How to Identify a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, or Wheaten, is a very distinguished terrier breed in both appearance and temperament. A member of the terrier group, they were originally bred in Ireland for a number of jobs alongside some other types of terrier. [1] Though Wheatens are noticeably different than most other terriers, they do share some traits with other breeds of dog, but they can be recognized by noticing their key traits. This wikiHow will help you identify a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Viewing the Structure

  1. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are medium-sized dogs. Males have a height of 18–19 inches (46–48 cm) and a weight of 35–40 pounds (16–18 kg), while females are slightly smaller, standing at 17–18 inches (43–46 cm) in height and weighing 30–35 pounds (14–16 kg). [2]
  2. The head of a Wheaten is moderately long and rectangular. It is well-balanced, powerful without being coarse, and proportionate to the body. The skull between the ears is flat and clean with a defined stop, and the skull is equal in length to the foreface. [3]
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  3. A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's eyes are medium-sized and slight almond-shaped. They are set fairly wide apart. The eyes are dark reddish brown or brown in color with black rims. [4]
  4. Wheatens have small to medium-sized ears that drop slightly forward from the level of the skull. Lying next to the cheeks, the inside edges of the ears point toward the ground. [5]
  5. The strong, powerful muzzle of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is well-filled below the eyes without giving an impression of snipiness. The cheekbones do not appear prominent. The dog's nose is large and black in color, and the lips are tight and black, while the teeth are large and meet in a scissors or level bite. [6]
  6. A Wheaten's paws are compact and give off a rounded appearance. The black pads are good in depth and complement the dark nails. Any dewclaws on the front or back legs are typically removed. [7]
  7. The tail of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is high-set and may be either docked or natural. It is carried either straight or with a slight curve forward and upright at a 90 degree angle from the back. When the dog moves, the tail is always carried erect. [8]
  8. Wheatens are well-balanced, compact, and square, giving off an impression of strength, grace, and coordination. They have a strong neck, a deep chest, laid-back shoulders, straight forelegs, well-sprung ribs, a level back, and well-developed hind legs which turn neither in nor out. Wheatens walk with a lively yet graceful gait with good frontal reach and a strong back drive. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Examining the Coat

  1. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their unique coats that distinguish them from other terrier breeds. They have a single coat that covers the entirety of the body, legs, and head. The coat is abundant and sometimes even hangs over the dog's eyes on a side. It is soft and silky in texture and gives off the appearance of a gentle wave. [10]
  2. Just as their name suggests, Wheatens may be any shade of wheaten, a color defined as a pale yellow or fawn resembling that of wheat. [11] The dog may also appear to have occasional red, white, or black guard hairs if viewed from up close and may have blue-grey shading on the ears and muzzle. [12]
    • Wheatens may be any shade of wheaten, such as a pale beige or a shimmering gold color. [13]
  3. Puppies and adolescent Wheatens may have different coats that have yet to fully develop. The general waviness of a Wheaten is typically not yet present until the dog matures, and the coat may appear somewhat different in color. [14]
    • Puppies under a year old may be deeper colored with occasional black tips.
    • Adolescent dogs under two years old may be quite light in color without being white.
    • The true wheaten color of the breed generally appears once the dog is two years old.
  4. Though Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are infrequent shedders, their unique coats require moderate maintenance. Note if the dog needs to be brushed a few times a week to maintain their coat. [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Identifying Temperament

  1. Unlike many other terrier breeds, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known to be typically friendly and sociable. With proper socialization, they can be very jovial and outgoing, even toward strangers. [16]
    • This may lead to frequent barking, which can make a Wheaten an excellent watchdog (though not a guard dog) despite their friendliness toward strangers. [17] Excessive barking, however, should be addressed during training.
  2. Wheatens are remarkably energetic and athletic, requiring frequent play and exercise. They are very active, agile, lively, and even enjoy "bouncing" up and down. [18]
    • In fact, Wheatens exhibit puppy-like energy their entire lives as if they never grow up. Even throughout their adult years, they are playful and happy companions. They may, however, be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time as they value company. [20]
    • With high levels of energy come potentially high levels of boredom. Wheatens require enough physical and mental exercise to keep them occupied and prevent potential destructive behaviors. [21]

    Did you know? Along with the Kerry Blue and Irish Terriers, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was bred in Ireland to be an exuberant and versatile farm dog. They were used for tasks such as guarding chicken coops, ratting, and even herding, so their high energy levels come as no surprise. [19]

  3. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers usually get along well with pets of other species. Some may show signs of aggression toward other dogs of the same sex, however. [22]
  4. Despite their temperamental differences when compared to other terriers, Wheatens are still known to possess some typical terrier personality traits such as stubbornness. They require a firm and assertive trainer to address this. [23]
  5. Wheatens are notably adaptable dogs and are quick to adjust to new environments as long as their families come along. Their adaptability can allow them to be great roadside or travel companions. [24]
  6. Overall, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known to be self-confident, which has its benefits and downsides. This can add to their friendly temperament but also complicate training with a potential independent streak. [25]
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      Tips

      • Consider DNA testing if you wish to identify the breed of your own dog. This will confirm if your dog is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/about/glossary/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier/
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SoftCoatedWheatenTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier/
      7. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/softcoatedwheatenterriers.html
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/softcoatedwheatenterriers.html
      10. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier-temperament/
      12. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/softcoatedwheatenterriers.html
      13. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier-temperament/
      14. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/softcoatedwheatenterriers.html
      15. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier-temperament/
      16. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier-temperament/

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