Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

As its name implies, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is prized for its coat, which is soft, silky, with a gentle wave, and of warm wheaten color. Underneath, however, is a formidable dog that leaves no doubt as to his terrier origins. Square and medium-sized, he is happy, steady, self-confident and alert to his surroundings. The Wheaten is also versatile, competing in obedience, agility and earth dog trials.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed facts

Known for more than 200 years in Ireland, the "Wheaten" shares common ancestry with the Kerry Blue and the Irish Terrier, but was not owned by the landed gentry. They were the poor man’s dog, an all-purpose farm dog, given to patrolling the borders of small farms, ridding them of vermin, herding sheep and hunting with his master.

Information you should know before owning a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Wheatens tend to be less scrappy than other terriers but they are true terriers and will be more active than many other breeds, enjoying plenty of exercise every day. They relate well to children and can adapt to city, country, and suburban life. The Wheaten is single coated and sheds minimally, but needs regular grooming to keep its coat mat free.

The actual origin of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier cannot be found in printed record. Recurring reference to a terrier soft in coat, wheaten in color, and of a size to fit the Wheaten of today, lends credence to the belief that the history of the Soft Coated Wheaten began long before records were kept and when the challenge of "best dog" was most often settled in a "fists up" confrontation between the owners.

Known for more than 200 years in Ireland, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is believed by some to be an important ancestor of the Kerry Blue. Legend tells us that when the Spanish Armada was sunk off the shores of Ireland, the blue dogs who swam ashore found terriers with a soft wheaten coat waiting to welcome them.

Of necessity these early dogs were bred for their working qualities, with shade of coat or exact measurements of small consideration and no record. As only the brave, strong, and proficient survived and reproduced, nature really set the standard for the original stock of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Thus has evolved a very attractive, well-made dog of medium size, quick witted, and responsive. The demands of his function required steadiness and discrimination, which have been retained, while preserving the joy in living and the stamina associated with a terrier.

Sponsored by Dr. G.J. Pierse, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was campaigned to registration with the Irish Kennel Club, and on March 17, 1937, a most fitting day for Irish dogs, made its debut in the Irish Kennel Club Championship Show. For many years this breed was required to qualify in both major and minor field trials over rat, rabbit, and badger before attaining championship. Registration with The Kennel Club (England) came in 1943.

In 1962, on St. Patrick's Day - again that most appropriate date - the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was founded when a small group of interested fanciers met in Brooklyn and agreed on a common goal, namely to preserve and protect the Wheaten in the United States and to promote the breed to public interest and American Kennel Club registration. Also present at that meeting were three Wheatens destined to pioneer the breed in the show rings-Holmenocks Gramachree, Gads Hill, and Holmenocks Hallmark, better known as "Irish" (O'Connor), "Liam," and "Maud" (Arnold). Since then, each year has seen substantial gains in registrations, in Club memberships, and in public interest. And each year showing has increased in breed competition and in obedience exhibition.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book on May 1, 1973, and to classification in the Terrier Group at AKC shows October 3, 1973.