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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (Irish)
Medium Breed
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a bright, alert little dog whose puppy like attitude stays with it all through its life, making a fun companion for all its days.
Breed standards
Country of origin
Ireland
Weight
Males 18-20kg / 40-45lbs;
Females 14-16kg / 30-35lbs (standards may vary)
Height
Males 46-48cm / 18-19in;
Females 44-46cm / 17-18in (standards may vary)
Coat
Single coat which is soft and silky to the touch, although not on puppies. May be trimmed; if not, the coat reaches around 5 inches in length
Markings
Clear wheaten colour with shades from light to a golden-reddish hue. Some markings found on puppies, black on the face and a streak down the back
Lifespan
Above average, 12-15 years
Naturally playful, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a beautiful breed to be with. Its distinguished look and soft to the touch coat make it the perfect dog for all occasions. The breed's high level of intelligence means that it is quick to learn and is capable of learning a lot of information.
Temperament
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's alert and puppy-like nature provides a good-tempered dog for all its life. Very friendly, this breed of terrier is excellent with children, loving and looking out for them. Not good around cats (they see them prey), the breed does need to be trained from a young age and taught what is right and wrong. Though they are not as aggressive as other breeds of terrier, they will alert you to guests and strangers arriving.
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PoorChildrenGood
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VeryCombativenessNot very
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VeryDominanceNot very
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Not veryFriendlinessGood
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Not veryIndependenceVery
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LoudNoiseQuiet
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Not veryTrainabilityVery
Good to know
As a breed, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of the most popular terriers due to the combination of their charming and fun personality, and their good looks and silky coats. Intelligent and quick to learn, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a wonderful dog.
- Makes a wonderful family pet and is excellent with children
- Extremely versatile and intelligent
- Performs well as a guardian and watch dog
- Happy in most climates
- Good for apartment living
- Good for novice owners
- Very light shedder
- Extensive grooming is needed
- Skilled trimming and stripping is also needed
- Fairly active indoors
- Prone to flea allergies and protein wasting disease (PLE and PLN)