Wheatons 101

Terrier group

The long, silky coat of the Soft-Coated Wheaten is so distinctive among the terriers that the breed is named for it. The Wheaten was developed as an all-around Irish farm dog, with duties ranging from keeping vermin populations low to protecting the chickens from marauders, with a few hunting and herding duties thrown in. This versatility required a dog who could make decisions on their own, which is perhaps why today’s Wheatens maintain an independent streak. Despite or perhaps because of that tendency, they make a lively and fun family companion, whether in an urban, suburban or rural home.

What we love about Wheatons

Lively terriers with a sense of humor

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

17 to 19 inches tall
Medium breed size

Size: 17 to 19 inches tall. This is a Medium sized Dog.

Lifespan

12 to 14 years

Lifespan: 12 to 14 years average

Weight

30 to 40 lbs

Weight: 30 to 40 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
17 to 19 inches
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Weight
30 to 40 lbs

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier stands 17 to 19 inches tall and weighs 30 to 40 lbs. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers get?
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers stand 17 to 19 inches tall and typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds.
How long do Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers live?
The average lifespan of a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is 12 to 14 years.
Are Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers good for first-time dog owners?
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers bark a lot?
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Wheaton

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Wheaton conditions

Mid-life Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Inflammatory bowel disease is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Inflammatory bowel disease
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Skin allergies
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk

Senior Wheaton

9+ years

Risk level for common Wheaton conditions

Senior Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Splenic cancer and Kidney failure and Intervertebral disc disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Very High Risk

Wheaton puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Wheaton conditions

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Ear infection pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Trauma
Moderate Risk

Young adult Wheaton

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Wheaton conditions

As Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Ear infection and Foreign body ingestion are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Skin allergies
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Wheaton

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Wheaton conditions

Mid-life Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Inflammatory bowel disease is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Inflammatory bowel disease
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Skin allergies
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk

Senior Wheaton

9+ years

Risk level for common Wheaton conditions

Senior Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Splenic cancer and Kidney failure and Intervertebral disc disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Very High Risk

Wheaton puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Wheaton conditions

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Ear infection pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Trauma
Moderate Risk

Young adult Wheaton

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Wheaton conditions

As Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Ear infection and Foreign body ingestion are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Skin allergies
Above Average Risk
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Ear infection: Very High Risk, Trauma: Moderate Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 4 years)
Ear infection: Moderate Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Moderate Risk, Skin allergies: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
Inflammatory bowel disease: High Risk, Skin allergies: Above Average Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
Senior (9+ years)
Splenic cancer: Very High Risk, Kidney failure: Very High Risk, Intervertebral disc disease: Very High Risk
Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier introduction

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier originated as an all-round Irish farm dog, but the breed's stylish appearance attracted the attention of city-dwellers, too.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier coat care and colors

As indicated in the breed's name, the soft coat of this breed is unlike the coat of other terriers, which typically are either short-haired or wiry. While the Wheaten is known to be a low-shed dog, the breed's silky coat is not low-maintenance. Daily attention is needed to prevent matting.

Wheaton exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

As you might expect for a breed developed for farm work, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier likes to keep busy. Long brisk walks with lots of sniff breaks are ideal. For foul-weather days, indoor games and food puzzles are a must.

Trainability

Trainability

Soft-Coated Wheatens are very bright, but not always very interested in what you'd like them to do. Because of their occasionally willful nature, make sure to start training and socializing as early as possible. Keep their interest by mixing up training and using praise and treats for motivation.

Wheaton fun facts

Top girl names for Wheatons

100%

of Wheatons are female

0%

of Wheatons are male

Top boy names for Wheatons

Nationwide loves Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Explore pet insurance
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Wheatons

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