A happy Irish farm terrier with a silky wheaten coat.
Origin
Ireland
Height
17–19 in (43–48 cm)
Weight
30–40 lb (14–18 kg)
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Soft, silky, wavy wheaten — low-shedding
Energy
High
Overview
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium Irish breed known for its warm, wheaten-colored coat of soft, silky waves — unusual among terriers. A versatile farm dog, it herded, guarded, and hunted vermin with cheerful energy.
Friendly, exuberant, and affectionate, the “Wheaten” is a happy, people-loving terrier famous for its enthusiastic “Wheaten greetin'.” It is less scrappy than many terriers, bonding warmly with its family and thriving on activity and company.
History
An old Irish breed, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier was a poor farmer's all-purpose dog, herding stock, guarding the home, and controlling vermin. Long overshadowed, it gained formal recognition in the 20th century as a distinctive terrier.
Where it comes from
Ireland
Highlighted in the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier's lineage color on the map.
Temperament
The Wheaten is happy, outgoing, and people-oriented, generally good with children and other dogs. It is spirited and less aggressive than many terriers, thriving on activity and companionship and responding to positive training.
Health to watch
Protein-losing nephropathy and enteropathy occur in the breed; monitoring and veterinary care are important.
A developmental kidney disorder occurs in some lines; screening and monitoring support early management.
Adrenal insufficiency and skin allergies appear in the breed; awareness and vet care aid management.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every dog is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
The soft, silky coat mats easily and needs frequent brushing plus regular trimming or grooming.
This energetic terrier needs vigorous daily activity and play to stay balanced.
Given the breed's protein-losing and kidney risks, regular veterinary checkups are especially valuable.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.