What are the cons of the Wheaten terrier?
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. 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.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.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.Wheatens typically live from 10 to 15 years. Most wheatens do not slow down until they are well past seven years old.
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. 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.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.Wheatens are rarely aggressive, and never aggressive with their family. They are a bit stubborn, so training is a bit difficult, but once trained they’re pretty good (although mine still can’t drop toys, and only comes when called about half the time).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).
How intelligent is a wheaten terrier?
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.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. Wheaten Terriers are typically sociable with other dogs and can get along well with other pets if properly introduced.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.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.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.
Can a wheaten terrier be left alone?
Wheaten terriers thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods. 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.The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of the quieter breeds in the Terrier dog breed group. They’ll still bark when people enter your home, but they’re not generally yappy. They’re also super easy to train, which makes it easier to teach them not to bark even when visitors show up!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.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.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.
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. Barking: Most Wheatens will bark an alarm when strangers approach. They must be fenced or walked on a lead since they are known to wander and will chase squirrels, rabbits, cars, etc. They are terriers and care must be given when there are other pets in the household.They are liable to kill such animals because of their heritage of ridding vermin on farms. 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.