Discover Everything About Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier receives a grade B, as it has a largely average health profile. While hip dysplasia (HD) is well-controlled through mandatory health tests within breeding programs, prospective owners should keep an eye on potential eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts. Overall, the breed is robust, provided that buyers choose certified breeders who consistently perform these standard tests.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
43–48 cm
Weight
14–18 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Long, silky, curly, without an undercoat
- Origin: Ireland
Typical coat colors
- Wheat colored
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier right for you?
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a boisterous, cheerful Irish farm dog—a long-legged Erdhund (earth dog) bred for ratting and guarding the homestead. Beneath that soft, cuddly coat, you won't find a teddy bear, but a quick-reacting terrier with a genuine hunting instinct.
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy active engagement and impulse control training—as an Erdhund, he possesses a speed of reaction that can quickly turn into uncontrolled hunting behavior if not properly channeled.
- You plan for fixed, weekly time slots for intensive grooming, as his silky hair lacks an undercoat and mats incredibly fast.
- You are looking for an extremely people-oriented, exuberant companion who loves to accompany his family every step of the way throughout the day.
- You have a confident demeanor and can steer his legendary, stormy greeting—the 'Wheaten Greetin'—into manageable channels with calm consistency.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that will ignore small animals or the neighbor's cat in the garden—he was bred to keep the farm free of vermin and will decide for himself in a split second if in doubt.
- You are looking for an invisible, quiet roommate—as a former farm guardian, he reliably and loudly announces unusual noises.
- You regularly leave your dog alone for long periods on weekdays—he is strongly bonded to his humans and tends to get frustrated when isolated.
- You mistake his fluffy appearance for a naturally obedient companion dog and have no patience for typical terrier-style debates.
The real vibes check
A Wheaten Terrier looks like a soft stuffed animal, but functions like a high-performance sports car. He loves you devotedly and stormily, but will immediately switch into his hardcore terrier mode outside at every rustling bush. If you lead this explosive mix of Irish clown and gritty hunter with humor and clarity, you will have the most loyal shadow in the world.
Breed Profile
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, often referred to simply as a Wheaten Terrier, is a medium-sized dog with a friendly expression and lots of energy. With his bright, wheat-colored fur, he is a real eye-catcher. The body is strong and well proportioned, the eyes are dark and full of life, and the coat is silky and curly, giving it a very unique appearance. As a member of FCI Group 3, the Terrier, the Wheaten is characterized by its activity and endurance. Although there may be differences between show and performance lines, all Wheatens are known for their friendly nature and willingness to play and work.
| Height | 43 - 46 cm (Female), 46 - 48 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 14 - 16 kg (Female), 16 - 18 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Intelligent, active, friendly |
| Coat | Long, silky, curly, without an undercoat |
| Coat Color | Wheat colored |
| Price | 2000 - 3500 € |
History
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an ancient Irish breed that has existed for hundreds of years, although it was not officially recognized as a distinct breed until 1937. Originating in Ireland, the breed was highly valued as an all-purpose farm dog. They were employed for a variety of tasks, including herding livestock, guarding the farmstead, and hunting rodents and small game. Despite their long history, Wheatens remained relatively unknown outside of Ireland until they were exported to the United States and other parts of Europe in the 20th century. Since then, the breed has gained worldwide popularity, not least due to its friendly nature and versatility.
Versatile farm dog used for vermin hunting, guarding, and herding livestock.
Ireland
18. Jahrhundert
Character & Temperament
A large part of the popularity of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier comes from its spirited yet balanced character. These dogs are intelligent and trainable, meaning they respond well to training and activities. Wheatens are lively and active dogs that love to run and play, and they are always up for adventure. The dogs of this breed are known for their friendliness and openness towards people, which makes them excellent family dogs. They are extremely playful and generally get along well with children. Wheatens are also very people-oriented and enjoy the company of their humans. They should therefore not be left alone for long periods of time, otherwise they could become unhappy. Wheatens have a strong hunting instinct, which comes from their past as all-around farm dogs. This can lead to a tendency for them to chase small animals when walking and it may be necessary to keep them on a leash in unsafe areas. However, despite their hunting instincts, they are not aggressive and generally get along well with other dogs. As for alertness, Wheatens are alert and can make good watchdogs, although they are not overly suspicious or aggressive toward strangers. They are more likely to indicate that someone is there than to react aggressively.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Despite their plush, teddy bear-like appearance, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers were originally farm dogs and are known for their versatility and hard work.
What Awaits You
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are considered to be easy to train, but only tolerated to a limited extent with their peers. He is motivated by hunting and can be very determined. These dogs need activity appropriate to their type, then they can also be great companions.
Housing & Care
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can make a good city dog provided he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. They also get along well with children and can be a good choice for families. Wheatens are generally friendly towards other animals, including cats, provided they have been well socialized from an early age.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Adapts well to city living and urban environments. | Well-suited to city life |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Wheatens are intelligent dogs that enjoy learning and working. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and can learn a variety of tasks and activities, including obedience, agility, and even therapy work. It is important to note that Wheatens have high energy levels and therefore require enough exercise and activity to keep them mentally and physically busy. However, it is also important to watch for signs of overwork and ensure the dog gets enough rest and relaxation time. Wheatens is unlikely to become "ball junkies." but they can be very playful and benefit from a variety of activities and games. It is important to teach frustration tolerance and impulse control with this breed as they can sometimes be a little stubborn and like to go their own way.
Nutrition & Care
Wheatens are active dogs that require a balanced diet with enough protein and healthy fats to meet their energy needs. The specific amount and type of food may vary depending on the dog's age, size and activity level, and it is advisable to discuss the diet with a veterinarian or nutritionist. When it comes to coat care, Wheatens require regular brushing to keep their coat clean and tangle-free. They don't have an undercoat and therefore don't shed much, making them a good choice for people with allergies. The climate in Germany should not be a problem for Wheatens as they can adapt well to different weather conditions.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier receives a grade B, as it has a largely average health profile. While hip dysplasia (HD) is well-controlled through mandatory health tests within breeding programs, prospective owners should keep an eye on potential eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts. Overall, the breed is robust, provided that buyers choose certified breeders who consistently perform these standard tests.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
In addition to the very demanding daily grooming, you should ensure a highly digestible diet and schedule regular veterinary check-ups for kidney function.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, eyes, and kidney and intestinal health of the parent animals strictly screened to reduce risks within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Bernd M., Halter aus Berlin (Rüde, seit 2008)
Nachdem unser erster Wheaten-Rüde im stolzen Alter von 15 Jahren verstorben ist, stand für uns fest: Es muss wieder ein Wheaten sein. Inzwischen wohnt wieder ein junger Rüde bei uns. Für mich gibt es kaum eine tollere Rasse. Sie sind extrem kinderfreundlich, sehr verspielt und unglaublich lernfreudig. Was ich auch sehr schätze: Selbst wenn sie nass werden, riechen sie im Vergleich zu anderen Rassen praktisch überhaupt nicht unangenehm.
Man darf das Thema Fellpflege allerdings nicht unterschätzen. Das weiche Haar neigt schnell zum Verfilzen und man muss den Hund wirklich von klein auf ganz konsequent an Bürste und Kamm gewöhnen. Wenn man diese Pflege nicht scheut, bekommt man einen absolut liebenswerten, wunderschönen Begleiter, der bei uns zum Glück auch kaum Jagdtrieb zeigt.
Peter B., Halter aus Bayern (Hündin Gráinne, seit 2001)
Ich sage es immer wieder ganz offen in Foren: Ein Wheaten Terrier ist in meinen Augen kein Hund für Anfänger. Auch wenn sie unfassbar charmant aussehen, darf man nicht vergessen, dass es sich um waschechte, ursprüngliche Terrier handelt. Sie bringen eine ordentliche Portion Sturheit und Eigenständigkeit mit.
Unsere Hündin Gráinne fordert uns täglich. Man braucht für diese Hunde eine sehr konsequente Erziehung, gepaart mit viel Geduld, Liebe und einer klaren Linie. Vorerfahrungen mit anderen Terrierrassen sind hier definitiv ein riesiger Vorteil, um mit dem typischen Dickkopf richtig umzugehen. Wer einen reinen Befehlsempfänger sucht, wird mit dieser Rasse nicht glücklich werden.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Is a Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier the right dog for me?
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier live?
The average life expectancy of a Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need?
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier good for families with children?
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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