Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Guide: Size, Temperament, Grooming and Health for Adopters
What is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier came from Ireland, where it worked as an all-around farm dog that kept vermin down, guarded the homestead and rounded up stock. The AKC places the breed in the Terrier Group.
Where does the Wheaten Terrier come from?
The United Kennel Club describes it as a dog of common working people that hunted otter and badger and guarded against intruders. The AKC recognized the breed in 1973.
How big does a Wheaten Terrier get?
The AKC lists the breed as medium in size, with males standing 18-19 inches and females 17-18 inches. For weight, the AKC gives 35-40 pounds for males and 30-35 pounds for females, while the United Kennel Club gives 40-45 pounds for males and says females are proportionally less. On height, the United Kennel Club puts males between 18 and 19 inches and says females are somewhat less.
What is a Wheaten Terrier's temperament and personality like?
The AKC uses the words friendly, happy and deeply devoted for the breed. The United Kennel Club describes an even-tempered, intelligent, friendly dog that is willing to defend but not aggressive. VCA Animal Hospitals notes the breed is eager to please but can be headstrong, and that many love their people and show it by jumping up.
Soft coated wheaten terrier grooming: do wheatens shed?
Wheatens shed very little, yet their grooming needs are considerable. Combing and brushing at least three times a week helps prevent painful mats, and the hair fall over the eyes and other longer hair needs periodic trimming. VCA also advises weekly ear cleanings, nail trims and paw pad-hair trims.
How much exercise does a Wheaten Terrier need?
VCA says a Wheaten needs a moderate walk, a short jog or a run in an enclosed area every day, plus games and tricks for mental exercise. Since the breed enjoys running and hunting, VCA advises letting it off leash only inside a safely fenced space.
How do you train a Wheaten Terrier?
VCA describes Wheatens as responding best to a firm, steady and patient approach that stays positive, and as very sensitive to harsh methods. Reward-based training with food and games tends to work best.
What is the average lifespan of a Wheaten Terrier, and what health issues should adopters know about?
The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12-14 years for the breed. VCA names Addison's disease, kidney disease, protein-losing neuropathy and protein-losing enteropathy among the genetically based health issues. Ask a veterinarian what checks suit an individual dog.
Wheaten terrier rescue and adoption: what should you consider?
Before a wheaten terrier adoption, weigh the frequent coat care and the daily exercise this breed needs. Many Wheatens are described as gentle and playful with children, though jumping up may need patient training.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Terrier Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1973
- Height (AKC published)
- 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 35-40 pounds (male), 30-35 pounds (female)
- General life expectancy
- 12-14 years
- AKC size category
- Medium
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 4 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 4 of 5
- Shedding: 1 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 2 of 5
- Adaptability: 3 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Protein Losing Nephropathy - Variant 1 (PLN) - DNA Test
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Urinalysis
- UPC/Micro Albumin (MA) Test
- Serum Chemical Screen
- Protein Losing Nephropathy - Variant 2 (PLN) - DNA Test
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 9, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
