The day your Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier came home for the first time, your life changed in many ways that you never possibly could have expected. You’ll never forget that day.
Here’s 10 things only Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier parents will relate to:
1. Strangers can’t resist touching your dog.
Having a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier means that you can’t go to the park without someone stopping to pet your dog. That’s just what happens when your dog looks like a giant teddy bear. We can’t help but notice that kids rarely stop to pet our dogs without asking first. It’s always the adults that try to sneak a touch. It’s a good thing our Wheaties love attention!
2. You spend more money at the groomer’s than on your own haircuts.
You know the importance of keeping up with that fuzzy coat. You go to the groomer every 6-8 weeks to keep your Wheaten clean and free of mats. Sure, they’ll roll in the yard to regain their stink as soon as you get home, but you love that freshly groomed look. The price of grooming may have been shocking, at first, but you realize that a human hairdresser only has to cut hair on your head; your Wheatie’s groomer may take up to an hour taking care of the dog’s coat from nose to tail. It’s so, so worth it!
3. You sometimes worry your dog might be smarter than you.
Your clever terrier picks up new tricks quickly, and didn’t take long to potty-train. However, you didn’t anticipate how skilled your dog would be at training you. Those big brown eyes slay you, and you can’t help but tuck them in at night, play on demand, and otherwise give in to that lovable pup.
4. You’re concerned you might actually own a human in a bear suit.
Something about the way your Wheatie looks at you tells you that they understand. You may have owned other dogs, but this one is just different. They’ve learned to communicate you in subtle ways – and have captured your heart in a way that you never expected.
5. You’re prepared for Abominable SnowWheatie days.
Your terrier’s long beard and soft coat collect balls of snow in the winter, but that doesn’t seem to stop them from enjoying the snowdrift. You’ve been practicing a gentle, yet effective method for plucking those snowballs off your Wheatie. A cold, snowy pup is nothing a warm towel from the dryer can’t fix!
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6. You’ve never slept better.
All Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier parents know that they love sleeping under the covers with their head on a pillow, just like a human. That warm, fuzzy body is perfect for spooning. You’ve haven’t had a bout of insomnia since your buddy crawled into bed with you for the first time.
7. You’ve negotiated with a terrier.
As sweet as they are, Wheaties have a double dose of terrier-tude. It’ll take a long time, if you’re ever able to trust them off-leash. Like a typical terrier, a Wheatie loves to chase small animals, and is virtually unable to hear you when you try to call them off an interesting scent. The only way to get your Wheatie to listen? Delicious treats!
8. You’ve been kissed by a drippy beard.
Even the ladies of the Wheatie world sport a handsome beard. This lovely, long beard gets dunked in the water whenever your dog takes a drink, making puddles all over the floor. Sloppy, wet beard kisses are an inevitable part of Wheatie life.
9. You now know that “low-shedding” is a joke.
Many terrier breeds are rumored to be non-shedding, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is no exception. However, you’ve learned to stop wearing dark clothes, and have started to match your decor to your dog’s coat to make the endless strands of fur less noticeable.
10. You always get Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier gifts… and you’re just fine with that.
On holidays and birthdays, you’re sure to get some adorable Wheatie-themed presents from friends and family members who know you’re obsessed.
Comments
Don
I’m surprised at the low shedding thing. Our Wheaten doesn’t shed at all. The only hair we see is in a comb from combing out knots or when we groom him (obviously).
Rog'smom
Our Wheatie does not shed at all either! Great article…..made me laugh, yet so true!!
Wölfie
Thanks for a nice article that made me laugh. But like the above my dog doesn’t shade either, except for the hair in the comb. The Wheatie is full of energy and surprises even when they get older. Many people think that may 9 year old Wheatie love is 3 years tops.
The Wheatie, as told in the article, is very intelligent, you can teach them almost everything only your imagination will stop you.
Susan
My Lucy has never shed a hair! Otherwise, this is all perfectly correct!
Gary
My girl doesn’t shed, I don’t get some of these. Number 7, absolutely. She forgets her name when interested in something else.
Rocio
Hahah ! Yes!!! She doesn’t shade tho …perfect for our family with asthma and allergies .
This is so funny and truth ❤️❤️❤️✌?
Peyton
Love #2!! Surprised not see mention on the Wheaten Welcome” (:
dale nikitas
Our Wheaten is 12 years old and often acts more like 2. We love him dearly. Can’t imagine our lives without him. He has never greeted me with the Wheaten Greetin but everyone else pretty much is. He assumes that every one who comes to the door is there only for him and he acts accordingly. His tail never stops waving. The Peter Pan of the dog world. We would very much like to have a companion Wheaten for him.
Chris
No shedding with our Wheaten either. ( we brush and comb 5 x a week). Where’s the Wheaties Welcome?
Donna
We see no shedding just hair in comb after comb out. Number 9 is the only one I don’t agree with. The rest are sooooo true!!!
Christina
My Tucker doesn’t shed a hair. But all.the other things listed are true lol
Diane
So funny! We adore our Wheaten too and she has never shed either, only on the brush. I am surprised that nothing was stated on the wheaten sleeping pose or the zoomies. At 7 our girl still has the zoomies and sleeps in the oddest positions! Love this breed and our sweetie wheatie!
Hélène
Great article, but my wheatie does not shed at all. Best breed!!!
Susan
I shed more than my Wheaten! Other than what comes out in the comb — which is actually dead grass, twigs, pieces of mulch, and various other things she’s rolled in — there is barely a hair shed!
Michele
Our Wheatie won’t sleep with us all night. Just shares the bed for an hour and then goes to the floor or crate. ?
Jim
I would add 11) There is an element of mischief in the young males; we refer to ours as the “scamp.”
Susan
A house is not a home without a Wheaten; I have heard this saying several times. We had to say good bye to our 12 year old Irish girl this past May. We are 68 years old and wondering if we can do this again. We are fine physically with no limitations, finally 100% retired and feel we need another 6 months of mourning. Then I would like to pursue adopting another puppy. Am I crazy or what??? A house is not a home without a Wheaten…
Karen
Susan if you are crazy so are we. We lost our beautiful boy August 28. He would have been 11 tomorrow. We are both 65 and have decided our home is not home without a Wheaten. We worried about getting another puppy too but hopefully we will stay healthy.
Nancy
Susan, I understand completely as I am in the same boat. We lost our beautiful girl this summer, she was 14. I too planned on waiting. Our house is just too empty and…we will hopefully have a Wheaten puppy this in the next few months. I am so excited!
Charie
My heart is still broken. I had to say an incredibly painful good-bye to my best girl, my 12 1/2 year old Daisy, early this September. The happiest dog in America and my constant companion.
I’ll be moving to an apartment this spring and can’t imagine another breed of dog as communicative and full of life as a Wheaten. I will have to save my pennies and get a miniature Wheaten, or a miniature WheaPoo although I’d rather rescue. I’m 62, very active, and simply too lonely without this zoomy, happy bundle of joy and love. I love reading of others who share the never ending love of a Wheaten!
Susan Millar
It warms my heart to hear these stories! Especially the sleeping poses. The best dog ever! I became the happy owner of my 1st Wheaten 6 yrs ago. He changed my life…. all for the better. Introducing him to friends, who naturally fell n love with this breed, I will soon be a Wheaten grandma! So excited to experience two adult Wheaten’s, can’t imagine what a litter of Wheaten pups will be like. I can’t afford to keep them all, finding homes will be difficult as I will love them like my other two. Wishing a happy early birthday (first week of February) to these special gifts!
My thoughts and prayers to those who have loved and lost, and ask for prayers for someone to love these new babies like you love yours. ?
Maureen
My wheaten doesn’t shed either. 14 years old and still spins doughnuts when we come home. I’m surprised that the wheaten greetin and crazy antics after a bath weren’t mentioned.
Denise
Didn’t take long to potty train? Our breeder warned us, but we’re nowhere near. The vet and the puppy trainer both said we’re doing all the right things. I know she’s only five months, but Tooraloo is making our lives troublesome. Yes, she’s a bundle of beauty and joy (with no shedding.) Has anyone else had this problem, and if so, do you have any suggestions?
Annette
Denise, my Jackson is 1 today. And I can honestly say it has taken forever to housebreak him! He finally has it! He is a bundle of energy and always finds something he knows he shouldn’t have just to make us chase him! He is constantly happy and mischievous, and makes friends everywhere we go. I love his kisses and his cuddles and crazy antics!
Lynda
Loved reading all about wheatens
They simply are the very best!!
Cuddly smart friendly and faithful
We are blessed with our wheaten
Almost 17 years old!!
Paula Mueller
We have had 6 Wheaties. We have fallen in love with the breed and will have no other breed. Our girls have been the love of our life. I agree with everything that has been written. They do not shed except for the undercoat you pull out when you groom them. Once in a while I will find a hair knot that one of mine has “shedded” off. How many of you have a Wheatie that sleeps froggy style? 4 of our 6 have done that. It is sooooo cute! They are our children in fur coats. They are pretty much perfect!! We even have a license plate that says Wheaties.
Matthew Chamberlin
We have a boy (14) & brought in a girl (1) last year. We are looking to add a 3rd so the girl has a life-long companion. Any suggestions if the new puppy should be a girl or boy? Our 14-year old is so tolerant of the puppy. I feel bad at times as it’s like putting a 90 year-old man with a 5 year-old girl all day, but he gets after her as much as he can during play time. We experience no shedding, but lot’s of leaves and stick dragging. Thanks for any advice.
Mary Eaglin
Replace the shedding comment part with a wheaten greeting because, my wheatie
Doesn’t shed. But she loves greeting all people!
Colby Fox
I just lost my beloved Rascal. He was the absolute sweetest dog on earth and I miss him terribly. I was lucky he made it to 15 1/2, but it makes the loss so much harder. He was my fourth wheaten and perfect in every way. He was more a fluffy little boy than a dog.
I plan to get another wheaten as they are the only dog for me.
Heidi
Great list But….
1 Wheatens don’t shed
2 characteristic number 1: the “Wheaten greeting”
3 here in Belgium, all Wheates favorite spot is in the sofa.
I’m a proud owner of the Irish variant of this breed for over 20 years now, and I don’t ever want to change.
Jayla
We have been enjoying our latest addition to the family for a little over 1 year. Chip, named for Chip Gaines due to his goofiness, has been a joy most of the time. We learned the hard way about his food allergies. Once we found out he is terribly allergic to poultry we were on the road to living together with far fewer messes to clean up. I agree with everyone here that the breed is very intelligent. But we have been working with Chip since day 1 on shake and he just refuses. We think it is a balance thing with him, he tends to slide on his pads. The sleeping positions are hysterical as well as the zooming, which sometimes finds him falling to the floor but he bounces back up and goes right back to zooming around the room. The huge thing is that he and our first fur baby – Bella get along great. We can’t imagine life without either one of them.
Joann
We rescued our Wheaton a little over a month ago. He had 2 ear infections, an eye infection, parasites and kennel cough- we have all of that under control now. However he goes outside to pee but comes in the house and poops and then eats it before we can stop him. He’s outside for at least 10-15 minutes at a time. He also has a terrible odor. Any suggestions would be helpful on both issues.
Dave Anderson
Yep, just take you’re baby for a walk on the least so he poops outside. They lime an audience and support during the most important time of the day.
Emily
Wow I’m surprised to read all the comments saying their Wheaties don’t shed… my little Chew Bear does!! I wonder if he’s a mixed breed now bc he was found all alone by a grocery store in my town and I ended up with him <3 didn’t even know he was a SCWT until I took him to the groomers for the first time, haha!
Porcha
My Wheaton does not shed either. I am surprised to hear about the shedding as well, and it is true that at times I think that he may be a human in a dog’s body because he is smart and intuitive. However, has anyone run into an issue with a mean streak? My dog can be possessive
and sometimes he exhibits aggressive behaviors. But, I have had him for 10 years and he is the LOVE of my life.
Tony
I love reading all these comments about Wheatons. I call my Archie my furry son! He can be crazy when he has too much energy – butt up in the air head on the ground, wide eye, a couple crazy doggy moans and then zoom zoom off he goes running in circles arounf the room or in the back yard! My mother in law has a couple Yorkies and when they hear him gearing up they run for the hills… or should I say to the couch to get away! Wheatons are the greatest dogs. We dont see any hair either. The wheaton greetin is alive and well here too!
Joan & Earl
We just celebrated our Lilly’s 1st rebirthday on September 26, 2020. It was the day of the addoption of our beautiful 6 year old Wheaton Terrier from a SPCA in Midland Va. They had rescued 81 of these sweet dogs from a puppy mill. We had been looking for a short time, learned from the internet that they were overwhelmed by all the dogs and the poor condition they were in. We drove over an hour to the SPCA and it was so amazing she was there waiting for us. She had had multiple litters of puppies but the little tail was still wagging and she was not broken. As all of you, we adore this 40 pound sweet girl and could not invision our home without all the joy that she brings to us.
Terry and Phyllis
Our Finn is 2 1/2 years old. Big male at over 50 lbs., ( not fat, just solid). All the above we can relate to. “Wheaten greetin” should be #1. “Talks” to us when he wants our attention. A kind of low howl. He’s a big ball of muscle and energy. Taken to the groomer every 6 weeks or so. In bed or on the couch, he likes touching you, usually via a paw as he quickly gets too warm and has to move to the floor to cool off. We have a fenced-in back yard, which he patrols constantly. If we mention “squirrel”, he immediately starts looking up in the trees. “Chipmunk” and his nose is to the ground or around the woodpile near the fire pit. He has more toys than Santa, but is proudest of dragging in a stick. He has an infinity for snatching gloves and then making a game out of chasing him to get it back. I could go on for hours…We love our Finnigan!
Sandy
For those people who think they might be too old: I didn’t mention my age to the shelter but I just picked up my third Wheaton rescue today. I am 72 and he is three. The first thing we did was take a two hour walk and we ran into another Wheaton so they had an impromptu play date.
I was told he was aggressive and unaffectionate. He has been nothing but a perfect gentleman, leaning on me licking my face and hands and not even going onto the furniture until I invite him. He does not bark or whine which is puzzling. I got him because after having two Wheatens in 10 years I decided I could not live without one. It took me eight months to find him due to Covid, but after one day we are both in love. Can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together. Very bright, no shedding, very attentive, curious and friendly.
Katie Shoemaker
Never read a more accurate article 🙂
Amanda
Our Bertie (Alberta) doesn’t shed, and she definitely does the Wheaten Greetin’! She has Elizabeth Taylor eyelashes and has us totally wrapped around her paw. She is very fair with her affections – everybody gets a turn. Is such a trooper when hiking. Does scout duty. Always responsive. Can’t imagine life without her.
Kerri
I agree with all these points! My sweet Bandit is about to be 3 this summer and doesn’t shed. But he LOVES to sleep with his paws against something…the wall, my bathtub, the headboard on my bed! LOL. It’s too funny! He loves to sleep on the cool tile floor, but as soon as he senses I’m about to get up, he gets in the bed with me. Such a wonderful and sweet breed. I’m in love!
Cheri McKently
My Fionaula (Fi for short) is now 9 and can still “pop” almost as high as when she was a 1 year old. At 28 pounds, she’s a small Wheatie. She sheds just a little…something that resembles dust bunnies. I’m a certified yoga instructor and as a pup, when I did my daily practice, she’d also roll on her back next to me, right before jumping
on me for a tummy rub. I couldn’t find after just moving to a new house and finally located her in front of a mirror I had propped against the wall,
playing with the puppy she saw then
checking behind the mirror trying her best to find her playmate. So cute
What a lovely breed to love and enjoy!
Cheri McKently
My Fionaula (Fi for short) is now 9 and can still “pop” almost as high as when she was a 1 year old. At 28 pounds, she’s a small Wheatie. She sheds just a little…something that resembles dust bunnies. I’m a certified yoga instructor and as a pup, when I did my daily practice, she’d also roll on her back next to me, right before jumping
on me for a tummy rub. I couldn’t find after just moving to a new house and finally located her in front of a mirror I had propped against the wall,
playing with the puppy she saw then
checking behind the mirror trying her best to find her playmate. So cute.
What a lovely breed to love and enjoy!
Lori
Quincy Bleu will be 2 this summer. So different than our 1st wheaten. She also sleeps with her feet pushing against the couch and on
the tile floor. Her favorite way to sleep is on her back! She loves to watch other dogs on the tv. She looks behind it to see where they are. Super smart & loves to run at the fenced dog park. Best breed!!!
Beth
My Noodles is 6 and does not shed. He does loves sleeping in a bed with a pillow though.
He loves to splash in the water but hates to swim. And he is instant friends with every person and almost every dog he meets. He thinks he is much larger than he really is and loves playing with the big boys – Bloodhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Boxers.
Audrey caldwell
My sons familys Wheatenis a female who has been probably 38 to 40 lb has been just a beautiful pet for the family but she’s dying of CA and she’s only 11. I’m just sick for her and for them. Is that considered young?? She’s been in good health, gets walked at least once a day and eats what’s been recommend, sleeps with everyone in the family and gets lots of love. Were so sad so please advise us on why we need to lose her so early in her life. We’ll definitely do anything to keep them around longer. What about spending time at home by herself while everyone is working or going to school. I’ve felt badly re that. Also they were afraid to let her out in a fenced yard for fear of losing her tho they could have it but she did get walks.Thank you for any suggestions.
Laura Lee
Dear Mollee will be10 at the end of August and has been with us since 2 months. Housebroken in a month and has traveled north and south in the motor home. Loves to cuddle and be with her family. She’s the Irish breed and does not shed. Sleeps rolled up in the covers or the tile floor. Love her.
Maggie
We have had 3 Wheatens over the last 20 years. She had to be put down at 16 years, 8 months and 10 days. We are also in the process of retiring so I first signed up for a smaller dog (Coton) yesterday, but changed my mind today and switched to an Irish coated wheaten – rest were American coated. A female was the only one available soon (all my research shows that males are more gentle and easier to train, whereas females tend to be more alpha and independent).
Previous dogs didn’t shed and were very friendly to anyone who showed interest in them. Leaning into strangers was particularly sweet and garnered lots of compliments and attention.
Maggie
We too had a wheaten that had skin cancer at 11. Vet said not much we could do short of thousands of $ in chemotherapy,etc. He smelled horrible
and was clearly very uncomfortable. We already had our third wheaten, so did not have to start over. She had to be put down last November at 16 years, 8 months and 10 days as she was blind and deaf and falling down (probably strokes). As this was during the pandemic, I did not sign up for another wheaten until just today. Loved all 3 Wheatens that we have had, many similarities (non-shedding very friendly and playful, let their food sit) but also different (first one was very smart and loved the water, second was lumbering male and third was alpha female). Went with the Irish coat this time.
Connie BlissRusch
I agree with all but the shedding. Our dogs don’t shed.
Angie Lefler
My Wheatie doesn’t shed, and you didn’t mention the Wheaten greetin’….similar to Tigger’s tail! LOL
Megan Harsche
Great list, with the exception of #9! My Wheaten puppy does not only not shed, not I’m even 1 hair shows up on the brush.🤷♀️
Janet
Doesn’t shed at all, but does shake off mud everywhere after a wet walk!
Kate
All true but 9
Caryn
I have my third Wheaten, a third female, and none of them have shed. My Molly, a rescue and the middle Wheatie, used to stand with her front paws on the middle of the car console and her body rubbed hair on the seats’ sides but other than that anomaly there has never been shedding.
Patty
On Dec1 I had to put my sweet wheaten to sleep. I dreaded this moment from the first day I
picked him up. He had an Irish coat. The breeder was very excited to have two Irish coated
wheatens among her litter of 9 puppies. She had colored ribbons on each puppy so she could
identify them. My dog Monty wore a little blue ribbon so we often called the puppy with the
little blue ribbon. From the first day he arrived we learned that Wheatens are willful, very smart and very funny. He made us laugh every day because he had so many quirks. I have loved all my dogs in the past but must say I will never have a dog quite like him and not sure
I can ever love another dog as much as I loved this one. I have a huge hole in my heart now that he is gone. If I get another it will surely be a Wheaten . The most common comment I got
from friends was ” there is something about Monty that seems human” Wheatens have soulful eyes. Their eyes talk to you. We lived our life around this dog and never regretted it.
Krissy
Our pup Theodore is the best. He is 7 yrs old. And all the comments above are so true. He does zoom when we get home. He loves it when we encourage him and clap and tell him he is amazing while zooming. He does have eyes that speak to you and does feel like a human in bear suit. He does the Wheaten Greetin’ for everyone. He also likes to “talk” often after dinner. He does like to rest on pillows and does know where to look when you call out “squirrel”. It did take us about 4-5 years before we could trust him off leash. He does get lots of attention from passerbys. He is so sweet and we love him to pieces. We just talked about getting another. He is so lovable and cuddly. He rarely barks. And he understands so many words. He does get skin cysts from time to time that usually go away when popped. I haven’t seen anyone talk about those? Recommendations? Is there a reason he gets them?
Best dog we ever had. Will never go with another breed- it will always be a Wheaten.
Joanne Scarabino
Does anyone have a Wheaton that chases human when they go to leave the house. This happens to any man that goes to leave. How do I stop this?
Eve Mitchell
I loved that you said that Wheaton terriers sleep with you in bed! I’m thinking about getting a Wheaton terrier for my kids this Christmas. I think this will be the perfect dogs to help our family bond and grow closer together. http://outbackwhoodles.com/
Bette
My Maggie McKee is my first Wheaton terrier..she turned 3 last Feb.. I’ve had dogs my whole life.. mostly cockers.. this dog is amazing.. I talk to her all the time and I’m sure she gets it… My husband passed away in March 2020 . This dog has been my lifesaver… sleeps with me , always wants to be with me.. She is aggressive with some dogs but fine with others.. I’ve tried the Cesar Milan methods to control her.. but to no avail.. any suggestions!!!
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