Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

30
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

Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz

Available Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

Charlie
Senior 1

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Irvine Animal Care Center · Irvine, CA

Related Breeds

Vizsla
Vizsla Dog

19 pets available

8

About the Vizsla The Vizsla is Hungary's national dog, with origins tracing back over 1,000 years to the Magyar tribes who settled the Carpathian Basin and needed a versatile pointer-retriever for the plains. These lean, athletic dogs stand 21 to 24 inches tall and weigh 44 to 60 pounds, with a distinctively sleek, muscular build and an elegant, ground-covering gait. Their short, smooth coat comes exclusively in various shades of golden rust — from sandy gold to deep russet — with no undercoat, giving them a clean, low-maintenance appearance. Temperament & Personality Vizslas are affectionate, energetic, and extraordinarily people-oriented — often called "Velcro dogs" because they want to be in constant physical contact with their owners. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and possess a sensitivity that makes them responsive to their family's moods. Vizslas form such intense bonds that they can suffer severe separation anxiety if left alone regularly — they truly need to be included in daily family life. Pros Exceptionally affectionate and forms deep, devoted bonds with familyVersatile athlete — excels in hunting, agility, dock diving, and trackingLow-maintenance coat with minimal shedding and no doggy odorGentle, sensitive nature makes them excellent therapy dogs Cons Severe separation anxiety — cannot tolerate being left alone for long periodsExtremely high exercise needs — requires 1 to 2 hours of vigorous activity dailyProne to epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and lymphosarcomaThin coat and low body fat make them uncomfortable in cold weather If you want a devoted, athletic companion who'll never leave your side, find your Vizsla on Puplister.

Yorkshire Terrier

90 pets available

34

About the Yorkshire Terrier The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture. Temperament & Personality Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world. Pros Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than furTiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban livingBold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activityLong lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care Cons Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handlingLong coat demands daily brushing or regular professional groomingProne to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental diseaseCan be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

156 pets available

32

About the Staffordshire Bull Terrier The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in 19th-century England's Staffordshire region from crosses between Bulldogs and various terriers, originally bred for bull-baiting and later as a compact, agile fighting dog — a history that belies its true nature as a devoted family companion. These muscular, athletic dogs stand 14 to 16 inches tall and weigh 24 to 38 pounds, packed with surprising strength and agility in a compact frame. Their smooth, short coat comes in red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle — with or without white markings. Temperament & Personality Staffordshire Bull Terriers are affectionate, courageous, and remarkably gentle with people — earning the nickname "nanny dog" in England for their extraordinary patience and devotion to children. They adore human companionship, are playful well into adulthood, and form intensely loyal bonds with their families. While they can be assertive with other dogs, proper socialization from puppyhood typically produces a confident, well-adjusted adult that gets along with everyone. Pros Exceptionally affectionate and gentle with children and family membersCompact, muscular build well-suited for smaller homes and apartmentsLow-maintenance coat requiring only occasional brushingBrave and loyal — a devoted companion that thrives on human interaction Cons Can be dog-aggressive without careful socialization and managementBreed-specific legislation and housing restrictions in many jurisdictionsProne to hip and elbow dysplasia, L-2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria, and cataractsStrong and powerful — requires owners who can provide firm, consistent leadership Staffies are among the most devoted family dogs in existence — find a Staffordshire Bull Terrier on Puplister and see for yourself.

Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Dog

74 pets available

34

About the Shih Tzu The Shih Tzu — meaning "lion dog" in Mandarin — was bred for centuries within the walls of the Chinese imperial palace, likely from crosses between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. These small, sturdy dogs stand 9 to 10.5 inches tall and weigh 9 to 16 pounds, with a slightly longer body than they are tall and a proud, flowing gait. Their luxurious double coat grows continuously and can reach floor length, coming in virtually every color and combination, with a distinctive chrysanthemum-like pattern on the face where hair grows in all directions. Temperament & Personality Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing, and delightfully playful — bred solely as companion dogs, they have centuries of experience perfecting the art of being a devoted lapdog. They are friendly with nearly everyone, including children, strangers, and other pets, making them one of the most sociable toy breeds available. Shih Tzus are happy, adaptable, and surprisingly sturdy for their size, with a mischievous charm that keeps their families entertained. Pros Exceptionally friendly and sociable with people of all ages and other animalsLow exercise requirements — short walks and indoor play satisfy their needsMinimal shedding when coat is kept in a shorter "puppy clip"Adaptable and content in apartments, condos, and any living situation Cons Long coat demands daily brushing or frequent professional groomingBrachycephalic structure contributes to breathing issues and heat intoleranceProne to eye problems (proptosis, corneal ulcers), ear infections, and dental diseaseCan be stubborn about housetraining — patience and consistency are essential A Shih Tzu's sole mission in life is to love and be loved — find yours waiting on Puplister today.

Related Articles

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 are currently 10 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 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.