Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Get to Know Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

• Famous for the “Wheaten Greetin": This breed is known for enthusiastically jumping up to greet people they love, often with tail wags, kisses, and full-body wiggles.
• Terriers at heart: Despite their soft appearance, Wheatens share the classic terrier traits: spirited, determined, and occasionally a bit stubborn.
• Late bloomers in coat and maturity: Their adult coat doesn’t come in until about 12 to 18 months of age, and they often take longer to emotionally mature compared to other breeds.
• They don’t shed much: Wheatens have a single-layer, silky coat that sheds minimally, making them a popular choice for allergy-sensitive homes (though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic).
• They have Irish roots: For centuries, Wheatens worked as humble farm dogs in Ireland, only gaining formal recognition in the 20th century, long after they’d proven themselves as loyal and capable companions.

Breed History

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland over 200 years ago, where it was bred as an all-purpose farm dog. Known for their versatility, Wheatens helped with herding livestock, guarding property, and hunting vermin. Unlike the more well-known Irish Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier, the Wheaten was considered the “poor man’s dog” and remained largely unrecognized outside rural communities for many years. It wasn’t until 1937 that the breed was officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club, and later by the Canadian and American Kennel Clubs in the 1970s. Their soft, silky coat and spirited personality quickly earned them fans worldwide.