Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers do not have fur like most dog breeds, so their coats need special attention and care at least twice a week.
Wheaten's have real hair, which can easily become tangled as your pet romps about outside or in your home. They don't shed and are non-allergenic, but they do need regular brushing and combing to deter matting, and to keep their hair soft and flowing. The easiest way to groom this large dog is to have it lie on its side and then reverse to the other side.
You should also bathe your Wheaten regularly, so be sure to begin this practice when your pet is still in the puppy stage. This breed tends to be more playful than aggressive, so bath time should be fun. One trick to keep the hair from knotting is to follow a mild shampoo wash with a good cream rinse.
The hair of Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers should be trimmed every other month beginning at about five months of age when the coat becomes longer and thicker. As your pup gets older, its coat will thin out somewhat and become coarser, which should make it easier to maintain. Do not fall into the habit of cutting your Wheaten Terrier's coat too short to avoid constant care. Your pet's coat serves a purpose, which is to protect and insulate his skin.
These dogs generally have hair that grows between their pads, which must be cut as well. Also, their nails grow quite fast and must be clipped regularly. The paw hair and nails need to be taken care of to avoid throwing off the animal's gait and potentially causing damage to the legs.
If you are nervous or unsure of how to care for the coat of your Wheaten, you should take your dog to be professionally groomed or visit a breeding club either in person or on line to access a manual on the subject. You might also consider a grooming workshop, if one is available in your area so you will know how to care for your dog's coat properly.
Wheaten Terrier pups generally have dark hair, which can range from a mahogany color to red. However, some puppies are totally white or have a lighter coat with dark faces. Either way, their coats become blond as they grow and the color can turn a honey color to a rich wheat shade. You may find that your Wheaten still has some black or gray markings around its ears or chin, but there shouldn't be any dark colors on other parts of its body.
For the longhaired Wheaton, you will also need to check through the hair regularly during the summer to ensure that your pet does not have any hidden insect bites or allergy rashes. When well groomed, your Wheaten Terrier should display a soft and silky coat as well as the very dignified look of its breed.
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