Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Softcoated Wheaten Terrier is a breed of dog that originated in Ireland. There are two coat varieties, American and Irish.

The Wheaten was originally bred in his native Ireland to be an all-purpose farm dog whose duties would have included herding, watching and guarding livestock, and vermin hunting. This is probably why they are not as aggressive as other terriers, who were primarily vermin hunters. Their temperament is curious and friendly.

Wheaten terriers stay young at heart for many years. They are quite active.

Puppies have a dark coat of either red or mahogany. The muzzle and ears of Wheaten puppies may be black or very dark. The dark puppy coat gradually grows out into a wheaten-colored coat as they get older. The adult coat may contain black, white, or darker brown "guard" hairs in addition to the lighter wheaten-coloured hair.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers have a life expectancy of 15 to 16 years and they remain perky to the end. Wheaten owners are familiar with the famous "wheaten greetin'" these friendly dogs treat visitors with.