Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Do you know the dog breed called the 'Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier'? Due to its long name, it is often called 'Wheaten'. It is a rare breed in Japan, so not many people may know about it. Let's introduce the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier!

Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Basic Infomation

〜Basic Information〜

Country of Origin: Ireland Height: 46-48 cm Weight: 16-20.5 kg The Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog but is large among terrier breeds, and it is one of the three large terrier breeds native to Ireland. It has a square and sturdy body, making it tough and powerful. Unlike other terrier breeds known for their rough fur, the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier has soft, curly hair similar to silk. Moreover, this hair continues to grow like human hair, resulting in little shedding, similar to poodles. The fur color ranges from wheat to reddish gold in adult dogs, but the color is different in puppies. Puppies have dark colors like brown or red, or white, with black or dark brown fur on the ears and muzzle, which lightens as they grow. In some countries, tails are docked, so some dogs may have short tails.

History of the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is said to be the oldest of the terrier breeds native to Ireland. Historical documents suggest it has existed for at least 200 years. There is a theory that it is the ancestor of the Kerry Blue Terrier, but this is not certain. The Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier served as a versatile dog, acting as a watchdog for livestock, a herding dog, and a family guard dog. Despite working closely with humans for many years, it was only recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1937 and by the English Kennel Club in 1941. It was first exported to the United States in 1946 but did not gain much attention. In 1973, it was recognized by the American Kennel Club and became popular as a pet and show dog, continuing to be active in various places today. Though it took time for the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier to gain recognition in Ireland and worldwide, once you see this breed, with its many abilities, powerful stamina, and cute face, you will not forget it.

Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Q&A

What is the origin of the name 'Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier'?

The origin of the name 'Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier' becomes clear when broken down. 'Irish' means 'of Ireland', 'Soft-Coated' means 'silky soft', 'Wheaten' means 'wheat-colored', and 'Terrier' refers to the terrier breed. Together, it means 'a terrier breed from Ireland with silky soft wheat-colored fur'. As mentioned earlier, the name 'Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier' is long, so it is often called 'Wheaten'. The nickname alone represents its characteristics well.

What is the temperament of the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

The Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is intelligent, courageous, and very energetic. It is loyal and affectionate to its owner and gets along well with children and other dogs. Typically, terrier breeds have a history of hunting small animals, making them aggressive and independent, but the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier was not a hunting dog. It worked as a guard dog and herding dog, making it loving towards people and animals instead of being aggressive. With a strong sense of alertness, it will protect its family when strangers approach, making it a good guard dog. It loves to make people happy and will show various behaviors to entertain you.

Who is particularly interested in the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier?

People with allergies or asthma are particularly interested in the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. It is considered less likely to cause allergic reactions, making it a dog breed of interest for those who have allergies but want to live with a dog. The low shedding also contributes to fewer allergy symptoms. However, the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is very rare in Japan, with very few being kept. Therefore, there are no breeders in Japan, and they must be imported from Europe, including Ireland. In Europe and the United States, the breed is very popular and has strict screening processes. Some Japanese owners have been told that they cannot have a Wheaten just because they are from Japan. It may take repeated contact, building connections, and showing enthusiasm to get one imported. However, the effort will be worth it for such a lovely pet.

Is the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier an indoor dog?

The Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier loves spending time with its owner. It may be more comfortable living indoors. Additionally, it is sensitive to extreme heat and cold, so temperature-controlled indoor environments are preferable. Provide a medium-sized dog circle or crate, preferably with a roof to prevent it from jumping over. Keep a consistent temperature and humidity indoors, and watch out for heatstroke even inside during summer. The Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier's gentle nature makes it suitable for families with children, and it can be a playmate. Be cautious as it may get too excited sometimes.

Does the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier require a lot of exercise?

As a former guard and herding dog, the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier has plenty of stamina. It needs two walks a day, each lasting 30-60 minutes. In addition to walks, let it run in a dog park or play fetch with balls or frisbees. It also enjoys pulling heavy objects, so you might play tug-of-war together. With a curious nature, it may react to moving objects, requiring training. Owners need to have the strength to control the leash if it suddenly moves. It is better for people with physical strength to walk this dog. Avoid walking during hot days to prevent heatstroke; morning or evening walks are best. Don't forget hydration. Without enough exercise, it may get stressed or gain weight. Provide ample exercise for mental and physical health.

What kind of food does the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier eat?

Choose 'complete and balanced' food that provides all necessary nutrients with food and water alone. Give age-appropriate amounts for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. Although active, the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier has a weak digestive system, so choose easily digestible food. Especially for puppies, choose food rich in vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, EPA, and DHA to support immune development. Be careful not to give too much calcium, as it can be harmful. Balance is key to maintaining health.

Is the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier easy to train?

The Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is intelligent and listens well to its owner, making it easy to train. It's important to instill obedience from puppyhood. They love to make people happy, so they are pleased when their owners are happy. Train them with praise instead of anger. If they do something wrong, gently explain it to them. Due to their history as guard dogs, they may instinctively bite. While it may not be possible to completely stop this behavior, teach them from a young age to understand the strength of their bite. 'Trust' commands like 'wait' can be helpful for controlling their behavior during walks. Teach them 'wait' from puppyhood to ensure they can control their actions in social settings. Training from puppyhood is crucial, and this intelligent breed will understand well.

Is grooming the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier difficult?

The soft, curly hair of the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier needs brushing every two days. Pay special attention to the inner thighs to the knees, as the hair is long and tends to tangle. Check for debris after walks and brush lightly. Despite little shedding, the hair continues to grow, so monthly shampooing and trimming are necessary. For show dogs, maintain a beautiful appearance, while for family dogs, keep the hair manageable. As it has folded ears, regular ear cleaning is essential to prevent infections. Check for water in the ears after bathing. Brushing and shampooing are important not only for cleanliness but also for bonding. Although frequent brushing may seem challenging, it helps maintain health through touch.

What diseases is the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier prone to?

All animals have diseases they are prone to, and some can be prevented. Here are some common ones for the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: 'Muscular Dystrophy' A genetic disease affecting only males, causing muscle deformity or necrosis. Check the parents before adopting. 'Progressive Retinal Atrophy' A genetic eye disease where the retina does not develop properly. Check the parents before adopting. 'Juvenile Cataracts' A disease where the lens becomes cloudy, reducing vision. While it can be delayed, it cannot be completely cured. Check the parents before adopting. 'Otitis Externa' A common disease in folded or floppy-eared dogs, caused by poor ear ventilation. Regular ear cleaning can prevent it. The average lifespan of the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is 12-15 years, typical for medium-sized dogs. Cherish and enjoy your time with them, as their lifespan is shorter than humans.

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