By Claudia Bensimoun
Updated in 2025 (initially published in 2011)
Discover everything about the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: temperament, grooming needs, health concerns, and exercise tips—expert insights from BarkUpToday.
Meet the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier — a lively, friendly medium-sized Irish terrier known for its silky wheaten coat, affectionate nature, and boundless energy. At BarkUpToday, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about raising a Wheaten: from origins and personality to grooming, health risks, and lifestyle fit. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pro, you’ll gain insight into what makes this breed special and how to provide a happy, healthy home for your Wheaten.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized breed originating in Ireland. It is an active, energetic breed known for its gentle, friendly nature. The coat of this breed is wavy and soft, giving them the name Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. This breed requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but sheds very little hair.
Although considered “hypoallergenic,” Wheatens are not completely allergen-free. However, their single coat—with no heavy undercoat—reduces shedding and dander compared to many other terrier breeds, making them a popular choice for households with allergy-sensitive members.
As an active breed, it needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. It is a social dog that does well in families with children but can be territorial if not properly trained and socialized. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an intelligent breed that is easy to train and loves to please its owners. It is loyal, affectionate, and gentle, making it an ideal companion for families and active individuals.
Wheatens are known for their famous “Wheaten Greeting,” an enthusiastic jumping display of affection. This behavior is endearing but should be managed early through training so it remains polite and controlled as the dog grows.
UKC/AKC
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated from Ireland and belongs to the UKC/AKC Terrier Group. It is believed that this breed descends from ancient Irish dog breeds, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is thought to be related to the Irish Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier.
The AKC recognized the breed in 1973. Although once considered a “poor man’s farm dog,” Wheatens gained international popularity for their versatility, moderate size, and charming personality.
History
This breed was developed from farm dog terriers in Ireland, the Wheaten Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier, and the Irish Terrier. All these terriers have similar bloodlines and were bred for the same purposes.
The Wheaten dog breed was first used as a farm dog, guarding chickens, chasing rats, herding cattle, and serving as a bird-dog. This all-purpose breed relaxed at the end of the day and became a great companion for farmers. The Wheaten arrived in the U.S. in the 1940s.
Wheatens were also valued for their adaptability. They worked dawn to dusk in rugged weather conditions and needed to be intelligent, resourceful, and sturdy. Over time, their temperament softened as they transitioned from farm dogs to beloved companions.
Physical Description
The confident Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, square-shaped breed. With a long, rectangular head and small, forward-pointing drop ears, this breed has a large black nose and almond-shaped eyes. The eyes are reddish-brown or plain brown.
The Wheaten is deep-chested and has a docked tail that is held erect. The Wheaten has a single coat that is slightly wavy and very soft. The coat is thick on the head, covering the eyes, and forming a beard. The Soft Coated Wheaten can be any shade of wheaten.
Their soft, silky coat often appears lighter in color as puppies and gradually deepens to a warm wheaten shade as they mature. Their movement is fluid and springy, reflecting their terrier athleticism.
Height
Dogs: 18–19 inches
Females: 17–18 inches
Weight
Dogs: 35–40 pounds
Females: 30–35 pounds
Life Expectancy
12–15 years
Temperament
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is of a playful yet stubborn temperament. This breed is confident, loyal, and thrives on being with family. This dog breed cannot be left alone for long periods. This is a happy, alert dog breed that is always interested in its surroundings. The Wheaten is less aggressive than other terrier breeds, but is sometimes provoked by other terrier breeds.
Wheatens strike a balance between terrier independence and a deep desire for human companionship. They are less fiery than many terrier cousins but retain that spark of mischief, curiosity, and courage. Their people-focused nature makes them excellent therapy and performance dogs.
Socialization should begin during puppyhood, and positive puppy training should focus on housetraining and be tailored toward the Wheaten’s wonderfully sweet temperament. This is an active dog breed that needs plenty of exercise.
Terrier breeds are experts at digging and escaping. This breed is excellent with children and other dog breeds. The Wheaten does well at family outings.
The Wheaten can live in an apartment but needs frequent daily walks and trips to the dog park to socialize with other dogs and people.
Activity Level
High
Their energy level is steady—not frantic—but they thrive with daily interaction. Without physical and mental outlets, they can become vocal, bored, or inventive (often involving digging or opening cabinets.)
Special Needs
The Wheaten Terrier needs an active home. This breed requires regular exercise, positive dog training, and socialization. The Wheaten breed needs to be socialized from puppyhood and should never be isolated from people, other dogs, and animals.
Wheaten needs to interact with people constantly so he does not become bored and mischievous. Positive training needs to be tailored to the specific temperament of this breed.
The Wheaten is a happy, outgoing breed. That said, because it is also alert and energetic, the Wheaten needs plenty of environmental stimulation combined with exercise.
Puzzle feeders, sniffing games, structured play, and gentle trick training help keep Wheatens balanced and mentally enriched. They respond best to consistent, upbeat training sessions and do not do well with harsh corrections.
Possible Health Concerns
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may be susceptible to the following health conditions:
PLN & PLE
Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE). This is where protein is lost in the intestine. In both conditions, Wheatens are hypercoagulable; some have died from thromboembolism, with more pulmonary-related ones. Protein-Losing nephropathy (PLN). This is a glomerular disorder characterized by proteinuria. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a genetic predisposition to this.
In addition to monitoring symptoms, Wheatens benefit from early screening through bloodwork and urine testing. Responsible breeders conduct genetic testing to help reduce the incidence of these conditions.
Addison’s Disease
This is also called hypoadrenocorticism and is caused by a deficiency of adrenal gland hormones. It is mainly found in young to middle-aged Wheaten Terriers. Signs include extreme vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration, and a gradual loss of body condition. Consult with your veterinarian if your Wheaten has any of these symptoms. Owners should be aware that stress, infections, or sudden diet changes can trigger an Addisonian crisis. Early recognition saves lives.
Renal Dysplasia
This condition may require lifelong management, including specific diets and frequent vet monitoring. This is a developmental or genetic kidney defect. Wheaten pups and young dogs have an unusually high rate of this disease. Up to 70% of the kidneys can be damaged before symptoms appear. This is a genetic condition brought on by a recessive mutation.
Wheatens do best with annual wellness exams, early diagnostics, and breed-specific health screenings. Maintaining a healthy weight and a high-quality diet also helps reduce risks.
Exercise
Although active, Wheatens do not require excessive running. They enjoy structured play more than random high-impact exercise. Activities like lure coursing, nose work, and hiking can satisfy their minds and bodies.
The Soft Coated Terrier does well with moderate exercise. An energetic walk around the block or fun romps at the dog park will suffice. This breed enjoys dog training classes, obedience, agility, and some rally sports. The Wheaten has lots of energy and needs the mental stimulation provided by canine sports; as usual, excessive exercise should never be undertaken during hot or humid temperatures.
All dog breeds need to be protected from extreme temperatures, and this dog breed enjoys playing with family members, loves Frisbee, and goes to the dog beach. Agility is fun for all dog breeds. Senior dogs can also participate, so it’s worth a try if your Wheaten enjoys jumping small jumps. It is also a family sport where you can bring along all your family members and make it a family day with your furry best friend.
Best Food for the Wheaten Terrier
High-quality dog food is recommended for the Wheaten. All dogs are different, and some dog food brands will suit your Wheaten better. Understanding your dog’s current health and nutritional needs is paramount when choosing dog food. There is no best diet, since all dogs have different dietary needs, so it’s always wise to find the best dog food that matches each dog’s individual needs. Consult your veterinarian if your Wheaten has a medical condition, is pregnant, or is lactating.
Many Wheatens thrive on diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids because they are predisposed to skin and GI sensitivities. Salmon oil, sardines, and flaxseed can be beneficial additions.
Wheatens may also do well on limited-ingredient diets or formulas with single-protein sources if food sensitivities develop. Here’s what to look out for when choosing dog food for your Wheaten
Healthy ingredients
Fresh meat. Vegetables and fruit. No controversial ingredients. No added hormones and steroids. No unnamed meat sources. The correct ratio of macronutrients. By-products in dog food are acceptable when they are organ meats. Dog food should not be overly processed.
Essential ingredients should include whole meats, fruits, and vegetables. Those that add healthy antioxidants, like blueberries, cranberries, pomegranates, and pumpkins, are worth purchasing! That said, organic, natural, preservative-free, and free of artificial ingredients are also vital to well-balanced, high-quality dog food! Remember that pups need puppy food, and adult dogs need adult dog food. Senior dogs also should be on a senior dog food formula.
Grooming
Because their coat mats easily, it’s best to mist it lightly with water before brushing. Wheatens should also have their beards cleaned daily to avoid odor and food build-up. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a single, silky, wavy coat that requires consistent, hands-on grooming to stay healthy and mat-free. Although Wheatens shed very little, their soft hair grows continuously and easily traps dirt, debris, and moisture, especially around the beard, legs, and belly.
Regular grooming is essential for maintaining the signature “Wheaten look,” preventing painful tangles, and keeping the coat clean and odor-free.
Daily to Several Times Weekly: Brushing & Combing
Wheatens need brushing at least 3–4 times per week, though many owners opt for a quick daily routine.
Use the following tools:
- Pin brush or slicker brush to lift out debris and loose hair
- Medium-toothed metal comb to work through tangles
- Dematter or detangling spray to help prevent breakage
Always brush the coat in layers, working from the skin outward. Common matting areas include:
- Under the armpits
- Behind the ears
- Along the belly
- Inside the hind legs
- Around the beard and mustache
The Wheaten coat mats easily, so it’s better to groom frequently than to try tackling large tangles later.
Beard & Face Care
Wheatens are famous for their beards—but they also trap food, water, and saliva.
To prevent odor and staining:
- Wipe the beard after each meal
- Rinse or wash it lightly as needed
- Check for debris like leaves or stickers
- Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed or tied back
Daily eye checks help prevent tear staining and irritation.
Bathing
Wheatens typically require a bath every 4–6 weeks, depending on lifestyle. Use a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo or one designed for soft coats. Avoid heavy conditioners that weigh hair down.
After bathing:
- Towel-dry thoroughly
- Blow-dry on low heat while brushing to prevent matting
- Ensure the coat is completely dry before brushing out fully
Never skip brushing before and after baths—water tightens tangles into mats.
Professional Grooming
Many Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners choose to use a professional groomer every 6–8 weeks. Wheatens require a breed-specific trim, often called the “Wheaten cut,” which:
- Keeps the coat soft and flowing
- Shapes the beard and head
- Maintains the fall of hair over the eyes
- Prevents overgrowth behind the ears and along the legs
A groomer familiar with the breed will also trim nails, clean ears, shape the feet, and check for any skin issues hidden under the thick coat.
Ear, Nail & Paw Care
- Ears: Clean weekly; Wheatens can be prone to yeast buildup due to hair around the ear canal.
- Nails: Trim every 2–3 weeks. Overgrown nails can alter posture and cause joint stress.
- Paws: Keep fur trimmed around toe pads to prevent slipping and debris buildup.
Puppy Coat vs. Adult Coat
Wheatens undergo a significant coat change between 6 and 18 months, during which the puppy fluff transitions to the mature silky coat. During this time, grooming becomes even more crucial, as matting is more likely to occur. Frequent brushing and short grooming sessions help puppies get used to handling.
Seasonal Grooming Tips
- Summer: Consider lighter trimming to prevent overheating, but never shave the coat; it protects from sunburn and skin irritation.
- Winter: Pay attention to snowballs forming between the toes—use paw wax before walks.
Why Grooming Matters for Wheatens
Regular grooming is not just cosmetic—it helps:
- Prevent matting, which can cause skin infections
- Reduce doggy odor
- Spot early signs of allergies or skin conditions
- Maintain the coat’s natural shine and softness
- Strengthen the bond between dog and owner
A well-groomed Wheaten is a happy, comfortable Wheaten!
Wheaten Adoption
Adopted Wheatens may take several weeks to decompress. Using slow introductions, predictable routines, enrichment toys, and gentle training helps them settle successfully.
© 2011–2025 Claudia Bensimoun & BarkUpToday. All rights reserved.
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