Is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier a good dog?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, an exuberant Irish farm dog, is happy, friendly, deeply devoted, and just stubborn enough to remind you he’s a terrier. The unique wheaten coat is low-shedding but needs diligent care to avoid matting. 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.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.The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a healthy, sturdy and well-muscled dog that, given proper care and nourishment, will live a long, healthy life. The average Wheaten Terrier lifespan is 12 to 15 years with some living up to 17 years.
What is the attitude of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
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. 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.Health problems. The greatest concerns in this breed are a serious digestive disease, two serious kidney diseases, and three eye diseases. Wheatens are also prone to allergic skin disorders and ear infections. Read more about Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Health.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).They are friendly and playful, as well as loving and loyal to their owners. However, they have high exercise and grooming requirements, which means they certainly aren’t a low-maintenance choice. After they’re thoroughly trained, the Wheaten is considered one of the easier Terriers to keep as a family pet.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.
Can soft coated wheaten terriers be left alone?
As an intelligent and very sensitive Terrier, this breed is not suited as a kennel dog, or to live in isolation whatsoever. Wheaten terriers thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods.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.They are intelligent, yet headstrong. The Wheaten Terrier is in perpetual play mode and has plenty of energy to burn, and often makes a great match for a family.Unfortunately, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful!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.
Are Wheaten terriers high maintenance?
Wheaten Terriers have many admirable qualities including a fun-loving nature, intelligence and beauty. However, they are high maintenance dogs. The coat is non-shedding and must be brushed daily to prevent matting. This one point cannot be stressed enough. 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.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.Another reason Wheaten Terriers are such great family dogs is that they are very intelligent and easily trainable.
Do wheaten terriers bark a lot?
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. Despite their friendly demeanor, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers can be protective of their loved ones. They make excellent watch dogs and will alert you to any potential dangers or strangers approaching your home.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.Wheaton are a herding breed which means the dog is more of a problem solving free thinker than other non hearing breeds. Many herding breeds nip when they want to disagree, correct or redirect their charges. When the dog is in a working capacity and trained with a specific purpose, this is a valuable trait.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.