Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed guide

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is keenly smart and willful and often has its own agenda, which AKC says makes it challenging to train. AKC describes the overall picture as a hard-muscled but soft-coated working terrier, an iron fist in a velvet glove.

Early socialization and training classes help it grow into a well-adjusted companion.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers live 12 to 14 years. AKC lists protein-losing nephropathy, a kidney ailment, protein-losing enteropathy, a term covering several gastrointestinal conditions, Addison's disease and renal dysplasia as conditions breeders screen for.

The soft, silky coat needs a fair amount of maintenance: a daily session starts with a thorough going-over with a pin brush or slicker brush, then a combing with medium- and fine-toothed metal combs and any mats found should be pulled apart.

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier has a medium to high energy level that does not diminish with age and needs plenty of exercise daily. A strong prey drive means an urge to chase anything that moves, from squirrels to cars, so play areas must be securely fenced.

Among Ireland's gifts to civilization AKC counts great literature, a mighty smooth whiskey and three magnificent long-legged terriers: the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Kerry Blue and Irish, which share ancestry and were bred for similar purposes.

As versatile farm dogs, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers did rustic chores such as ratting, guarding the chicken coop and even herding or bird-dogging and when the day was done they were engaging fireside companions.