Can Wheaten Terriers be aggressive?
Animal aggression. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are less scrappy toward other dogs than many other terrier breeds. But they are still a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. Toward cats and other small running creatures, many Wheatens have chasing instincts. Soft-coated wheaten terriers can bark a lot when they are left alone for too long or when they want to alert you to something. Training to reduce excessive barking can be useful for this breed.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. This makes them challenging 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.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).
Are wheaten terriers high maintenance?
They are low-shedding but do require extensive coat care to avoid matting. Before bringing home a Wheaten Terrier puppy, make sure you have the time to keep up with at-home grooming and the budget for regular trips to a professional groomer. The Wheaten is an intelligent breed and often has a mind of their own. 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.The coat does not shed or smell, when kept properly combed. A regular grooming schedule is absolutely mandatory to keep the lovely coat in shining, clean and mat-free condition. Grooming is particularly intensive during the ages of 8 to 24 months when the puppy coat is changing to the adult coat.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.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. Ear flaps especially need to be kept well-trimmed.
What are the cons of the wheaten terrier?
The Wheaten may be particularly prone to a developmental kidney disorder called renal dysplasia, which may be particularly serious if it affects both kidneys. Another potential problem is Addison’s disease, meaning the low production of adrenal hormones, which causes poor appetite and loss of energy. 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.Glomerulonephropathy is an inherited disease that slowly damages your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s kidneys causing them to fail, often at an early age. Because damaged kidneys leak protein, we may be able to diagnose this disease by testing his urine for excessive protein.The Wheaten may be particularly prone to a developmental kidney disorder called renal dysplasia, which may be particularly serious if it affects both kidneys. Another potential problem is Addison’s disease, meaning the low production of adrenal hormones, which causes poor appetite and loss of energy.