Imagine having a lively, energetic, and friendly bundle of joy jump around your house, just waiting to play with you after a day of work. If this gets you excited, then meet the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier! Now, you might wonder, “Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier a tough cookie to handle?” To help clear that up, we’re going to pull a curtain way back on everything you need to know about this furry breed!
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, fondly called Wheatens, trace their roots back to Ireland. They are one of the oldest Irish dog breeds, and were originally bred to be versatile, allowing them to switch from herding sheep, hunting vermin, to being a close and treasured family companion.
This breed, brimming with vigor and sporting a soft, silky coat the color of ripened wheat(hence the name), adds an irresistible charm to any home. But, as we peel the layers back, are they a walk in the dog park, or are they leaving your shoes chewed and kitchen cabinets scratched? Let’s dive in.
The great divide between ‘easy’ and ‘difficult’ when it comes down to dog breeds can be subjective to the lifestyle and patience of the owner. A well-behaved dog is usually a reflection of a committed owner. Let’s begin with the aspects that could cause a fur-rowned brow.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers can come off as somewhat stubborn due to their high intelligence and independent nature. They’re quick-witted dogs – they learn quite fast. However, they can become selective learners when they want to. Which implies, Yes! You guessed it right! You might find yourself chasing your Wheaten around the house trying to get your house slipper back as they would’ve figured out it’s more fun than finishing the sit-and-stay drill you’re trying to teach.
They also possess a high prey drive, which is why anything that flutters, scurries, or bounces, such as squirrels or bouncy balls, could trigger them, leading to frantic chasing. Moreover, they’re notorious ‘counter surfers,’ so keeping your kitchen clear will save you the hassle and the heartache of a destroyed cake!
Puppyhood can be challenging with Wheatens, loaded with energy and zest, untrained puppies can be a bit destructive, especially without proper outlets for their energy. They love to play and mingle with their human family, which means they require ample exercise and mental stimulation to keep them satisfied and well-behaved.
Remember, these are working dogs, by history and by nature, if they don’t have ‘work,’ be it mental stimulation or physical exercise, they have the potential to become bored and subsequently destructive. However, if they are provided with systematic training and socialization from early puppyhood, they grow up to be well-mannered, even-tempered adults.
Despite these challenges, Wheatens are a joy and offer cheerful companionship. They’re incredibly friendly, even to strangers and other pets which makes them lesser of a guard dog but a perfect family dog. They’re also excellent with children and exhibit endless tolerance making them the perfect companion for either an individual owner or a large family.
Their coat, apart from making them look like a cuddly teddy bear, is hypoallergenic, which means people with allergies can enjoy their companionship without worrying about sniffles or sneezes. Whilst their cheerful disposition warms up any home, their coat itself needs some attention – regular grooming will keep them looking their best and avoid any mats or tangles.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their longevity and good health. They often live up to 13 or 14 years of age, and many remain sprightly and agile even in their senior years. Despite this, it’s crucial to have regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they remain in top shape.
The uniqueness of this breed lies in its combination of physical prowess, intelligence, friendliness, and of course, that gorgeous fluff! While they are a lively bunch with a sparkle in their eyes and a spring in their step, whether or not this dog will prove difficult, is largely dependent on the owner’s commitment and effort.
If you’re someone who prefers a quiet, low-energy dog, then a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier might prove ‘difficult’ for you. However, if you’re looking for a bright, fun-loving, energetic dog that loves to play and spread cheer, you’ll find a great companion in a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
In essence, every interaction with your Wheaten is an opportunity for teaching and training them – even while play and bonding. Although Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers may be a handful at times, the rewards of their companionship far outweigh the challenges. Their energy, love, and loyalty make them a wonderful addition to any family.
So, is a Soft Coated Wheaten a difficult dog? Not in the least if you’re willing to commit your time and effort into training and taking care of them, your Wheaten will love you unconditionally – but yes, you might still have to run behind them for your slipper now and then!
