Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Terrier Medium Hypoallergenic
Ranked #49 by the AKC, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium terrier dog with roots in Ireland. Served as an all-purpose farm dog in Ireland, herding livestock, guarding property, and hunting vermin, badgers, and otters.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
An ancient Irish breed over 200 years old, the Wheaten was the poor farmer's dog in Ireland, where they were too common to be prized by the gentry.. As of 2026, they hold the #49 position in the American Kennel Club's popularity rankings.
Standing 17 to 19 inches tall and weighing 30 to 40 pounds, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog. Their single, silky, gently waving coat in warm wheaten shades is unlike any other terrier and does not shed, making them popular with allergy sufferers. They are well-suited to owners who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship this breed thrives on.
Primarily family companions valued for their non-shedding coat and gentle temperament, they also compete in agility, obedience, and herding trials..
Lifespan Overview
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically lives 12–14 years. Learn more about Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $1000–$2000 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers weigh 30–40 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Less aggressive and more people-oriented than most terriers, Wheatens are happy, steady dogs that retain a terrier's confidence without the typical terrier combativeness.. Full temperament guide →
History
An ancient Irish breed over 200 years old, the Wheaten was the poor farmer's dog in Ireland, where they were too common to be prized by the gentry.. Despite being one of Ireland's oldest terrier breeds, the Wheaten was not officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937 or the AKC until 1973..
Primarily family companions valued for their non-shedding coat and gentle temperament, they also compete in agility, obedience, and herding trials..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Protein-Losing Nephropathy | Common | High |
| Protein-Losing Enteropathy | Common | High |
| Addison's Disease | Moderate | High |
| Renal Dysplasia | Moderate | High |
| Food Allergies | Common | Low |
Similar Breeds
Compare Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized breed belonging to the Terrier group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 4/5, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapts well to smaller living spaces. They can thrive in apartments or condos as long as their basic exercise needs are met and they receive enough mental stimulation throughout the day.
Children and family: Scoring 5/5 with children, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.
Grooming commitment: With grooming needs rated 5/5, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier requires significant coat maintenance. Expect to invest time in daily or near-daily brushing, regular professional grooming sessions every 4–8 weeks, and ongoing attention to prevent matting and skin issues. Budget $38–95/month for grooming. This breed is considered hypoallergenic, producing less dander than average, which may be suitable for allergy sufferers - though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–14 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $1000–$2000 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $4,159. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $153, broken down as follows: food ($50–78/mo), grooming ($38–95/mo), insurance ($39–85/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($482–873/yr) and supplies ($264–449/yr). As a medium breed, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier falls in the middle range for food costs, medication, and equipment sizes.
Over a full 12–14 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $39–85/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier belongs to the Terrier group, which historically means these dogs were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin. Terrier breeds are feisty, energetic, and determined. They can be stubborn during training but are loyal and entertaining companions. Many terriers have a high prey drive and may not coexist well with small animals.
With a family friendliness score of 5/5, intelligence at 4/5, and shedding rated 1/5, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (4/5) and barking tendency (3/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 4/5, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's low shedding (1/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Combined with their hypoallergenic qualities, this breed is one of the better options for those who prefer minimal pet hair or have mild allergies.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, live in any housing situation including apartments, and enjoy or do not mind regular grooming routines. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's terrier heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, are unwilling to invest time and money in regular grooming, or if your living situation cannot accommodate a medium breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.