Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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Happy Friendly Devoted Lively

About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland over 200 years ago as an all-purpose farm dog — herding livestock, guarding property, and dispatching vermin, earning it the nickname "the poor man's wolfhound." These medium-sized dogs stand 17 to 19 inches tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds, with a sturdy, compact build beneath their distinctive coat. Their single-layer, silky, wavy coat matures from a dark puppy color to its signature warm wheaten gold by about two years of age — and unlike most terriers, it is soft rather than wiry.

Temperament & Personality

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are exuberant, affectionate, and joyful — known for their characteristic "Wheaten greeting" where they enthusiastically jump up to lick faces, which can be endearing or problematic depending on the recipient. They are deeply devoted to their families, excellent with children, and more tolerant of other dogs than many terrier breeds. Their happy, bouncy energy remains well into adulthood, and they approach life with an infectious enthusiasm that brightens any household.

Pros

  • Single coat sheds minimally — more suitable for allergy-sensitive households
  • Friendly and exuberant — loves people and gets along with children and other dogs
  • Less aggressive and territorial than many other terrier breeds
  • Versatile and athletic — enjoys agility, hiking, and active family life

Cons

  • Coat requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent matting
  • Prone to protein-losing nephropathy and protein-losing enteropathy — serious breed-specific conditions
  • Jumping and exuberant greeting behavior can be difficult to manage
  • Can be stubborn during training and requires patient, consistent methods

The Wheaten Terrier's joyful spirit and soft golden coat are hard to resist — discover available Wheatens on Puplister.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Quick Facts

Size
30–40 lbs, 17–19 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

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Available Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

Ringo
Young 1
Ringo
M

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier / Border Collie

Friends Of Orange County's Homeless Pets · Menifee, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is known for being happy, friendly, devoted and lively.
How many Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are available for adoption?
There is currently 1 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier from Puplister?
To adopt a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.