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🐕 Medium · Ireland

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Size, Weight & Temperament

The Wheaten Terrier is a cheerful, soft-coated terrier with a silky, wavy coat that needs plenty of exercise, consistent training, and regular grooming of its fast-growing coat.

~ Some experience
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog breed portrait
Photo: sannse · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Resized and recompressed
Weight male16–20 kg
Weight female13–16 kg
Shoulder height44–49 cm
Size classMedium (12–25 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 15 months
Life expectancy12–14 years
Activity levelHigh
OriginIreland
ClassificationFCI Group 3 (Terriers)

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: temperament & character

The Wheaten Terrier is friendly, playful, and less quarrelsome than many other terrier breeds, yet energetic and boisterous. He is strongly attached to his family and rarely shows pronounced wariness toward strangers. His prey drive is present but more moderate than in other terriers.

How much exercise does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need?

This breed needs extensive daily exercise and stimulation, ideally combined with dog sports such as agility. Without sufficient outlets, the Wheaten Terrier tends toward boisterous jumping and leash-pulling. Early leash training is important given his strength.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: grooming & shedding

The soft, wavy coat sheds very little but needs brushing several times a week and regular trimming to prevent matting. Many owners have the breed professionally clipped. The eye area and beard should be checked regularly because of coat growth.

Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier suitable for beginners?

The Wheaten Terrier is conditionally suited to beginners, as he is friendlier than many other terriers but still needs consistent training and plenty of exercise. The considerable grooming effort should be realistically planned for. Active families with time for grooming and exercise are well suited.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier health problems

Breed-typical conditions include protein-losing nephropathy and enteropathy (PLN/PLE) as well as renal dysplasia. Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) also occurs more frequently. Regular monitoring of kidney values and urine protein levels is recommended.

Is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier right for you?

With childrenYes
SheddingLittle
Grooming effortHigh
BarkingLittle
Home alonePoor
Other petsWith reservations
TrainabilityModerate

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sheds little and is therefore considered comparatively well tolerated by allergy sufferers. No breed is truly hypoallergenic, though: the allergy is triggered by the protein Can f 1 in saliva and dander, not by the hair itself.

Good with: Active families, owners with time for grooming

Is your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier at a healthy weight? Calculate the ideal weight and the right portion size for free in the Souldog app.

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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.