Page 207 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

TERRIERS

Soft Coated THE POOR MAN’S DOG

Wheaten Terrier In England and Ireland, for many centuries,
only the nobility were allowed to keep hounds
and other hunting dogs. Poorer people kept
terriers, which were easy to care for and could
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
do a range of jobs. The Soft Coated Wheaten
18–19in 35–46lb 13–14 years
Terrier (pictured below in a 19th-century
(46–49cm) (16–21kg)
painting by Alfred Duke) was used to kill rats
and other vermin, and also used to guard
This all-around farm dog, with its happy-go-lucky, property and herd livestock. Later it was taken
hunting as a gundog. Perhaps due to its stature
affectionate nature, adapts well to family life and hunting skill, it was known as the “poor
man’s Wolfhound.”
Known for more than 200 years, the too boisterous with toddlers. It retains its
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is probably “puppy” nature into adulthood but is a highly
one of the oldest Irish breeds. It shares intelligent dog and responds well to training.
ancestry with the Irish Terrier (see p.200) It needs plenty of exercise every day.
and the Kerry Blue Terrier (see p.201). The breed is named for its coat, which
Despite its history, it only gained official differs from the wiry coat of other terrier
recognition in Ireland in 1937. breeds. There are two main coat types:
The breed began life as a working dog, the silky, glossy “Irish” coat, and the
and the first dogs had to prove themselves thicker “English” or “American” coat.
in rat, rabbit, and badger hunts in order Many puppies are born with a dark red
to become champions. Today it is mainly or brown coat, which lightens to pale gold
kept as a pet, but some dogs also work as as the dogs mature. The coat will need
therapy dogs. thorough grooming every few days, as
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier loves well as regular trimming.
people, being gentler than other terriers, and
it is good with children, although it can be
Dark hazel eyes

Large, black nose
Tail held Triangular ears
up high

Wheaten
Topknot falls
over eyes

Longer hair
on muzzle
forms beard

Darker shade
gradually fades
as dog matures

Soft, silky
coat forms
loose waves

Black toenails

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