What is the ideal weight for a wheaten terrier?
Breed profile soft-coated wheaten terriers are medium-sized dogs weighing 35 to 40 pounds (16 to 18 kilograms) for males and 30 to 35 pounds (13 to 16 kilograms) for females. When selecting what to feed your soft coated wheaten terrier, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish.Often referred to simply as the “Wheaten,” Wheaten Terriers were originally bred as versatile farm dogs, serving as all-around working dogs on Irish farms. Regarding temperament, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is highly devoted and affectionate and loves just about everybody they meet.Wheaten generally mature at 30 months, although they reach their full size around 6 to 8 months. The wheaten terrier’s coat is described as open, meaning that it lacks an undercoat and is off-standing. The two types of coats are the American and the Irish coat.Due to their breeding history as farm dogs, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers may bark when new people approach their home or family. Early socialization and consistent training can help correct this behavior, and they are generally quieter than other terrier breeds.
Are wheaten terriers intelligent?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is keenly smart and willful, and often has his own agenda. This makes them challenging to train. It also provides another reason why obedience training should start early, before bad habits become ingrained. A Wheaten needs consistent, firm discipline but is sensitive to harsh treatment. Wheaten terriers make excellent watchdogs but poor guard dogs because everyone is their friend. Wheatens can bark excessively if not properly trained. They also will pull on the leash. These dogs are not one-person dogs and will go with anyone.Alone Time. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier becomes attached to her family, and prefers to spend time with them. While you can leave her alone from four to eight hours per day, she needs plenty of exercise due to her high energy level. Expect exuberant barking, jumping, and face licks upon your return home.Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, but when it comes to barking, they do have a tendency to be vocal.Wheaten terriers are not a common breed; they are listed as a vulnerable breed by the Kennel Club, UK with fewer than 300 registered dogs per year; in the USA they have only come close to cracking the top 50 most popular breeds (see Figure 1).The Wheaten temperament can make them a challenge to train. They’re typically smart dogs with their own agendas in life, which seldom includes what you want them to do. If they get away with too much for too long, you’ll find yourself with an unruly and difficult adult Wheaten –not a good companion for any family.
At what age is a wheaten terrier full grown?
A high-quality, balanced dog food that suits the nutritional needs of Wheaten Terriers should be provided. Most do well being fed twice daily. Puppies have specific dietary requirements for growth, and they should be fed a specially formulated puppy food until they reach their full adult size, usually around 12 months. The lifespan of the Wheaten Terrier is 12 – 15 years. Wheatens should be given at least half an hour of exercise each day, but in general they do not require as much exercise as some terriers.The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is keenly smart and willful, and often has his own agenda. This makes them challenging to train. It also provides another reason why obedience training should start early, before bad habits become ingrained. A Wheaten needs consistent, firm discipline but is sensitive to harsh treatment.The adult stage is when Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers reach their full-grown size and maturity. On average, this stage begins around 12 to 18 months of age. However, some Wheaten Terriers may continue to fill out and develop muscle mass until they are around 2 years old.Wheaten Terriers are highly spirited and retain their puppy attitude throughout their lifetime. They are notorious for jumping vigorously and twirling when happy or excited: the “Wheaten greeting. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are great playmates for older children and do well with other dogs.
How often should a wheaten terrier be bathed?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier should be bathed about monthly to remove dirt and debris. But don’t overdo it: Bathing a dog more than twice a month may strip the skin of healthy oils that act as a barrier against allergens. Using gentle, dog-specific shampoo is best. Whether you have a show Wheaten or a trimmed Wheaten they should be bathed and conditioned at least monthly to keep the coat in great shape. First bathe with Hypo- Allergenic Shampoo for a general dirt removal then target the specific need of the dog.Shampooing and bathing becomes a frequent event. Approximately every 6 weeks is recommended however the Wheaten Terrier is not a smelly dog. The dirt drops out as the muddy coat dries usually into its bed. The coat will require regular trimming to keep it manageable and the dog comfortable.Cute, cuddly, and very affectionate, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a breed that simply loves being around people. These friendly and intelligent dogs form a strong bond with their humans and thrive when made to feel like part of the family.Alone Time. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier becomes attached to her family, and prefers to spend time with them. While you can leave her alone from four to eight hours per day, she needs plenty of exercise due to her high energy level. Expect exuberant barking, jumping, and face licks upon your return home.
What are the cons of the Wheaten terrier?
Although they can be good family dogs, they might not be best for the elderly or very small children, even though they’re well-behaved around kids with proper training and socialization. These dogs don’t like to be left home alone for long, so they aren’t ideal for those who are at work all day. Compatibility with your home and lifestyle is extremely important. Wheaten Terriers love to play, cuddle, and sleep, but running is also fun.Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, but when it comes to barking, they do have a tendency to be vocal.Health Issues Common to Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Breed-specific health problems include protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), as well as Addison’s Disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands.