Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 1st March 2026
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 1st March 2026
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier called An Brocaire Bui in Irish, is a breed of medium-sized dogs originally bred for killing vermin and herding and guarding livestock. It is a hardy, well-balanced sporting dog characterized by a rectangular, moderately long head, brown or reddish brown, slightly almond-shaped eyes, small- to medium-sized ears, powerful muzzle, compact body, deep chest, well-sprung ribs, straight, well-boned forelegs, well-developed hind legs, and high-set tail that may be docked.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
| Nicknames | Wheatie or Wheaten |
| Coat | Soft, silky, somewhat wavy or curly hairs covering the entire body, with some falling over the eyes |
| Color | Wheaten, rust |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Group | Terrier |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years |
| Weight | Female: 30-35 lbs Male: 35-40 lbs |
| Size | Medium |
| Height | Female: 17-18 in Male: 18-19 in |
| Shedding | Occasional, little |
| Size of Litter | Up to 8 puppies |
| Temperament | Playful, intelligent, faithful, energetic, affectionate |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Good with Children | Yes |
| Barking | Moderate |
| Country Originated in | Ireland |
| Competitive Registration/ Qualification Information | ACA, ANKC, ACR, APRI, CKC, CCR, CET, DRA, FCI, IKC, KCGB, NAPR, NKC, NZKC, UKC |
Wheaten Terriers Video
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Mix
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier X Golden Retriever Mix = Soft Coated Golden
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier X Poodle Mix = Whoodle
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier X Miniature Poodle = Mini Whoodle or Miniature Wheaten Terrier
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier X Miniature Schnauzer Mix = Soft Coated Wheatzer
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier X Havanese Mix = Hava-Wheat
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier X Lhasa Apso Mix
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier X Labrador Retriever Mix = Wheatador
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier X Australian Shepherd Mix = Aussie Wheaten
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier X Portuguese Water Dog Mix
History
Although much of the Wheaten’s history is not clear, it is believed to have a common ancestry with the Irish Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier. It is also known to have been bred in Ireland for more than two hundred years as a versatile farm dog that was commonly called the “Poor Man’s Wolfhound”. Tail docking was a common means of avoiding taxes, and so, its tail was usually kept to a certain size.
In 1937, the Wheatens were recognized as a breed by the Irish Kennel Club, and in 1943, by the British Kennel Club. They were first sent to the United States during the 1940s and were finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973. The Wheaten Terriers are now used as therapy dogs and take part in agility, obedience, and tracking competitions.
Temperament and Behavior
Happy, fun loving, and quite stubborn being a terrier, the Wheaten makes a good family dog that can be friendly to all the people in the house. It can adapt to living in the country and city, provided it gets the required amount of exercise on a regular basis. It gets stressed if you leave it alone for a long time, leading to excessive barking, digging, and other destructive behaviors.
It is not naturally aggressive and can live peacefully with other dogs and pets if trained at a young age. However, it is likely to chase at small, furry animals, especially cats that roam outside. It is not inclined to barking loudly but will alert its owner if it sees or hears anything suspicious.
The Wheaten gets along well with children and makes a wonderful playing companion with them but make sure that you teach your kids the basics about approaching and touching your dog.
Care
Exercise
Your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier should have at least 30 minutes of regular activity. It can include 15 minutes of brisk walking, walking and playing a game of fetch, or practicing for dog sports. Make sure that you walk your Wheaten on a leash while the playing area is securely fenced. Some Wheatens are known to love water, so you can teach your dog to swim in a pool. Since it does not handle the heat well and is known to suffer from heat strokes, you should keep it indoors on hot summer days.
Grooming
If you want your Wheaten to have a rugged look, you need to brush its coat for 10-15 minutes twice or thrice a week. You may use a slicker brush, a pin brush, thinning shears, and a pair of scissors. Its other grooming requirements include brushing its teeth regularly and trimming its nails every month. You may bathe your Soft Coated Wheaten when it is necessary.
Health Problems
The Wheaten is usually healthy, but some of them are prone to diseases like protein-losing nephropathy, Addison’s disease, renal dysplasia, and protein-losing enteropathy.
Training
The Wheaten can be independent and willful, meaning you need to be firm, consistent, and disciplined with training.
Socialization
You should start socializing your Wheaten early, typically between 3-12 weeks of age, by exposing it to people of different age, build, height, and complexion. Take it to the dog park or the pet store where it will see other dogs and make new friends. You may also have your friends come over to your house with their dogs to play with your Soft Coated Wheaten puppy.
Walking on a leash
Introduce it to a collar and leash by allowing it to wear them for a brief period during which you play with it and give it treats. Introduce your Wheaten to a cue like clucking your tongue or using a simple word like ‘Yes’. The second it looks at you reward it with treats. Make it come to you and walk with you some paces by using the sound cue and then giving the food reward. Practice walking in a distraction-free room before testing its skills outside.
Feeding
One-and-a-half to two cups of quality dog food appropriate to your Wheaten’s age may be given each day. The food formulation should provide quality sources of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Interesting Facts
- In the 1940s, the first Wheatens were imported to the US by Lydia Vogel of Springfield in Massachusetts.
- As compared to the thicker and woollier coat type of the American Wheaten Terriers, the Irish Wheatens have more silky and curly coat.
FAQ
