Are Wheaten terriers high maintenance?
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. 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.Most Wheatens will bark an alarm when strangers approach. They must be carefully fenced or walked on a lead since they will wander or run if not fenced.The Wheaten Terrier is alert, happy, playful and friendly. Though they do not bark unnecessarily, they will give voice when a stranger arrives. They make great watchdogs. They get along well with children and other dogs, as long as they are socialized at an early age.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.
How rare is a Wheaten terrier?
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-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.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.Wheatens love all people and are only occasionally wary of strangers. Wheaten Terriers see every person and animal as a new best friend they just haven’t met yet. Because of this, no one should fear being bitten by a Wheaten (unless it has been terribly frightened and feels panicked or cornered).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.
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. 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.Regarding temperament, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is highly devoted and affectionate and loves just about everybody they meet. They’re even good for first-time pet parents and apartment dwellers. But beware: that soft, silky coat needs a lot of grooming.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. Wheatens are intelligent, have a good sense of humour, and are tolerant with a good nature.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.Wheaten Terriers can have two types of coats, the Irish coat or American coat. The Irish coat is silkier and wavier, whereas the American coat is thicker and fuller. Their coats start as red, brown, mahogany or white but slowly change color as they grow older to wheaten, black, white or darker brown.
How long do Wheaten terriers live?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally a healthy breed with a typical lifespan of 12–14 years—about average for a medium breed. But as with all dogs, Wheatens have a predisposition for developing a handful of health conditions pet parents should be aware of. AVERAGE LIFESPAN The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can live up to 13 years of age.Wheatens typically live from 10 to 15 years. Most wheatens do not slow down until they are well past seven years old.Life Span The average life span of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 12 to 14 years.Wheatens do not do well left alone for long periods. Wheatens typically live from 10 to 15 years. Most wheatens do not slow down until they are well past seven years old.
Is a Wheaten terrier a good family dog?
Wheaten Terriers have a spirited and affectionate nature. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them excellent family companions. They love to be part of the family’s activities and enjoy the company of children. Soft-coated wheaten terriers tend to have an upbeat, extroverted temperament. They are typically loving with and devoted to their owners, and they are moderately wary when it comes to strangers. A bubbly, high energy level also shapes the wheaten’s personality.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 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.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.
Are Wheaten terriers difficult to train?
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. The Wheaten terriers are affectionate, faithful, spirited, playful and energetic, and very intelligent. Their Intelligence ranking is a three out of five, and they’re pretty easy to train. They are playful and always up for an adventure.Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are considered a low-shedding breed. Their hair grows continuously and, with proper grooming, shedding can be minimal, making them a popular choice for those with allergies.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.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.