GROUP 2 - TERRIERS

Brief History
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the traditional Irish farm dog. Under the penal law of the 18th century in Ireland, tenant farmers were prohibited from owning a dog worth more than $5. It likely that the anonymous terriers, later to be known as the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, were the dogs kept by the poor tenants. Wheatens earned their keep and were an all-purpose dog. They would hunt, herd, stand guard, be a companion and poach. In 1937 the breed was recognised by the Irish Kennel Club. Claims have been made that it is the oldest of the Irish terrier breeds and therefore soft, wheaten coats sometimes show up in litters of pups in the other terriers from Ireland.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span is 10 to 15years.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about breed health and what health testing the breeder does.

Temperament
Game, full of confidence and humour, affectionate.

The Wheaten is a happy and steady dog, given early consistent and positive training. They do require training to become a reliable pet. They are alert with a natural interest in their surroundings and are less aggressive to other dogs than many breeds, however, they will stand their ground if provoked. Wheatens can be formidable when it comes to hunting and may forget you if they see something worth chasing when off lead.

General Breed Description
The Wheaten Terrier is distinguished by its coat which, in the adult, is the colour of ripe wheat and is soft and gently waving and does not shed. He is a medium sized, nearly square terrier, balanced in outline and carrying his tail up. The Wheaten has a flattish head, folded ears and a luxurious beard.

Coat and Care Requirements
The coat is a continuously growing coat. Individual Wheaten coats vary, with some being silky and others much thicker. It is important to wash and comb the Wheaten coat weekly, otherwise the coat will mat. Because the coat does not shed, it should be regularly trimmed. A well trained wheaten will be fine in a fenced, suburban back yard with access to the all the activity of his family and a daily walk. He will be tempted by small family pets like rabbits and chickens

Size
Height: Males 46-49cms (18 to 19.5ins), Females slightly less.

Weight: Males 16 to 20.5kgs, Females somewhat less

Suitability
A well trained Wheaten is a versatile dog, a good companion and family dog. Suitable for a suburban household, the Wheaten is great for active owners ready to walk, train and play with him. He needs to be involved. As he is not aggressive, he is a great dog at the dog park. He is a good watch dog, but not an excessive barker. Wheatens in Australia have been used to herd sheep and catch vermin. They are ideal for owners interested in showing, obedience, herding, lure coursing, agility, trick dog and tracking.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/58