Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a joyful, exuberant dog with a signature greeting — the 'Wheaten Greeting' — a full-body leap of excitement when you walk through the door. Wheatens are deeply devoted to their families, playful with children, and endlessly entertaining. They retain strong terrier independence and can be stubborn, but their affectionate nature and hypoallergenic coat make them a favorite for allergy-conscious families.

Wheatens need 45–60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. They love fetch, hiking, and agility. Without adequate exercise, they become boisterous and destructive. A securely fenced yard is essential — their terrier instincts make them determined chasers.

The Wheaten's signature silky coat is low-shedding but requires significant maintenance. Brush 3–4 times per week to prevent matting, and schedule professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. The coat should never be shaved — it changes texture permanently. Regular trimming around the eyes and ears is important.

Coat type: Soft, silky, wavy single coat; low-shedding

PLN and PLE are the most serious health concerns unique to Wheatens. Responsible breeders screen for these kidney and intestinal protein-losing conditions. Annual urine testing is strongly recommended for all Wheatens throughout their lives.

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of Ireland's oldest native breeds, with origins dating back over 200 years in County Kerry. They were the working dog of Irish tenant farmers — too poor to own the purebred hunting dogs of the aristocracy — used for herding, hunting, and guarding. The breed was officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1937 and arrived in the US in 1946. They were recognized by the AKC in 1973.

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  Wheaten Terriers were the working dog of poor Irish tenant farmers — they were called 'the poor man's Wolfhound.'

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  Their silky, wheat-colored coat is unique among terriers and changes dramatically from puppyhood to adulthood.

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  Wheatens perform the 'Wheaten greeting' — an enthusiastic jump-and-lick welcome that can knock over small children.

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  They are one of the few terrier breeds that are hypoallergenic — their soft coat sheds minimally.

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  Wheaten Terriers are prone to PLN (Protein-Losing Nephropathy) and PLE (Protein-Losing Enteropathy) — serious conditions that responsible breeders test for.

Owning a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a long-term financial commitment. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to budget for.

* Estimates based on national averages. Costs vary by location, lifestyle, and individual health needs. Emergency vet visits are not included.

Wheaten Terrier popularity has grown steadily as allergy-sensitive families discover their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat. Their cheerful, energetic personality and moderate size make them excellent family dogs. Breed health advocates have raised awareness of PLN and PLE — serious kidney and protein-losing conditions — which has prompted more health-conscious breeding.

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