If you are considering acquiring a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier as an addition to your family, there are a number of interesting things you may not know about this breed.
First of all, Wheatens are also known as "Wheaties" and "Softies." These are shortened versions of their full name that are easy to remember.
To purchase one from a breeder will cost a minimum of $1,000. To acquire grooming tools, a good-size crate and other necessities will increase that amount by about $300.
Wheaten terriers are one of the happiest dogs in the world. They are active and high-spirited, so you will need to be persistent and patient when you begin training your new puppy.
Wheatens have hair, so it should not cause any allergic reactions.
Your Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier probably won't want to go outside when it's raining, but will enjoy playing in the snow.
Wheatens don't usually bark unless they sense trouble of some kind. However, this breed is so outgoing that any burglar will find that the dog jumps up happily on them as a greeting. They need training to act in a more aggressive manner in this type of situation.
You may find that your Wheaten likes to walk with his leash in his mouth. It gives him the feeling that he is proudly walking himself.
Do not feed your Wheaten any foods with wheat gluten as it is suspected of causing protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). These diseases cause severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. If not attended to immediately, they can be fatal.
Wheaton Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but can be extremely sensitive to anesthesia, especially if it includes barbiturates. With proper care and plenty of love, this active dog should remain healthy for about 14 years.
The New Yorker has called Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers the "perfect apartment dog." Hailing from Ireland, members of this breed are known to be affectionate companions, fairly intelligent and more easily trained than some other dogs.
Cynthia Hollis, who operates the Sit & Stay Dog Training Center in Christiana, Tennessee has bred a number of Champion Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers including the first ever and still the only Wheaten to acquire the Hollywood Happy Jack title, Utility Dog Excellent. Another terrier from the same line became the first terrier to acquire the Rally Advanced Excellent title in 2005.
Wheatens are very popular dogs. You will even find one with a web site on MySpace. His name is Dudley the Furball and he claims to be "the cutest thing you've ever seen." Dudley says he loves "long belly rubs and running like an animal round the house late at night." Dudley also says he likes to "wear polo shirts" and that he is very spoiled. It appears that Dudley has plenty of canine friends on MySpace too, including Clark the Labradoodle, Chuey The Chihuahua and Honey Bear.
There are many books available at the library, on line and in bookstores about Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers for anyone wanting to know more about this popular breed.
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