What is the difference between a wheaten terrier and a soft coated wheaten terrier?Wheatens typically have one of two coat types: Irish or Heavy (American). The Irish coat is generally silkier and wavier than the Heavy, or American coat, which is thicker and fuller. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is named for its silky, wheat-colored coat. 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.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 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.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.
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. Wheatens can NEVER, NEVER, NEVER be trusted off leash in a unfenced area.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.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 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 a wheaten terrier be left alone?
The Wheaten Cairn Terrier can make a delightful pet in the right home. While this pup is adaptable, they don’t tolerate being left alone well. That makes them vulnerable to separation anxiety and other behavioral issues. This pooch needs companionship and regular interaction. 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.Wheaten Terriers don’t shed much. Grooming them well will help remove as much dead hair and dander as possible.The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a PEOPLE dog and CANNOT BE LEFT ALONE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. The Wheaten gets lonely and bored and will fret for your return, it is at this time that they can become destructive, just like any dog.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.
Are Wheaten terriers difficult to train?
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. Another reason Wheaten Terriers are such great family dogs is that they are very intelligent and easily trainable.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.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.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.
What is the life expectancy of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
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. 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.The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a medium to high energy level that does not diminish, even in old age. They need plenty of exercise every day.Due to their breeding history as farm dogs, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers may bark when new people approach their home or family. Early socialization and consistent training can help correct this behavior, and they are generally quieter than other terrier breeds.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).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.