Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is thought to have shared some common ancestry with the Kerry Blue Terrier and The Irish Terrier since much of their history hasn’t been recorded.
In Ireland, the Terrier was more of a hunting dog that would also help protect farmers against intruders both humans and animals.
The first ones came to the United States in the 1940s.
There were very few Terriers until the mid-1960s when more of the Terriers were bred and an actual Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club was founded in Brooklyn that created much more awareness for the breed.
And today, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is ranked as the 62nd most popular breed among those that are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Breed Characteristics
They are a uniquely shaped dog with a square-like body, a rectangular head, medium sized ears that lie next to his cheek and a docked tail or natural one that is either slightly curved to the front or straight and erect.
It is a medium sized dog with males averaging about 17 to 19 inches tall and weighing anywhere from 36 to 40 pounds.
Females are 16 to 18 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 31 to 35 pounds.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a very silky coat which makes this pup unique among the Terrier breeds. The lush, soft coat covers the Wheaten’s full body with a full head of hair over his face.
The Soft Coated Wheaten’s coat is typically any shade of wheat which ranges from a goldish look to a pale beige. There tend to be speckles of different colors like red, white and sometimes a blue-gray type of shade.
Puppies are usually born with a darker coat that becomes lighter as the dog matures.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Because they only have a single-coat, Wheatens are known to be light shedders.
They are often considered hypoallergenic dogs because they shed so little. Of course, no dog is completely hypoallergenic, but due to the minimal shedding, owners with allergies should fare well with this pup.
The grooming depends on how you want your Wheaten to look. But, bathing is only necessary if your dog gets dirty or plays in the mud.
The Wheaten’s life span is between 12 to 15 years.
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Wheaten Terrier Personality
The generally a happy, confident dog that can alert you to intruders, but might be too friendly to do anything about it!
Wheatens love children and can get along with both cats and dogs. This doesn’t mean he won’t chase a squirrel if he happens to encounter one in the yard or in his path.
Just like all dogs, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier should be socialized when they’re puppies to become a better, more happily adjusted adult.
Early training is important too. Wheatens tend to have a stubborn streak so you need to be firm with the training but not too harsh. They are sensitive pups.
They are easily adaptable to any home, even an apartment, as long as he can get enough walks and exercise. This human-loving pup needs to live inside primarily and not be by himself outside.
A half hour a day of exercise should keep your Wheaten happy and it can be merely playing fetch or a few short walks.
If you do play outside with your Wheaten or leave him outdoors for a short time, make sure that you have the proper fencing. If your Wheaten spots a small animal anywhere in his or her sight, this hunter dog will run after it and quickly!
Wheatens love the snow but aren’t that fond of rain. The heat can affect them so keep your Wheaten indoors with the air on during the hot summer months.
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Common Health Problems in Terriers
Just like any purebred dog, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have some health issues that are common among the breed.
Of course, not all Wheatens will get any of the below health conditions, but it’s always good to be aware of these health issues:
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Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease, which is also referred to as hypoadrenocorticism, is a serious condition that is caused when the adrenal hormones are not being produced sufficiently. The usual symptoms are poor appetite, lack of energy, vomiting and/or diarrhea. It can be easy to miss the diagnosis of the disease since the symptoms are only severe when Addison’s disease is advanced. The latter, more severe symptoms occur when a dog’s potassium level is so high that it can interfere with the normal functioning of the heart. This can then be fatal. A vet will run a variety of different tests if he or she suspects that Addison’s disease is the cause of any of the symptoms.
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Protein-Losing Enteropathy
Protein-Losing Enteropathy is a condition in which there is a loss of plasma and protein through the gastrointestinal tract. Dogs with this condition will have a lower level of cholesterol, globulin, and albumin. The symptoms include diarrhea, a swollen abdomen, frequent urination, and a hard time breathing. There is no cure at this time for the condition, but diet and medication can help manage it.
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Protein-Losing Nephropathy
Protein-Losing Nephropathy is when a dog’’ body is losing protein and plasma through the kidney. Dogs with this condition will usually have high cholesterol, increased phosphorus, urea nitrogen, and sometimes anemia. The symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, extra thirsty and increased urination and even swelling of the legs and stomach. In serious cases, there can be kidney failure. While there is no full cure, the condition can be helped and managed with diet and medication.
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Renal Dysplasia
Renal Dysplasia is a condition that causes abnormal development of the kidney and can cause kidney failure. The kidneys tend to be smaller or never mature properly. The symptoms can include excessive thirst, poor appetite, and even vomiting. The Wheaten Terrier is known to have a genetic basis for this condition (but, not all Wheatens will have it!)
Learn More: Why I Wish I Bought Pet Insurance When I First Got My Dog
Should You Purchase Pet Insurance for Your Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?
If you adopt or purchase a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, pet insurance can help to make sure your pup always stays in the best health.
With certain breeds that are pre-disposed to some genetic conditions or health concerns, pet insurance can really help in so many different ways.
If your Wheaten has any serious disease or even something common like allergies, pet insurance can help with the testing, treatment, and medication. And not just once, but for the lifetime of your pup!
When a pet insurance policy will pay anywhere from 70% to 90% of your total vet bill, that can be a lifesaver if you end up with a vet bill of $10,000. It can and does unfortunately happen.
Even a healthy Wheaten can potentially develop some sort of illness or injury in a 15 year lifespan. And pet insurance can help your Wheaten get the best care possible.
Make sure to purchase pet insurance when your Wheaten is a puppy and before any condition develops so it isn’t considered pre-existing.
And make sure that you enroll in a pet insurance provider like Healthy Paws and Embrace that cover all hereditary or genetic conditions with very comprehensive policies.
Your fun-loving Wheaten will become an important companion to you and your family. And you want to be covered just in case something does happen to your fur kid.
If you are looking for a pet insurance company that will cover your Wheaten without breaking the bank, our top 10 pet insurance companies is a great place to start!
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What are the key characteristics of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a square-like body, rectangular head, medium-sized ears, and a silky coat that comes in various shades of wheat. They are known for being light shedders and are considered hypoallergenic.
What health problems are common in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?
Some common health issues include Addison’s Disease, Protein-Losing Enteropathy, Protein-Losing Nephropathy, and Renal Dysplasia. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care are essential for their well-being.
What is the personality of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Wheaten Terriers are generally happy, confident dogs that can be good alert companions. They are friendly, love children, and get along well with other pets. Proper socialization and early training are crucial due to their sensitive nature.
Is pet insurance recommended for Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?
Yes, pet insurance is recommended, especially considering the breed’s predisposition to certain health conditions. Insurance can cover vet bills, testing, treatment, and medication, providing financial support for the lifetime of the pet.
What should I consider when choosing pet insurance for my Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
It’s advisable to choose a pet insurance provider that covers hereditary or genetic conditions and offers comprehensive policies. Purchasing insurance when your pet is a puppy and before any conditions develop is crucial to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.