| Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
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 Softcoated Wheaten Terrier standing as if in the show ring |
| Alternative names
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| Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
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| Common nickname
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| Wheaten
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| Country of origin
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| Ireland
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| Classification
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| Breed standards (external links)
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| FCI, AKC, ANKC, KC(UK), NZKC
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The Softcoated Wheaten Terrier is a breed of dog that originated in Ireland. There are two coat varieties, American and Irish.
Appearance
Puppies have a dark coat of either red or mahogany. The muzzle and ears of Wheaten puppies may be black or very dark. The dark puppy coat gradually grows out into a wheaten-colored coat as they get older. The adult coat may contain black, white, or darker brown "guard" hairs in addition to the lighter wheaten-coloured hair.
Temperament
Wheaten terriers stay young at heart for many years. They are quite active. Their temperament is curious and friendly. Wheaten owners are familiar with the famous "wheaten greetin'" these friendly dogs treat visitors with.
Health
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers have a life expectancy of 15 to 16 years and they remain perky to the end.
History
The Wheaten was originally bred in his native Ireland to be an all-purpose farm dog whose duties would have included herding, watching and guarding livestock, and vermin hunting. This is probably why they are not as aggressive as other terriers, who were primarily vermin hunters.
