Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Information

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Puppy And Dog Information

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium sized that can live in an apartment as long as she can get frequent walks. She can get much of her exercise indoors. She is good watch dog that can get along well with other dogs. She needs to be socialized young to get along with other pets. She generally loves older children, especially if raised with them. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 18 to 20 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 35 to 45 pounds. The female ranges from 17 to 19 inches to the withers and 30 to 40 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is no exception. Be on the look out for progressive retinal atrophy, allergic skin problems or flea allergies, kiney disease and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a single coat of abundant, silky, slightly wavy hair covering the body. She should be combed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier comes from Ireland where they were used as a guard dog for farms and hunt game. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1973.

Some Registries:

*The Smooth Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 5 to 6 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies

Category: Terrier

Terms To Describe: Hardy, steady, happy, confident, alert, affectionate

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Makes a good watch dog.

Wants to please.

Gets along with other pets.

Non shedding.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Makes a poor guard dog.

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com.

www.petpages.com is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.