Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

Appropriately, the Irish-born Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier made its show debut on St. Patrick's Day in Dublin in 1937.

History:

The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is the oldest of Ireland's Terriers. The story told of their origins is that their ancestors came ashore after ships from the Spanish Armada sunk off the coast of Ireland. How these dogs changed to become the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is still under debate, however. This Terrier was originally used as an all-purpose working Terrier on the farm. It acted as a cattle drover, guard dog and hunter of badgers, rats, rabbits and otters. The name is obviously derived from this breed's long, silky, wheaten-colored coat.

Physical characteristics:

The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a compact dog well-suited to its former jack-of-all-trades lifestyle. Height: 17 - 19 in (43 - 48 cm). Weight: 35 - 45 lb (16 - 20 kg). The forward-folded small ears and the dark medium-sized eyes are obscured by the shaggy top-knot of hair on the skull. Indeed, only the jet black nose and pink tongue can be seen. The coat is fairly long on the body and only slightly shorter on the legs and docked tail. It is soft and profuse and may be wavy to curled. The only colors allowed are soft, pale yellow to fawn - the colors of ripening wheat.

Behavior:

The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier is a good all-round dog. Most have a predictable temperament and make good companion animals. This is an alert dog that provides a good watch-dog service. The Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier truly thrives when it is allowed to have plenty of exercise. It is a delight to see this dog's wonderful coat shimmering as it runs across the fields. This is a happy dog that enjoys the company of people as well as other dogs.