Appearance

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a compact, medium sized dog of square proportions. The coat comes in various shades of wheaten and has a wavy texture. The head is rectangular, long, with a defined stop and a strong muzzle. The V Shaped ears fold forward, level with the skull. The teeth should ideally meet in a scissors or level bite. The eyes are almond-shaped, brown and have a very lively, very terrier-like expression. The large nose should be black. The back is strong and the topline level. The Wheaten tail is customarily docked, and is carried upright at all times.

Size and Weight

Mature males should stand 18 to 19 inches at the shoulder, with the ideal height being 18.5 inches. Females should stand 17 to 18 inches at the shoulder, with the ideal being 17.5. Males should weigh 35-40 pounds, females should weigh 30-35 pounds.

Coat and Color

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sports a single coat of silky hair that covers the body in waves and falls over the eyes. They come in any shade of wheaten ranging form light beige to gold. There may be some white, red, or black hairs interspersed in the coat, and the muzzle and ears may sometimes be blue-gray. Puppies are born dark and lighten as they mature. It can take up to two years for the dog's final color to appear and for the hair to achieve its wavy texture.

Grooming Needs

Wheatens so not have an undercoat, so they shed very lightly throughout the year. Daily grooming is required to maintain the proper look and feel of the coat, but dogs who aren't being shown can get away with a scruffier appearance and three days of grooming per week. Baths are only required as needed.

Check the ears on a weekly basis for signs of infection, irritation, or wax build up. Cleanse regularly with a veterinarian-approved cleanser and cotton ball. Brush the teeth at least once per week to prevent tartar buildup and fight gum disease. Additionally, nails should be trimmed once per month if the dog does not wear down the toenails naturally.