About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Origin: Known in Ireland for more than two centuries, the Soft-coated
Wheaten Terrier was the poor man's hunting dog, a slayer of vermin, a
herding dog and a watchdog. Wheaten Terriers are thought to be one of the
ancestors of the
Kerry Blue Terrier dog.
The tousled-looking farmer's dog attracted little attention until a terrier
match in 1932 when a group of fanciers decided to form a club. Wheaten
Terriers were first called Irish Wheaten Terriers, but that was considered
too close to the Irish Terrier, so it was changed to the present name. Soft
Coated Wheaten Terriers were first exhibited in 1937 and placed on the list
of native Irish breeds. In the beginning, the breed was shown in its natural
shaggy state but when other terrier fanciers derided them as looking like so
many haystacks, the owners began to 'top and tidy' them, eventually
resulting in the familiar scissored trim now seen in the North American show
ring.
Temperament:
This is indeed a dog that licked the Blarney Stone. The Wheaten Terrier is a
happy, steady dog with an aura of self-confidence, inquisitive and alert.
Activity level: A bit more laid-back than many other terriers, the Wheaten
Terrier is still spirited, enjoys activity and is ready and willing to
learn. He requires no less than a daily brisk walk to satisfy his exercise
needs and more will be appreciated.
Height/Weight: The ideal height for a male Wheaten Terrier is 18.5 in (47
cm) and weight should fall in the range of 35-45 lb (16-20.5 kg). Female
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers will stand 17.5 in (44 cm) and register 30-35
lb (13.5-16 kg).
Coat: The non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat is abundant, soft-textured and
wavy.
Color: Pale gold to warm honey is the color of the Wheaten Terrier. Darker
shading may be found on the ears and muzzle. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
puppies are born dark in color and lighten to wheaten as they mature.
Grooming: Thorough brushing is needed on a regular basis to prevent mats. It
takes considerable scissoring skills to trim the coat in the accepted show
style.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Clubs
- Kerry - Ja
Vehnaterrierikerho - Finland - The Soft Coated Wheaten Club of
Finland
- Motor City Soft Coated
Wheaten Terrier Club - To enhance the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed
and to provide support services for our club members
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of
America - Club information, breed information, buyer's guide.
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of
Great Britain - Breed and Club Profile, events, reports, puppies
- Soft Coated
Wheaten Terrier Club of Greater St. Louis - Show results and
information.
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club
of Greater Tampa Bay - Includes a history of the club and a listing of
the clubs activities, information on the SCWT and a local breeders list.
- Soft Coated Wheaten
Terrier Club of Ireland - Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club Of
Ireland
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of
Northern California - Club events, information, show schedules, and
breeder referrals.
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of
Southern California - Dedicated to maintaining the Wheaten's outstanding
spirit, health and beauty. The Club plans many educational and social
activities such as guest speakers, grooming seminars, fun days and puppy
matches for both pet and show owners.
- Soft Coated Wheaten
Terrier Fanciers' Association of Ontario - Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Fancier's Association of Ontario
- Soft Coated
Wheaten Terrier Local Clubs in USA - Listing of SCWT clubs by
state
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Rescues
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