Is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier a good dog?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is full of energy, loves people, and makes a great family pet. In disposition, Wheatens are steady and fun-loving and they tend to be less scrappy than most other terriers. Wheatens are adaptable to both country and city environments. They relate well to children and usually make good watch-dogs who will bark to announce the arrival of a stranger.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.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).This working breed enjoys playing. But Wheaten Terriers will also enjoy cuddling time on the couch as long as they get enough stimulation during playtime.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.
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. 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.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.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.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 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.
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. 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.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.It is at this time that a dog can become destructive – Wheatens are no exception to this. He is at his best when he shares family life to the full, by being included in just about everything you do.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.
Are Wheaten terriers intelligent?
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. 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.Over time, your Wheaten Terrier might calm down a bit and start to trust you more, but they also might need a little extra training or even medication to help them calm down. Basically, you need to figure out what the trigger for their fear or anxiety is and then remove that trigger from their environment if possible.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 high maintenance?
Introduction to Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers These dogs have an easygoing nature and only need a moderate amount of exercise. They are intelligent and ideal dogs for indoor living, but they are also fairly high maintenance when it comes to grooming their luscious coat. 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.Bright and sensitive, yet spunky and headstrong, the Soft Coated Wheaten, like most terriers, is not particularly easy to train. He requires a leash at all times, else he will take off on you, and he requires an assertive owner who can set consistent rules and follow through.One reason they’re so affectionate is that they’re protective. As former farm dogs, Wheaten Terriers have an innate need to stay on watch for those around them. Wheaten Terriers have a lot of energy. Like other working breeds, they need a job to direct their energy.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.
What illnesses are Wheaten terriers prone to?
Breed-related health problems: 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. 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!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.Introduction to Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers These dogs have an easygoing nature and only need a moderate amount of exercise. They are intelligent and ideal dogs for indoor living, but they are also fairly high maintenance when it comes to grooming their luscious coat.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.