Are wheaten terriers difficult to train?
Wheaten Terriers are intelligent dogs with a moderate level of trainability. They have a playful and curious nature, which can sometimes lead to a bit of stubbornness during training. Positive reinforcement methods that involve treats, praise, and play work best for them. 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. Wheaten terriers are not outside dogs.The Wheaten was bred in Ireland for over two hundred years to be an all-purpose farm dog whose duties included herding, watching and guarding livestock, and vermin hunting and killing. They share a common ancestry with the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Irish Terrier but were not owned by gentry.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).Soft coat wheaten terriers are a playful, high energy breed usually in medium to large sizes. They are very friendly with humans, so i usually greet them excitedly and they do not need time to warm up to you.
Are wheaten terriers good dogs?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an intelligent, playful, and affectionate furry family member. They are exceptionally affectionate and usually well-behaved with children and other dogs when supervised, trained, and socialized from puppyhood. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended for all dogs to help to ensure that the they grow into well-adjusted, well-mannered companions. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is keenly smart and willful, and often has his own agenda.Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their cuddly nature. They love to be close to their owners and will often seek out physical affection. Whether it’s snuggling up on the couch or curling up in bed with you, these dogs are happiest when they are in close proximity to their loved ones.The Terrier in the Wheaten is energetic, and although they enjoy walks, they prefer to be off the leash running around with other dogs. Terriers are lively and they are always looking for something to do. They need mental stimulation and become bored and destructive if they’re neglected.Soft-coated wheaten terriers make excellent family dogs in households with children. These dogs get along with kids and other pets, and they also aren’t very wary of strangers. They can thrive in both apartments and homes with yards because they only need a few play sessions and short walks per day.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.
Can wheaten terriers be left alone?
They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of the family. Leaving them alone for long periods can lead to boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior. Soft coated wheaten terriers are also intelligent and curious dogs. They require mental stimulation and physical exercise to stay happy and healthy. None more so than the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. To avoid heartache later, conscientious breeders will proactively insist on prospective owners making themselves fully familiar with this high maintenance, big personality breed, it’s various developmental stages and wide type diversity.Wheaten terriers are typically smart dogs, though willful, and often have their own agenda. This can make them a challenge to train, though can also make training fun. This also makes those successes in dog sports that much more special.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.Most wheatens will bark (like an alarm) if they hear or sense something but generally speaking they are not big barkers or what some would call yappy dogs. Something that is very important and a requirement for wheatens, is having a fenced yard or a safe place to walk or take them for exercise.
How long do wheaten dogs live?
You can expect a Wheaten Terrier to live around 12 to 14 years. Wheatens typically have one of two coat types: Irish or Heavy (American). The Irish coat is generally silkier and wavier than the Heavy, or American coat, which is thicker and fuller. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is named for its silky, wheat-colored coat.Another reason Wheaten Terriers are such great family dogs is that they are very intelligent and easily trainable. The only thing it’s hard to train them to do is not jump up on people. They love people so much and it’s an instinct.The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is famed for its amiable disposition and buoyant personality. They are often described as exuberant and lively, making them a delightful companion for both families and individuals. These dogs are inherently social and tend to form strong bonds with their human counterparts.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. The American coat is more stylized and requires more care, whereas the Irish coat looks like shiny waves.
What are the health risks of a wheaten terrier?
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. Veterinary research has identified two conditions that seem to have a higher than normal incidence in Wheatens: protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). Other conditions, like Addison’s disease and renal dysplasia (RD), have been found as well.Wheatens are prone to renal dysplasia, a genetic form of kidney disease affecting your dog as early as puppyhood. Signs include excessive drinking of water and urine production; poor appetite or weight loss; and eventually vomiting and diarrhea.They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of the family. Leaving them alone for long periods can lead to boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior. Soft coated wheaten terriers are also intelligent and curious dogs. They require mental stimulation and physical exercise to stay happy and healthy.Wheatens are prone to renal dysplasia, a genetic form of kidney disease affecting your dog as early as puppyhood. Signs include excessive drinking of water and urine production; poor appetite or weight loss; and eventually vomiting and diarrhea.The potential health problems that Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are prone to include: Hip dysplasia – hip joint laxity as a result of poor development, which will eventually lead to arthritis. Progressive retinal atrophy – gradual deterioration of the retina of the eye.