Also called Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Wheaten, Wheatie, An Brocaire Buí · Terriers · Ireland
A lively, good-humoured terrier that adores its family and greets people with bouncy enthusiasm.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.6 to 20.5 kg (30 to 45 lb)males 14 to 20.5 kg, females 13.6 to 15.9 kg12 |
| Height | 43 to 50 cm (17 to 20 in)males 45 to 50 cm, females 43 to 46 cm12 |
| Lifespan | from 12 years32 |
| Coat | Single, soft, silky coat, wavy or loosely curled; low shedding |
| Origin | Ireland123 |
| Group | Terriers (FCI group 3) |
A lively, good-humoured terrier that adores its family and greets people with bouncy enthusiasm. It is smart, learns well with reward-based training and tends to be more easygoing with other dogs than many terriers, while still making an alert watchdog.12
single, soft, silky coat, wavy or loosely curled; low shedding
A sturdy, short-coupled terrier that gives an impression of strength in a medium frame. It has one layer of soft, silky hair with a gentle wave or loose curl that keeps growing rather than shedding much. Two coat styles are seen: the finer, wavier Irish coat and the fuller, heavier coat common in America.123
A typical home-care rhythm for a Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Moderate to high: up to about an hour of exercise a day. It is quite active and curious, and prefers cooler weather.32
Adapts well to family homes; a secure garden helps, as its curiosity can lead it to wander.2
Very people-oriented and generally sociable with children and other dogs, especially when well socialised young.2
Needs daily brushing and combing right down to the skin to keep the silky coat free of mats, plus regular trimming because the hair keeps growing.32
Feed adult dogs at least two meals a day; puppies need three to four smaller meals. Timings vary, so ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog.4
Offer a high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog's age, following the food label. Never give chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, or other foods listed as toxic by the ASPCA.5
A general rule is at least once every three months, but your dog may need more frequent baths. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks.6 Pet Wiki plan
Daily brushing and combing right down to the skin is essential to prevent mats in the silky coat. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends weekly brushing, but daily is ideal.32 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about once a month. Cut a little at a time to avoid the quick. Pet Wiki's plan suggests trimming every 28 days.6 Pet Wiki plan
Your Wheaten needs up to an hour of exercise each day, including walks and play. They are active and curious, so enjoy varied activities and cooler weather.32 Pet Wiki plan
Brush teeth ideally daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for redness or odor. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every two days and ear checks every two weeks.6 Pet Wiki plan
Soft-coated Wheaten Terriers typically live around 12 years or more.32
Yes, they are generally sociable with children and other dogs, especially when well socialized from puppyhood. They are friendly and adore their family.2
This breed is very people-oriented and may not enjoy long periods alone. It's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on your specific dog.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
The kidneys leak protein into the urine, usually in middle age; a DNA test shows risk and yearly urine and blood checks catch it early. SCWTCA: higher than normal incidence in Wheatens; DNA test and annual urine screen on the CHIC list ↗
The gut leaks protein, causing diarrhoea and weight loss; it can be managed with diet and medication if caught early. SCWTCA: higher than normal incidence in Wheatens; no rate ↗
Some puppies are born with kidneys that never develop properly, showing as heavy drinking and poor growth. SCWTCA: found in the breed; no rate ↗
The adrenal glands stop making enough hormones, causing vague illness that is treatable once diagnosed. SCWTCA: found in the breed; no rate ↗
The hip joint does not fit together well, which can lead to stiffness and arthritis later in life. no published rate; hip scoring on the SCWTCA CHIC list and UK KC best practice ↗
Eye exams check for inherited eye problems; DNA tests also exist for degenerative myelopathy and paroxysmal dyskinesia (a movement disorder). listed by the SCWTCA; no rates ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
Running costs for a Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Its enthusiastic habit of jumping up to lick faces is affectionately called the 'Wheaten greetin''.2
Puppies are born much darker, and the coat lightens and changes over the first 18 months to 2.5 years before settling into its wheaten shade.1
It was nicknamed the 'poor man's wolfhound' because it was the working dog of ordinary Irish farmers rather than the gentry.2
Its Irish name, An Brocaire Buí, means 'the yellow terrier'.2
Some Wheatens take part in herding trials, a nod to their farm-dog past.2
I bounce out of bed, ready for fun. My family calls me silly, and I greet them with a happy dance. We walk in the cool morning, sniffing flowers and wagging at other dogs. I love to learn tricks for treats. Back home, I guard the house with a soft bark at the postman. In the garden, I chase butterflies. Evenings are for cuddles on the sofa. I am a cheerful friend, always full of joy.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
For at least two centuries the Wheaten was Ireland's everyday farm dog, herding and guarding stock and keeping vermin down, and it was also used on badger and otter. It is thought to be the oldest of the Irish terriers and possibly an ancestor of the Kerry Blue and Irish Terrier. Official recognition came in 1937 in Ireland, 1943 in Britain and 1973 in the United States.132
Popularity Ranked 76th of AKC-registered breeds in 20257
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Irish Terrier
Glen of Imaal Terrier