Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

[Pizzabrewer]

Anyone else live with one (or more)?  Pets are not very mustachian but I can't imagine life without a dog. SCWT is our breed, we've had 5 along with many fosters through the years. Bree is #5 and is an absolute joy.

So who else loves this sweet goofy breed?

[Pizzabrewer]

Two of our previous Wheaties, Molly and Tramp, on their sofa.

[RetiredAt63]

Lots of us have dogs and cats - we out ourselves on the Journals.       

Yours are cute, but a coat in the house?  Is your house at 5^oC?   ;-)

[G-dog]

I have Jack Russell Terriers, so have fallen for the siren call of terriers. Our first dog was supposed to be a fox terrier / schipperke mix, but was clearly too big (and was the runt of the litter). Our second dog was likely JRT / beagle (and ?). The two current dogs look to be all JRT, but are rescues of unknown provenance.

Love the little bastards so much.

[Pizzabrewer]

Lots of us have dogs and cats - we out ourselves on the Journals.       

Yours are cute, but a coat in the house?  Is your house at 5^oC?   ;-)

Ha!  No.  It's a Thundershirt.  Tramp suffered from a number of fears and the Thundershirt helped to calm him. 

[Pizzabrewer]

I have Jack Russell Terriers, so have fallen for the siren call of terriers. Our first dog was supposed to be a fox terrier / schipperke mix, but was clearly too big (and was the runt of the litter). Our second dog was likely JRT / beagle (and ?). The two current dogs look to be all JRT, but are rescues of unknown provenance.

Love the little bastards so much.

Yup, terriers are the best.  I grew up with Wire Haired Fox Terriers. 

Wheatens are generally considered to be the mellowest of the terriers but they are still terriers.  Smart, goofy, playful and endlessly cheerful they are our favorite breed.

[G-dog]

Lots of us have dogs and cats - we out ourselves on the Journals.       

Yours are cute, but a coat in the house?  Is your house at 5^oC?   ;-)

Ha!  No.  It's a Thundershirt.  Tramp suffered from a number of fears and the Thundershirt helped to calm him.

I’ve had a couple of dogs that have been afraid of thunder (and lightening). So I’ve wondered how well thundershirts work.
One of our current dogs is afraid, but she’s lost some of her hearing, which has been a bit of a blessing in this regard.

[Pizzabrewer]

Lots of us have dogs and cats - we out ourselves on the Journals.       

Yours are cute, but a coat in the house?  Is your house at 5^oC?   ;-)

Ha!  No.  It's a Thundershirt.  Tramp suffered from a number of fears and the Thundershirt helped to calm him.

I’ve had a couple of dogs that have been afraid of thunder (and lightening). So I’ve wondered how well thundershirts work.
One of our current dogs is afraid, but she’s lost some of her hearing, which has been a bit of a blessing in this regard.

We've had mixed results.  Some dogs it has had no effect at all.  Others, it has been a huge help.  Tramp was one who benefited--storms, fireworks, even loud trucks passing by would make him scared.  With the thundershirt he was much calmer.

[Dee]

They sound great! My avatar gives away the breed that currently holds pride of place in my heart...but there's lots of room for me to love dogs of many breeds!

[G-dog]

They sound great! My avatar gives away the breed that currently holds pride of place in my heart...but there's lots of room for me to love dogs of many breeds!

Yes, so many good doggos, so little time!

[SunnyDays]

My favourite breed is rescued!  I previously adopted a Golden Retriever from a neighbour who didn't have time for her and when she passed, I got a shepherd/collie cross from a local rescue group.  The 3 cats I've had over the years were all strays who found their way to my house.  I can understand loving a certain breed, but there are so many good dogs out there that need homes that I refuse to support any breeder, whether a registered Kennnel Club breeder or a backyard one.  Besides, mutts are generally so much healthier.

[Runner5]

Anyone else live with one (or more)?  Pets are not very mustachian but I can't imagine life without a dog. SCWT is our breed, we've had 5 along with many fosters through the years. Bree is #5 and is an absolute joy.

So who else loves this sweet goofy breed?

My parents have a seemingly immortal rescue Wheaten terrier who was terrified of everything and everyone when they first got her 10 years ago, but thanks to a shit-tonne of work by my dad, is now the most loving creature on the planet. Though she will still destroy any slipper that's left out. I've got no other experience with Wheatens other than this 13+ year old rescue, but she definitely is a good'un!

[ANewLeaf]

Pizzabrewer, your post is so timely; I have *just* about decided that this is probably the breed for us.  Would you mind if I asked about a couple of aspects of Wheatie personalities that I haven't seen discussed anywhere?

How velcro are they?  We are looking for a breed that will be happy on a small farm, and that will be biddable, but that also won't be *totally* attached to one person, the way so many working dogs can be.  We need a dog that I can train during the summer, but that my DH can then take to work with him through the winter.  We'd also like a breed that is happy to cuddle up on the couch and relax in the evenings, but doesn't need to sleep on the pillow next to me at night! :) 

We are set up for either 2x 30-40 min walks a day or a 1 hr hike, plus time on the acreage doing chores, chasing balls, etc.  Does that sound like enough activity for a wheaten?  When DH takes him/her to work, it would be walking around the large property to check on things, stopping to chat with people, plus time relaxing in the office while DH is at the computer.  So, time outside moving around, but not "excercise" per se.  But there could be some ball chasing and another brisk walk with me later in the day on those days.

The idea of the lower prey-drive, friendliest, not-too-big, non-shedding Irish farm dog is super-appealing.  Thanks for your thoughts!

[Sailor Sam]

I've never had a Wheaten, but chalk up as another that loves the terrier breads. Spunk! Energy! Curiosity! Intelligence! And a pink belly ready for rubbing. Perfection.

[Pizzabrewer]

Wow.  Ok.  There's a lot to unpack here with Poundwise's post and ANewLeaf's questions.

We've been involved with Wheatens and Wheaten rescue for over 30 years.  We've had 5 dogs of our own and have fostered approximately 2 dozen for our rescue group.  We are also very active on several Wheaten forums.

A well-bred, properly socialized Wheaten will be mellow, goofy, fun-loving and a lover of all people and creatures.  This is the original appeal of the breed.  Wheatens were largely unknown and pretty much all the breeding was done by hobby breeders (the good kind).

The breed had a period of popularity about 15-20 years ago.  Puppymills started breeding them to cash in.  As a result a number of temperment issues started cropping up.  Aggression, anxiety, health issues and other problems became common in the breed.  We've seen all of this in our years with the breed.

The heartbreaking and frustrating thing is the inability to educate people.  Even on Facebook Wheaten-enthusiast groups you will find people defending puppymills/backyard breeders/pet shop purchases.

I could go on and on.  Of our 5 dogs, only the first was purchased as a puppy from a reputable breeder.  She was the best one we've had.  The other 4 we adopted through our rescue group and every one came with issues.  Not surprisingly they all came from puppymills.  We've loved them all but had to adapt our lives to protect them and others from their faults.  Tramp (in the picture above laying on the couch) would probably have been put down if we hadn't kept him.  He'd been in 3 different homes that gave up on him.  We were his last chance.

So, if you want the sweetest, best-tempered dog in the world you can find it in a Wheaten.  But only from a reputable breeder.  Yes, you will probably have to wait and you will be subjected to a number of intrusive and challenging questions from the breeder.  But that's the price you pay, a good breeder wants to ensure the best placement for their puppy.  If on the other hand you're in a hurry and buy a dog from a pet shop or off the internet from someone who will ship you a puppy sight unseen, you are rolling the dice.

[RetiredAt63]

So, if you want the sweetest, best-tempered dog in the world you can find it in a Wheaten.  But only from a reputable breeder.  Yes, you will probably have to wait and you will be subjected to a number of intrusive and challenging questions from the breeder.  But that's the price you pay, a good breeder wants to ensure the best placement for their puppy.  If on the other hand you're in a hurry and buy a dog from a pet shop or off the internet from someone who will ship you a puppy sight unseen, you are rolling the dice.

All my dogs were from responsible breeders.  Three totally different dogs, but all in the breed standard for temperament (Missy's idea of heaven was to have a bunch of people petting her and making a fuss over her, and of course she was a Therapy Dog).  Health of parents tested (you know, hips, elbows, eyes).  Great dogs. 

There is this idea floating around that breeders make big money off their puppies - maybe the back yard breeders do, and puppy mills sure do, but the breeders I know are so fussy about which dogs they breed, and put so much time and money into their dogs, they are not making money.  A friend was doing breeding on a small scale with her dogs, and Canada Revenue eventually disallowed her kennel as a small business, no profit in 5 years.  Another friend was planning to breed her gorgeous male of a breed with hip issues, who had wonderful hips - he turned out to be dog aggressive in a breed where that is just not acceptable, and she had him neutered.  She could have had big stud fees for him.

[Pizzabrewer]

All my dogs were from responsible breeders.  Three totally different dogs, but all in the breed standard for temperament (Missy's idea of heaven was to have a bunch of people petting her and making a fuss over her, and of course she was a Therapy Dog).  Health of parents tested (you know, hips, elbows, eyes).  Great dogs. 

There is this idea floating around that breeders make big money off their puppies - maybe the back yard breeders do, and puppy mills sure do, but the breeders I know are so fussy about which dogs they breed, and put so much time and money into their dogs, they are not making money.  A friend was doing breeding on a small scale with her dogs, and Canada Revenue eventually disallowed her kennel as a small business, no profit in 5 years.  Another friend was planning to breed her gorgeous male of a breed with hip issues, who had wonderful hips - he turned out to be dog aggressive in a breed where that is just not acceptable, and she had him neutered.  She could have had big stud fees for him.

I'm glad to see that you get it.  The idea that dogs are bred for profit is so widespread that most people can't fathom why that's wrong.  Responsible breeders do it for the love of the breed and make minimal or no profits.

[RetiredAt63]

All my dogs were from responsible breeders.  Three totally different dogs, but all in the breed standard for temperament (Missy's idea of heaven was to have a bunch of people petting her and making a fuss over her, and of course she was a Therapy Dog).  Health of parents tested (you know, hips, elbows, eyes).  Great dogs. 

There is this idea floating around that breeders make big money off their puppies - maybe the back yard breeders do, and puppy mills sure do, but the breeders I know are so fussy about which dogs they breed, and put so much time and money into their dogs, they are not making money.  A friend was doing breeding on a small scale with her dogs, and Canada Revenue eventually disallowed her kennel as a small business, no profit in 5 years.  Another friend was planning to breed her gorgeous male of a breed with hip issues, who had wonderful hips - he turned out to be dog aggressive in a breed where that is just not acceptable, and she had him neutered.  She could have had big stud fees for him.

I'm glad to see that you get it.  The idea that dogs are bred for profit is so widespread that most people can't fathom why that's wrong.  Responsible breeders do it for the love of the breed and make minimal or no profits.

Exactly.

People bred dogs for reasons.  That is why we have the various Groups - do you want/need a herder, a sporting dog to retrieve your game or point it out, a strong dog to pull your cart when you can't afford any other draft animal, to pull your sled, to hunt vermin, to protect your livestock from predators, or to be an indoor dog that is cute and cuddly?  What is your climate?  What is your family?  There is a breed for most people's needs and wants.

[Poundwise]

So, if you want the sweetest, best-tempered dog in the world you can find it in a Wheaten.  But only from a reputable breeder.  Yes, you will probably have to wait and you will be subjected to a number of intrusive and challenging questions from the breeder.  But that's the price you pay, a good breeder wants to ensure the best placement for their puppy.  If on the other hand you're in a hurry and buy a dog from a pet shop or off the internet from someone who will ship you a puppy sight unseen, you are rolling the dice.

I feel bad to have posted an opposing view as you clearly know and love your Wheatens!  I don't know much about where my in-laws acquired their dogs, but I do know they bought their first dog directly from a small breeder; they visited her home and met the parent dogs.  Their first dog went through several rounds of professional training, and they hired a dog walker/sitter to keep him company every day when they were at work.  They worked so hard to keep him, and the whole saga was heartbreaking.  I feel that they just had bad luck with their first; their second puppy (from a different breeder) was fine company except for being dog aggressive-- though this may have also contributed to their older dog's issues. 

However when I met the second couple who had anxious Wheatens, I formed the opinion that this breed is not for beginners!  The Wheatens I have met needed constant companionship, firm training, lots of exercise, and a calm environment. And people ought to know this before they charge ahead and get one.

My own dogs were both mutts, and lucky enough to be joyful, healthy, and low-maintenance.

[ANewLeaf]

I appreciate those comments, Pizzabrewer.  I've been doing my homework generally and have really come to appreciate the work that true breeders do.  On our farm, we work with chickens and other animals and I do have a sense of what it takes to do this responsibly--and also that in some cases the breeder and their practices is more important than the generalizations about the breed standard.  There is a reputable breeder in my area, and I will contact them at some point to find out more about the particular temperament of her lines.

I wonder if you'd mind commenting about just how loving/velcro they are in your experience?  Are they happy to go with any one of their people and sleep in their own space?  Or are they very attached to their one key person, not able to imagine being separated, like so many lovely breeds?

[Runner5]

I appreciate those comments, Pizzabrewer.  I've been doing my homework generally and have really come to appreciate the work that true breeders do.  On our farm, we work with chickens and other animals and I do have a sense of what it takes to do this responsibly--and also that in some cases the breeder and their practices is more important than the generalizations about the breed standard.  There is a reputable breeder in my area, and I will contact them at some point to find out more about the particular temperament of her lines.

I wonder if you'd mind commenting about just how loving/velcro they are in your experience?  Are they happy to go with any one of their people and sleep in their own space?  Or are they very attached to their one key person, not able to imagine being separated, like so many lovely breeds?

My parents' Wheaten is literally the most loving and silly girl ever - and very very smart. 10 years ago when they first got her , she had some fleas, and did this silly little headstand dance to itch her head - when she realised that people cooed over her because it was so cute and ridiculous* , that became her go-to 'I'm so cute, look at me and give me attention pls' strategy.

In terms of possessiveness, she definitely has A Favourite Person (my dad), but that might be due to the dog training school of thought / cult that my dad ascribes to. She gets momentarily confused / bamboozled if someone else takes her for a walk /on a road trip, but gets over it almost instantly. The 2 or so times a year that I visit, she knows that as a human, I'm above her in the hierarchy. Their black lab / who-knows-what-else mix though, she is possessive AF of my dad. I'd argue that a lot of this is nurture over nature, though.

Another thing that might suit your lifestyle as I understand it - the Wheaten's idea of THE BEST DAY EVER!!! is being in the car and doing errands. Give her water and air (it doesn't get too hot where they live), and a toilet stop every couple of hours, and she will happily spend all day in car just being with. She really is The Best Dog Ever.

This thread is making me v. excited to see my parents' pups at Christmas!


*they were treating the fleas, don't worry, but they have like 15 animals so it's a war, not a battle

[Pizzabrewer]

I wonder if you'd mind commenting about just how loving/velcro they are in your experience?  Are they happy to go with any one of their people and sleep in their own space?  Or are they very attached to their one key person, not able to imagine being separated, like so many lovely breeds?

Yes, like most dogs, Wheatens usually have a favorite person in the family.  Yet they love everyone:  family, friends and strangers.  The level of attachment to one person is low and they love to meet new people.  They truly are "people dogs" and love nothing more than being with humans.  Expect lots of cuddles and kisses.  We allow ours to sleep on the bed but many Wheaten owners are able to teach them to sleep in a dog bed. 

One potential problem if you're not prepared for it is known as the "Wheaten greeting".  They are very happy to see you after even a short time away and will jump up enthusiastically.  Personally I love it and would hate to see it trained out of the dogs as it is so endearing.  New acquaintances will also get the same greeting and may not be so receptive.  Their exuberance can be a bit overwhelming.

Overall they are the happiest breed you will ever meet.  They are very adaptable to new situations and new people. They maintain their puppy enthusiasm for many years.   

[Mongoose]

Also a terrier lover...but our particular fondness is for Scotties. We had one snap after an unfortunately inept vet gave her a massive overdose of steroids. She had some sort of a psychotic break and became intermittently violent towards children and other dogs. We worked with a local breed rescue to get her rehomed (with full disclosure of her history) to an older couple who had no children/grandchildren and no other dogs. She's thriving there. All of our others have lived 13+ years and been happy, easy going, quirky little bossy pants. So cute...but always respectful of all humans. They tend to be more focused on me but will mind others.

Soft coated wheatens are adorable...

[ketchup]

All my dogs were from responsible breeders.  Three totally different dogs, but all in the breed standard for temperament (Missy's idea of heaven was to have a bunch of people petting her and making a fuss over her, and of course she was a Therapy Dog).  Health of parents tested (you know, hips, elbows, eyes).  Great dogs. 

There is this idea floating around that breeders make big money off their puppies - maybe the back yard breeders do, and puppy mills sure do, but the breeders I know are so fussy about which dogs they breed, and put so much time and money into their dogs, they are not making money.  A friend was doing breeding on a small scale with her dogs, and Canada Revenue eventually disallowed her kennel as a small business, no profit in 5 years.  Another friend was planning to breed her gorgeous male of a breed with hip issues, who had wonderful hips - he turned out to be dog aggressive in a breed where that is just not acceptable, and she had him neutered.  She could have had big stud fees for him.

I'm glad to see that you get it.  The idea that dogs are bred for profit is so widespread that most people can't fathom why that's wrong.  Responsible breeders do it for the love of the breed and make minimal or no profits.

This 100%!  GF (and I) show/breed Australian Shepherds. 

Even at $2000/puppy, you're not making any money (or very very little) if you're doing everything right.  Our last litter we lost a few thousand on, and the previous one worked out to almost $1/hr for all the work put in.

And that's not including showing, which is its own money pit (but you're not breeding if you're not showing).