COUNTRY: Ireland
Weight Male 16–20.5kg
Height Male 46–49cm
Coat Soft and silky, loosely waved or curly
Color Wheaten or rust color
Other names Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
REGISTRY: FCI, AKC, TKC, CKC
GROUP: Terrier
In times past, all of the terriers of Ireland were known collectively as Irish Terriers, so it is hard to know whether ancient references to this strain are about the generic type or specifically about the red breed known today. People who foster the Wheaten feel that he is as old or older than the red "daredevil," both coming from the same stem breed. Actually, the Wheaten, Kerry and Irish Terriers share a similar leggy, racy, square terrier appearance that stamps them with generally analogous origins.
The Wheaten Terrier of 200 years ago was also a dog of the poor, and was so common that few considered it worth notice. There are some references to wheaten-colored, open-coated dogs with punishing jaws, mainly in the Kerry and Cork areas. These dogs were used especially for otter and badger. Under the Irish penal laws of the 1700s, tenant farmers were prohibited from owning a dog worth more than five pounds, and thus the soft-coated dog was the bargain basement one commonly owned.
He had no wealthy aristocrats to foster him and was only recognized as a separate breed when the Wheaten was issued its present name in 1937. Around that time, a group of fanciers wanted to save this historic Irish breed. So, although the Wheaten is a very old breed, it is a latecomer to the modern world of purebred dogs. Irish canine authorities recognized the breed in 1937; AKC approval did not come until 1973, with Canada following in 1978.
His temperament can best be described as "defense with aggression"; however, he is not a fellow who picks a fight. Having lived in homes with families for hundreds of years, he is a gentle and loyal pet. He is lively and puppyish all his 10-14 years, and firm—but fair—discipline is necessary.
The breed is noted for its late maturity, with dogs rarely at their best for exhibition until two years of age. Although pets and show dogs should be trimmed for best appearance, this should be accomplished only with scissors, not clippers. Although the original Irish standard admonished a sculptured appearance, modern show specimens are exhibited more and more this way. When the coat is properly cared for, the dead hair is brushed out rather than falling all over the carpeting, a fact pleasing to most homemakers.