GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: 43-50cm (l7”-19½”).
Colour: Wheaten - a clear pale yellow to fawn.
Coat: Soft, silky and either loosely waved or slightly curly.
Gait: Free flowing with good hind propulsion - head and tail carried high.
A medium sized compact dog whose attractive colouring and silky coat make Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers stand out in the terrier group at dog shows. The dark hazel eyes under strong brows are set mid way between the flat skull and the square muzzle. The high set ‘V’ shaped ears, like the skull, are covered in plenty of hair. The slightly arched neck runs into well laid back shoulders and a moderately wide chest. Fore and hind legs are well muscled and the stifles must be well bent. The customary docked tail measures between 10-13cm (3”- 4”) and is carried erect.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
The Wheaten’s temperament combines the Terrier intelligence and alertness, but being people orientated, they are dependent on their owners whom they love and are anxious to please. Harsh or too strict treatment of this breed can result in them becoming stubborn. While they will bark at strangers, generally they are quieter than most of the smaller terriers.
Similar to many members of the sight hound family, this breed also is sensitive to anaesthesia and vets should be notified of this fact. While the coat does not shed seasonally, the Wheaten does need regular grooming and this should commence from puppyhood. Unlike the Kerry Blue Terrier, these terriers need not be heavily trimmed.
HISTORY
Along with many other terriers, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is presumed to have been evolved from the old English rough coated black and tan terrier, with infusions of the Skye Terrier and some Irish breeds. These dogs fulfilled the needs of the farmers of earlier times by acquitting themselves well with cattle, as a guard dog, a hunter and a shooting companion and generally became a canine jack-of-all-trades.