss of protein through the kidneys or intestines. DNA testing is available for some associated genes. Renal dysplasia also occurs. Addison's disease is elevated.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
PLN/PLE screening is ongoing cost. Friendly — the least "terrier-like" terrier. Grooming intensive. India: rare.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was kept for hundreds of years by Irish tenant farmers who were legally prohibited from owning hunting dogs (which required a property tax) — the Wheaten was described as too low-class to require licensing, allowing the poor to keep a working dog.
The famous "Wheaten greeting" — a full-body jump combined with frantic face-licking — is so characteristic of the breed that Wheaten owners have a support community dedicated to managing and accepting this behaviour.
Wheaten puppies are born dark red or with dark tips, and lighten gradually over approximately 18–24 months to the clear warm wheaten gold of the adult coat — a colour development unique in the dog world.
