by Court Moss

Created on: August 15, 2008   Last Updated: November 17, 2011

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was known in Ireland for more than 200 years. It is believed to be an ancestor of the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Irish Terrier. It is said that when the Spanish Armada was sunk off the shoes of Ireland, the blue dogs they had with them went ashore and located the Wheatens. However, the actual origin of the Wheaten cannot be found in printed records.

Wheaten's were once bred for their working qualities. The ones that were strong persevered and set the standard for what the breed has become today. Back then farmers used terriers to run the farm because they protected the property, as well as people, from vermin, badgers, and other animals. And they were even used as gun dogs.

Some say that the Soft Coated Wheaten is closely related to the short-legged Glen of Imaal Terrier. However, the Wheaten wasn't even recognized as a purebred by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937.

Then a woman named Lydia Vogel brought the first Wheatens to the States in the 1940s. It wasn't until early 1973 when the Wheatens were placed in the American Kennel Club's Miscellaneous Class. It then switched over to the Terrier Group in the later part of 1973.

Appearance

The Wheaten is a medium sized, yet hardy dog. It's known as a sporty well balanced terrier with it's square frame. The males range from 18 to 19 inches at the withers and the females are on average 17 to 18 inches, the ideal being 17. The weight of the males should weigh between 35-40 pounds and the females are from 30-35 pounds.

Wheaten's have a distinguished coat because of it's soft and silky texture. It's coat does separate it from all of the other terriers. The Wheaten has an abundant single coat covering it's body, legs, and head. Usually the hair falls in front of the eyes, shading them.

When they are young their mature wavy coat is not presented until they are older. This breed should have an appearance that represents an alert, graceful, strong, well coordinated with a happy disposition.

The color of the Wheaten can be any shade of wheat. They occasionally may have small white, red, or black hairs. However, the overall standard color of this dg should be clearly wheaten, which is a yellow-ish tan. Their ears may show signs of blue or gray and the same goes for their muzzle.

Temperament

The Wheanten is an intelligent breed. And Wheaten's are also quick witted and responsive. They are affectionate and loving and are heavily people oriented. Their playful personalities

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>