About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Called the "perfect apartment dog" by the New Yorker, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier truly deserves such a title. This beautiful sporting terrier, originating in Ireland, does not shed, has no odor, and seldom barks. Intelligent, loving, obedient and lively: this is the Soft Coated Wheaten.
One of the oldest Irish breeds, the Wheaten is the forerunner of the Irish and Kerry Blue terriers. In Ireland he was an invaluable aid to his master, helping with the stock and controlling vermin. The Wheaten was doubly precious to Irish hunters because he would respond to silent hand signals--especially helpful if the hunter were poaching illegal game!
The Wheaten's background in Ireland is somewhat uncertain. For many years they were simply farm dogs valued for their working capabilities.
In 1937 the breed was recognized by the Irish Kennel Club, and in 1943 Wheatens were officially accepted by the English Kennel Club. Their U.S. recognition was not to come until October, 1973.
Before 1973, Wheatens were shown in Miscellaneous Class at dog shows in this country, and the U.S. Wheaten family was a small one. We are proud Riverrun played a part in the initial era of fanciers who pioneered the breed.
In temperament the Wheaten is quite different from many other terriers. Our standard calls the breed "good tempered, spirited, and game", and Wheatens show "less aggressiveness" than other terriers. In other words, although a Wheaten readily accepts your friends as his own, he can be a brave and loyal protector if need be. Somehow, Wheatens seem able to discriminate between friend and foe. And they love children best of all!
In size the Wheaten is a medium dog. According to the Wheaten Standard, dogs should stand 18-19" at shoulder and weigh 30-35 lbs. While you may see Wheatens varying greatly in size, keep in mind that the hallmark of our Standard is moderation on all points.
Wheaten coat is sometimes a source of confusion for newcomers to the breed. Here, too, there is great variety from region to region. The standard calls for a "soft, silky, gently waiving coat of warm Wheaten color...." However, this description applies to the mature coat, which the dog develops about the age 3.
In the U.S. one can find coats rough to cottony, brownish to gray to white. The true Wheaten coat is hard to come by. Maureen Holmes, Holmenocks Kennels, Ireland wrote, "Only very rare exceptional specimens are born with the rich lustrous coat which gives the breed its somewhat longwinded name. The coat of maturity comes with development, and it is also a breed of late maturity." (English Dog World, March 1972)
Because young Wheatens often have beautiful,, deep color and very soft, immature coats, the coat has been misjudged by many novices and others as well. Toby Lad, had a true wheaten coat: glistening, soft waves that needed little trimming. However, he was 3 1/2 years old before that coat emerged. As a puppy he looked more like a bail of straw with legs.
Fortunately, coat is not the only thing on which the breed is judged. Structure is important if an animal is to move properly. A properly moving Wheaten will have good forward reach and strong drive from a well angulated rear. The head and tail should balance each other, the neck of sufficient length to give a graceful appearance, the tail set high. Topline should be straight with no bows or roaches.
If the description above begins to sound technical, distill all of it to that word "moderate". The Wheaten should be a beautiful dog without exaggeration on any points.
Wheaten babies are born dark brown, dark red, dark sand, and even wheaten. Some have black masks, ears, and perhaps a dark line down the back. Others may have a touch of white on the chest at birth. However, as the dog grows, the color should lighten to what will be the eventual wheat color. And what is "wheat color"? Even wheat varies from region to region, country to country. For a definition of "wheat color", we suggest you investigate wheat in your area!
In temperament, Wheatens are a joy to show and have as companions. The late Margaret O'Conner (Gramachree Wheatens) wrote that "the wheaten has a special affinity for children. He has patience and tolerance without giving ground in rough-and-tumble play...All-encompassing love and deep-seated intelligence make it possible for the Wheaten Terrier to handle [children's] sometimes tumultuous affection".
CHOOSING A REPUTABLE WHEATEN TERRIER BREEDER
You have decided the Wheaten Terrier is the dog for you. What is your next move? The purchase of a puppy should receive thoughtful consideration, as it will become a member of your family. Choosing a reputable breeder is primary to your objective. Since it is almost impossible for YOU to know which of the pups will grow well physically and emotionally, you must rely entirely upon your faith in the person from whom you are purchasing your pup. There are 3 options:
1. PET SHOP OR DEALER – the worst possible choice. Pups are poorly bred and raised. They are thought of as merchandise to be sold for a high profit, which is possible because little has been put into the care of these pups. Many are sickly, poorly socialized, weaned too young. Pet shops rely on impulse buying which is no way to choose a family member.
2. BACKYARD BREEDER – also a poor choice. This is the person who owns a pet Wheaten and thinks it would be FUN to have puppies or maybe that it would be a great experience for the children. Worse, it’s done to make money. Usually this person knows little about the breed history or standard and less about grooming and care. The backyard breeders do not do regular eye examinations by a veterinarian ophthalmologist nor do they have their dogs OFA’s with a hip X-ray. They aren’t aware of any breed problems nor do they care. Their goal is to produce pups, and when the “fun” is over, sell them fast.
3. HOBBY BREEDER- the very best choice. The serious and dedicated hobby breeder regards his dogs as special members of the family. He does not expect a profit. When someone breeds for enjoyment, for the pleasure and thrill of producing the very finest specimens possible, the result is SUPERIOR. These breeders acknowledge responsibility for each and every puppy and stand behind every dog that they have bred.
Without a doubt, your choice should be the HOBBY BREEDER. It is an interesting fact to note that poor quality pups from pet shops and backyard breeders are usually sold for the same price and sometimes even more than those purchased from serious hobby breeders. So, how does one recognize the dedicated breeder? Your breeder should:
Once the breeder lives up to these criteria, your next step is to choose your puppy, whether it is pet quality or show quality. If you find yourself with negative response to any of these requirements, think twice. Don’t be impulsive and do ask questions. GOOD LUCK!!!
