The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog, which ranges on average anywhere from 17 to 19 inches and weighs about 30 to 45 pounds. The breed has a square structure and is well built. Its hair does not shed like most dogs; like human hair and Poodle hair, it keeps growing, needs regular trimming, and drops just a few hairs daily.
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is an energetic and playful dog. They require patience and consistent positive training. Harsh methods will often result in fear aggression. A positive, even-handed approach works best with these intelligent yet headstrong terriers. They are enthusiastic greeters and will often jump up in order to lick a person's face, commonly referred to as the "Wheaten greetin'". These dogs do best when they are exercised regularly. These dogs are very protective of their families. Wheaten Terriers need much attention, and need to be close to humans.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are generally a long lived breed but, as with all other dogs, they can develop health problems. The two most known in the wheaten are protein losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein losing enteropathy (PLE). PLN is where the dog loses protein from the kidneys; PLE is where the dog loses protein from the intestine. These conditions are eventually fatal. Early detection is key and wheaten owners are recommended to test their dogs at least yearly with the available veterinary tests in their own country (note that not all tests are available in all countries).
Neither condition has a known mode of inheritance though there are various research programs, mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom (see health websites for further details). Other wheaten health issues are renal dysplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, Addison's disease and cancer. Wheatens can also suffer from food and environmental allergies.
