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 € |
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.
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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