Soft Coated Wheaten Overview & Coat
Often times people become confused with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Despite it’s unique and eye catching coat, they are found in a variety of coat styles that can confuse a novice. There is the traditional style, English, American, and heavy
Irish. Some lump the four categories into two, the Irish and American. The Irish coat is thinner than American styles. Coats differ based upon thickness and length of the coat. The Irish believe the American style is too thick and bushy and would get in the way during work. The Irish coat is lighter and thinner creating less problems for the working breed. The standard style is thick without feeling abundant. It is silky, smooth, and curly. It is an incredibly identifiable trait of the breed and almost every dog lover knows one when they see one. As a puppy, the Soft Coated Wheaten’s are darker in color and begin to lighten after a year. The lighter adult style is featured in these Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog key chains.
Grooming
Extra care for the Soft Coated includes shampoo/conditioner once a week, but not more than that. Washing regularly can remove the oil in the dogs hair causing their coat to dry out and lose it’s silky texture. Combing and brushing is a must daily, if not daily once a week at the least. Other than that, the breed requires your normal maintenance most breeds require. You can see from our Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog jewelry their hair covers their ears and eyes increasing the chances of bacteria forming in their eyes and ears. Always clean their ears and make sure their eyes are clear of foreign objects.
Appearance
The breed averages 17-20 inches and weighs roughly 35-40 lbs, putting this breed in the medium dog breed category. Females range from 16-18 inches and 30-35 lbs. Despite the range of 16-20 inches for this breed, a major fault consists of a Soft Coated Wheaten under 18 inches and over 19 inches for males and under 17 inches or over 18 inches for females. The breed is well balanced with a perfect height for it’s weight that allows a well proportioned sturdy and strong breed. They should appear alert, graceful, happy, and balanced. This Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog figurine properly displays their playful and graceful manner while accurately showing their coat and build as well!
Temperament
The breeds coat, build, and style translate into their temperament. They are a happy breed that is playful and appreciates positive and playful interactions with their owners. They show animosity towards harsh strict training. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Angel Ornament Figurines demonstrate the breeds gentle and kind conduct. The Soft Coated Wheaten will become fearful and show passive aggressive behavior that can become a serious problem. The breed shows it’s love for all people the second they greet them often jumping up at them to lick their face and say hello. Their relationship with cats and smaller animals will depend on if they are socialized with them at a young age. If they are socialized at a young age there should be no problems. If cats or other animals are brought into an adult Terrier’s life, training and boundaries may need to be enforced.
History
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was bred and created in Ireland. Originally they were created to be an all around working dog mainly watching and guarding livestock and hunting and killing vermin. Over the years the breed has become increasingly popular but despite their popularity dog organizations such as the breeds home town group the Irish Kennel Club did not recognize the breed until 1937 with the British club following 7 years later in 43 and the American Kennel Club 27 years later in 1970. Many believe the breed is related to the Kerry Blue Terrier because of their facial similarities and body build.
Health
With the exception of two illnesses the Soft Coated Wheaten is a 100% healthy and solid breed. All dog breeds are susceptible to certain illnesses and unfortunately the Wheaten is no exception. Rarely the breed faces renal dysplasia and Addison’s disease. The two main illnesses you must be careful with are protein losing enteropathy and protein losing nephropathy that are the most common in this breed. Their expected life span ranges from 12-15 years with is average to above average for a medium sized breed.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Gifts
You can check out a collection of the finest dog merchandise and decor at Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog breed gifts, stickers, paper towel holders, shirts, notepads, finials, zipper charms, frames, & more at Dog Lover Store!