The Wheaten Terrier is a loving and intelligent breed of terrier. There are actually 4 different varieties of coat:
1. Traditional Irish
2. Heavy Irish
3. English
4. American
This is a dog breed considered to be hypoallergenic and are wonderful for people with dog allergies and/or are asthmatic.
It is also thought to be related to the Kerry Blue Terrier.
I found a great article to help give you a background on this terrific terrier breed.
***
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
By Michael Russell
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are terriers which carry more than the typical terrier behaviors in their ancestry. They are dogs which performed well as hunting dogs, retrievers, guards of the farm and house and simply as a companion during the history of the breed, which originated in the country of Ireland. In the days when the Wheaten terrier was admitted into the Irish Kennel club, the requirements for attaining a championship title included requirements to perform in the area of “expertise” for which the dog was supposed to function.
In the terrier competition, the dog had to “go to ground” and perform in field trials against rat, rabbit and badger. The Wheaten did well in these areas and was admitted into the Irish Kennel Club as a Terrier in 1937. By 1943 the Wheaten was admitted into the Kennel Club of Great Britain and the first Wheatens were believed to have arrived on the shores of the United States in 1946. The entry of the breed into the American Kennel club in the Terrier group occurred in 1973. The breed has gradually gained in popularity and now there are always more than 200 Wheatens shown at the annual All Terrier Show held in Montgomery County in Pennsylvania.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a long single coat which as the name denotes is soft and wheat colored. It requires almost daily brushings as it is a fine coat which “fuzzes” easily. When they are born they are dark apricot in color and the tone gradually lightens to a golden wheat coloring as adults. The Wheaten is a moderately sized dog, 17-18 inches at the shoulder, weighing 35 to 45 pounds. The dog’s eyes are usually well hidden under a “fall” of hair off the eyebrows and the ears are folded over at the top of the skull, while the tail is docked.
The Wheaten is prone to developing disorders of the eye and the colon and these things should be tested for if the dog is to be used for breeding. It is important that buyers purchase their puppy from a reputable breeder, preferably a person who belongs to a breed club or a local kennel club, since these organizations do their best to prevent “puppy mill breeders” from becoming members. Usually clubs of that nature require that breeders sign “code of ethical behavior” which prevents sale of dogs without a written contract and health guarantee.
The Soft Coated Wheaten is a gentle dog that makes a great family companion dog. He shows little aggression to other breeds and is gentle with children and the elderly. He does a good job of protecting his home territory without acting overly aggressive. The wheaten makes a good therapy dog, being of the right height for disabled people to pet him from their wheelchairs.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Dogs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Soft-Coated-Wheaten-Terrier&id=209556
***
I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover. I just love the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier…What a champ! Until next time…
Love Your Terrier,
Kimberly Edwards 
P.S. Make sure you scoop up your “very hard to find” Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier calendar for 2008 before they’re all gone:
Technorati Tags: wheaten terrier, terrier breed, terrier dog, soft coated wheaten terrier, terrier, hypoallergenic, Kerry blue terrier
Similar Posts:
- Terriers In The Working Group
- Irish Terrier – The Daredevil of the Terrier World
- Glen of Imaal Terrier – A Rare Terrier Breed
- The Norwich Terrier – Close Relative of the Norfolk Terrier
- The Boston Terrier: Bean Town Favorite!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I absolutely adore studying your website posts, the variety of writing is smashing.This web site as usual was educational, I’ve had to bookmark your internet site and subscribe for your feed in ifeed. Your topics are great.
We just couldn’t leave your internet site before saying that I actually loved the top quality facts you offer you to your visitors? Will be back again soon to check up on new posts.
Do you know a breeder where I could buy one? I would need to guarantee they are a true breed due to allergies
Thank you
We have a seven month old Wheaten, Biskit, whom we love. We’re obedience training her, and would like to know if you can recommend treats which will not cause her allegies to bother her. Most of the treats we used in the past with our Airedales contain wheat.
Hi Secret! I don’t personally, but have approved this comment in the hopes that you will be able to find someone here that might…
Kimberly
Thank you very much, Balbo! Your compliment is greatly appreciated! Come on back by soon…
Kimberly
Thank you very much, Barney! I’m glad you enjoy coming to read up on terriers. Do you have one of your own?
Kimberly
Hi Steve! Well, yes, many dogs are allergic to gluten, as is my mother’s mini schnauzer, Precious. It causes them to be itchy, get ear infections, lick their feet and scratch. Poor babies.
Treats that are gluten-free are widely available now in stores, you just have to check the packaging. Be sure they do not contain wheat, and I suggest they don’t contain corn either…It’s neither nutritious for them and can cause allergic issues in some dogs.
Hope that helps.
Kimberly
{ 1 trackback }