| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Characteristics: The sweet-tempered and lively Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1973). The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, is characterized by its delightfully, spirited appearance with a unique shiny, tangle-free coat, colored pale beige to shimmering gold and an alert, resolute expression. Other characteristics include dark brown or hazel, medium sized, almond shaped eyes; small, V-shaped, folded ears; a high set, curled tail and a graceful, fluid gait. The temperament of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be described as Energetic, Spirited and Affectionate. The coat type of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is described as soft, silky, wavy coat in wheaten colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Poor Man's Wolfhound". The origin of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog breed was in Ireland where it was developed in the 1700's. Fast Facts about the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1973) *** Nick name: "Poor Man's Wolfhound" *** Origin: Ireland *** Male Height: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) *** Female Height: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) *** Male Weight: 35-45 pounds (16-20 kg) *** Female Weight: 30-40 pounds (14-18 kg) *** Coat Type: soft, silky, wavy coat *** Coat Colors: wheaten colors *** Litter Size: 5-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Skin allergies, Hip Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Breed Group and Dog Type - Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1973): The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1973). Other names for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is known by the nickname of the "Poor Man's Wolfhound". Other names for this breed of dog include the Wheaten Terrier, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Softcoated Wheaten Terrier. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier" is a direct reference and description of the dog's type of coat and its color. The origin of the word 'terrier' is derived from the Latin word 'terra' meaning "earth" as so many of the terrier breeds were originally bred and trained as hunting dogs to catch vermin, such as rats and mice. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier History and Origin: The country of origin of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed was in Ireland during the 1700's and is one of the oldest breeds of terriers. The ancestors of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are the Irish Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier and bred as a hunter and for pest control to keep the numbers of rats, badgers and rabbits down. The nickname of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, the "Poor Man's Wolfhound" provides a clue to the history of the dog. Under the old Forest Laws in Ireland (and in England) only the nobility were allowed to own hunting dogs, such as the Irish Wolfhound. Poor people were only allowed to own working dogs such as herding dogs on farms and the different breeds of ratters. As the Forest Laws eased, new Excise Laws were passed making hunting dogs subject to taxation. The working man's dogs were exempt from taxation - but only if they were without a tail, proving that the animal was a working dog, not a hunter. The tails of working dogs were therefore docked, or 'cur-tailed', as an immediate proof of identification and on the premise that a dog with a 'bobbed' tail would be handicapped in respect of balance and mobility required by hunting dogs. In the 1700's and 1800's the tails of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier were docked - avoiding the 'Dog Tax'. The practice of tail docking was thought to increase its speed, strengthening the dog's back, and prevent injuries when ratting, fighting, and rat-baiting - all popular activities of working men during the era. The 'Dog Tax' was repealed in 1796 but due to the perceived advantages of docking a dog's tail the custom persisted, as did the cynical nickname of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier as the "Poor Man's Wolfhound". The tough Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier continued its useful work as a ratter and was also used as a gun dog in the 1800's and was exported to the United States around this time. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was eventually recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1973. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Modern History: The modern history of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier moved on and the breed is now used as a boisterous, friendly family pet who is one of the friendliest terriers. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Height: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 18-20 inches (46-51 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 17-19 inches (43-48 cm). Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 35-45 pounds (16-20 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 30-40 pounds (14-18 kg). Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Coat Type: The coat type is described as soft, silky, wavy coat. There are two main coat types: the silky, glossy "Irish" coat, and the thicker English" or "American" coat. Many Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies are born with a dark reddish brown coat, which lightens to pale yellow-gold wheaten color as the puppies mature. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include wheaten colors. The term 'Wheaten' refers to the color of wheat, especially a pale yellow-brown color. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The coat of this dog grows continuously, like human hair growth. The dog grooming needs of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 5-8 puppies. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Sweet-tempered, Energetic, Spirited, Affectionate and Lively. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a graceful, fluid, quick gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Diet: A fully grown Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed include Skin allergies, Hip Dysplasia. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed is 12-15 years. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Laser *** Glyn *** Clust *** Reece *** Levi *** Kynan *** Bevin *** Mojo *** Owen *** Treven *** Winn. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier names are Lilly *** Carys *** Gwendi *** Mercia *** Jen *** Demi *** Olwen *** Nerys *** Hope *** Seren *** Tegan. Fast Facts about the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1973) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Ireland *** History / Date: 1700's *** Male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Height: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) *** Male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Weight: 35-45 pounds (16-20 kg) *** Coat Type: soft, silky, wavy coat *** Litter Size: 5-8 puppies *** Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 