Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheatens are known for their famous 'Wheaten greetin'—an exuberant, bouncing hello they give to everyone they love. They're affectionate, playful, and thrive on being part of family activities, rarely happier than when surrounded by their people. While they have a typical terrier independent streak, they're less feisty than many terriers and generally get along beautifully with children and other pets.
Behavior & traits
- happy go lucky
- gentle with kids
- social
- people oriented
- alert
Health concerns
Wheatens are prone to two serious kidney conditions—protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)—so regular vet checkups including bloodwork are important. They can also experience food allergies, Addison's disease, and hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders screen for these issues, and early detection makes a meaningful difference in outcomes.
Responsible breeding and regular check-ups go a long way. Always ask breeders about health testing.
Feeding & nutrition
Most adult Wheatens do well on 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food daily, split into two meals. Because the breed is prone to protein-losing conditions and food sensitivities, many families work with their vet to choose a diet with high-quality, easily digestible proteins. Watch portions carefully—Wheatens love food and can put on weight quickly.
Exercise needs
Plan on at least an hour of exercise daily, including brisk walks, play sessions, and a fenced yard where they can run off some of that bouncy energy. Wheatens love family hikes, fetch, and active play with kids, making it easy to combine their exercise with family time. Without enough activity, they can become mischievous and bouncy indoors.
Living with a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Living with a Wheaten means living with a permanent cheerleader who thinks every family member deserves a joyful welcome, every single time. They're notorious 'counter surfers' and love being underfoot in the kitchen, so families quickly learn to keep food pushed back and floors clear. Their silky coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent mats, and they bring in every leaf, puddle, and bit of mud from the yard tucked into that famous beard. Kids adore them because Wheatens match their energy and patience, happily joining backyard games or curling up during movie night. They're sensitive souls too—harsh tones genuinely upset them—so a calm, consistent household brings out their very best.
Recommended products
A quality slicker brush and metal greyhound comb are non-negotiable for keeping that signature silky coat mat-free, along with a detangling spray for daily touch-ups. A front-clip harness helps manage their enthusiastic pulling on walks, especially during the puppy years. Durable chew toys and puzzle feeders help channel their busy minds, and a washable beard towel by the water bowl will save your floors from the inevitable post-drink drips.
Reads for Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners
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How to Train a Dog to Stay Calm During Thunderstorms
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If you've cycled through three "sensitive stomach" foods in two months and your dog's gut is still a mystery, the problem probably isn't the kibble — it's that no one told you how to actually run an elimination trial. Here's the 3-week diagnostic process, the variables most owners forget (hint: eating speed and anxiety), and honest picks for slow feeders and limited-ingredient foods when you genuinely need them.
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How to Create a Sensory Garden for Your Dog
Transform your backyard into a sensory wonderland for your dog with our guide to creating a sensory garden. Enhance their senses and enrich their life with tactile pathways, aromatic plants, and interactive features.