Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Information: Complete Guide

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

History and Origin

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, a cheerful and hardworking terrier breed known for its silky, wheat-colored coat and friendly temperament, traces its origins to Ireland, where it developed over 200 years ago. Bred by Irish farmers, the Wheaten was a versatile all-purpose farm dog used for herding livestock, guarding property, and controlling vermin. Unlike many aristocratic breeds, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was traditionally owned by common farming families, earning it the nickname “the poor man’s wolfhound.”

Historically, Wheatens were rugged, medium-sized working dogs valued for their stamina, intelligence, and loyalty. Their soft, flowing coat helped protect them from Ireland’s harsh climate while remaining low-shedding compared to other terriers. Though long overshadowed by more refined terrier breeds, the Wheaten’s affectionate nature and adaptability eventually gained wider recognition.

The breed began attracting international attention in the mid-20th century and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1973. Today, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are cherished worldwide as loving family companions, combining the determination of a terrier with a notably gentle and people-oriented personality. Their rich working heritage and joyful disposition continue to define the breed.

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Coats Types & Colors

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Characteristics

The further out a point is along a spoke, the stronger that trait is in the breed (on a scale of 1 to 10).

Exercise & Activity Breakdown

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are energetic, athletic, and people-oriented dogs with a playful and enthusiastic nature. While they are not extreme endurance dogs, they do require consistent daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay balanced and well-behaved. Without proper outlets, Wheatens may develop unwanted behaviors such as jumping, digging, or excessive excitability.

• Puppy (0–12 months): Wheaten puppies are curious, bouncy, and eager to interact. At this stage, focus on short, structured play sessions, early socialization, and basic obedience training. Activities like gentle fetch, tug toys, exploratory walks, and interactive games help build coordination, confidence, and good manners without overloading growing joints.

• Adult (1–6 years): Adult Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers thrive on daily brisk walks, active play, canine sports, and engaging activities. They excel at obedience, rally, agility, and scent games when trained positively. Puzzle toys, structured training sessions, and off-leash play in secure areas help keep them mentally sharp and physically satisfied.

• Senior (7+ years): As Wheatens age, their energy levels may gradually decrease, but they still benefit from regular, low-impact exercise. Gentle walks, light play, and mental enrichment such as food puzzles or training refreshers support joint health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being while maintaining a predictable routine.

Nutrition

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers need a high-quality, well-balanced diet that aligns with their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) and supports their active, medium-sized build. As an energetic breed with a distinctive single-layer coat, Wheatens benefit from nutrient-dense food formulated for medium breeds with moderate to high activity levels to maintain lean muscle, steady energy, and overall vitality.

Their diet should provide a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to support skin and coat health, digestive function, and immune strength. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known to be prone to protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and protein-losing nephropathy (PLN), making ingredient quality, digestibility, and portion control especially important. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and gut-supporting nutrients can help reduce inflammation and promote long-term health.

As Wheatens age, incorporating joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin, along with antioxidants for cognitive health, can support mobility and healthy aging. Always monitor weight and stool quality, and consult your veterinarian when selecting or changing foods. Read our “Best Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Food Guide” to explore targeted nutrition tips and top food recommendations.

Common Health Issues

Most Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are healthy, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Common health concerns include:

*PRA: Progressive Retinal Atrophy
*HD: Heart Disease

Recommended Health Tests for Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers:

Proactive health measures, attentive care, and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier lives a happy and healthy life as your loyal companion.

💡 Due to this breed’s high proclivity to health issues, we recommend getting pet insurance for financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. Check out our best pet insurance guide to find a suitable plan for your pet.

Care Requirements

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Trainability

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are intelligent, enthusiastic, and people-oriented dogs with a joyful approach to learning. They are quick to understand new commands, but their classic terrier independence and high excitement levels can make training both rewarding and occasionally challenging. Consistent, structured training using positive reinforcement is essential for bringing out their best behavior. Wheatens respond exceptionally well to praise, food rewards, and interactive play—especially when sessions are upbeat and engaging.

Compared to many terrier breeds, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are notably softer and more sensitive, meaning harsh corrections can backfire. Early socialization, clear boundaries, and patience are key. They thrive when training feels fun and purposeful rather than repetitive or strict. Short, varied sessions help maintain focus and prevent boredom. With ongoing reinforcement, mental stimulation, and clear expectations, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers grow into well-mannered, confident companions who enjoy working alongside their owners and participating in family life.

Intelligence

According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren (author of The Intelligence of Dogs – View on Amazon), dog intelligence can be broken down into three types:

1. Instinctive Intelligence – What a dog is bred to do (herding, guarding, retrieving).
2. Adaptive Intelligence – A dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from the environment.
3. Working & Obedience Intelligence – How quickly a dog learns commands and obeys them.

IQ Comparison

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their above-average intelligence, curiosity, and problem-solving ability, especially in environments that encourage interaction and hands-on learning. While they may not always rank at the very top of strict obedience-based IQ studies, Wheatens excel in adaptive intelligence—their ability to think independently, learn through experience, and respond to real-world situations. This makes them particularly strong in activities such as obedience, agility, scent work, and interactive games. Wheatens shine when training is engaging, positive, and purpose-driven. Their playful temperament and people-focused nature allow them to learn quickly when motivation is high. However, their terrier independence means they may question repetitive commands, which can sometimes be mistaken for lower intelligence. With patient guidance, consistency, and variety in training routines, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers demonstrate impressive learning capacity and mental flexibility.

Their keen awareness, adaptability, and emotional intelligence allow them to perform well in family settings, canine sports, and companionship roles—often excelling when they are mentally challenged and rewarded for participation rather than forced compliance.

Breeding

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are valued for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and sturdy build. Like many purebred dogs, however, they can be prone to inherited health conditions such as protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), protein-losing nephropathy (PLN), hip dysplasia, renal disease, and Addison’s disease. For this reason, responsible and ethical breeding is essential. Reputable breeders should perform comprehensive health screenings and genetic testing to reduce the risk of passing on serious hereditary conditions. Proper spacing between litters is important to protect the health of both the dam and puppies, and only physically healthy, mentally stable Wheatens with sound structure and temperament should be bred. Emphasis should be placed not only on appearance, but also on long-term health, behavior, and breed integrity.

• Age: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers should not be bred until they are fully mature—typically between 18 and 24 months of age.
• Litter size: A typical Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier litter includes 4–8 puppies.
• Temperament: Breeding dogs should display stable, people-friendly temperaments—confident, outgoing, and affectionate, without excessive shyness, aggression, or anxiety.

Is The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier A Good Family Dog?

If the conditions below align with your lifestyle, personal preferences, and living situation, a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier could be a wonderful pet for your family. Otherwise, you may want to consider other breeds.

✅ = Ideal / Strong Match | ⚠️ = Needs Consideration | ❌ = Not Recommended

Annual Cost of Ownership

Best Places to Get A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Online marketplaces: For pre-screened, healthy puppies, Pawrade and PuppySpot are recommended resources, offering puppies from reputable U.S. breeders.

Rescue shelters: While Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are rarely available at local shelters, opportunities can occasionally arise. Check your local animal shelters or dog rescue organizations for information. Online communities, such as Facebook groups, can also be helpful resources.

Breeders: Finding a reputable Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breeder can be challenging due to the complex nature of breeding this large, purebred working dog. Start by searching locally within your state. You may need to travel out of state if local options are unavailable. If purchasing from a breeder further away, consider the possibility of shipping the puppy if pickup is not an option. It’s essential to request medical records and health certifications for both parents. The American Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Association’s approved breeder list is a trusted resource for finding ethical breeders.

Avoid breeders who:

• Don’t provide health clearances for both parents
• Don’t allow visits to meet the dogs or see their living conditions
• Have frequent litters with no waiting list
• Emphasize appearance over health and temperament

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.