What is the life expectancy of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
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. 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, 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.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 are quite well known to be slow to train. They are very smart in resolving problems like retrieving toys that have fallen under furniture, or getting treats out of toys (such as Kong toys, 2-in-1 plush toys, or Hide-A Squirrel toys), or even more complex dog puzzle toys.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 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. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a fairly high energy level. They love being a part of family activities, enjoy attention and physical exercise, and excel at dog sports–such as agility, flyball, tracking, and obedience.Another reason Wheaten Terriers are such great family dogs is that they are very intelligent and easily trainable. The only thing it’s hard to train them to do is not jump up on people. They love people so much and it’s an instinct.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.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).Wheaten terriers are typically smart dogs, though willful, and often have their own agenda. This can make them a challenge to train, though can also make training fun. This also makes those successes in dog sports that much more special.
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. Wheatens can NEVER, NEVER, NEVER be trusted off leash in a unfenced area.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.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.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.
What is a small version of a wheaten terrier?
The Soft Coated Wheatzer is a hybrid breed that is a mix of the Miniature Schnauzer and the SoftCoated Wheaten Terrier. They are generally small to medium sized dogs, weighing under 30 pounds and usually shorter than 18 inches tall. 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.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.The Wheaten Terrier’s hair type is Curly. The only color is Wheaten. Their hair will take a lot of grooming, and you will want to see a professional to help keep it in good condition. Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers are low shedders. They should get a bath every 3-4 weeks, more often than average.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.
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. Wheatens are playful, loving, and often tend to get along quite well with kids. So if you’re looking for a terrier that adores people, cuddles, and an active lifestyle, the Wheaten might just be the breed for you.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.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 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.Another reason Wheaten Terriers are such great family dogs is that they are very intelligent and easily trainable. The only thing it’s hard to train them to do is not jump up on people. They love people so much and it’s an instinct.