Is A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Right For You?

By Ruth Walker


When families decide to add a pet to their household, they have to make decisions about what kind of animal will fit their lifestyle and financial situation. Some people choose to select a rescue dog and others prefer to pick a purebred. If you are interested in purchasing from a breed unfamiliar to you, you will have to make certain you get what you expect. The soft coated Wheaten Terrier is an example of an animal that needs a specific type of owner.

Wheatens have a lot of the characteristics most people associate with terriers. They bark and jump, and dig holes, and will run at any opportunity. If you want an animal that rarely meets a stranger and loves nothing more than to be petted and adored, this dog might work for you. People who are bothered by frequent barking, and do not like a rambunctious animal that loves to jump, might want to pass on this animal.

Wheatens are not the best pets for families with little children in the household. They may not appear aggressive, but they can be very territorial when it comes to their food and toys. These dogs are not especially patient with someone pulling their ears or trying to ride them. They can also be pretty rough playmates, which is fine for older children but not so much for little ones.

These dogs are people lovers, and they require time and attention every day. If you spend all day outside the home or travel frequently, you might want to reconsider your choice of a Wheaten. They tend to hate crates, and leaving them free to roam through your home can lead to disaster. Left to their own devices, these dogs may dig holes in the furniture, upset plants and knock over lamps.

Wheaten puppies, like most terriers, have boundless energy. They need plenty of exercise to keep that energy under control. If you don't have the time, or energy of your own, to provide them with plenty of outdoor activities, you are better off with a more sedate animal. Most Wheatens cannot be allowed off leash. They will be off and running in a second and will probably not pay any attention to your calls for them to come back.

Choosing one of these puppies means you are willing to spend time on regular grooming. Their shaggy coats need to be trimmed and even then you will have to remove bits of food from their chins and wipe the floors after they have had a drink of water. Most Wheatens are poor learners when it comes to basic obedience. They don't seem to have much interest and may regress after being taught certain commands.

When you consider purchasing any animal, you should take health issue into account. Wheatens commonly suffer from kidney, ear, skin, and digestive problems.

These are great dogs when they are matched with the right owners. Before you undertake ownership of any animal you should be certain you know what you're getting into.




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