Breeds / Medium
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies
Good tempered, spirited and game, full of confidence and humour, an affectionate and intelligent companion. A natural terrier with strong sporting instincts and a hardy constitution.
The facts
- Size class Medium
- Adult weight 16 to 20.5 kg
- Adult weight in pounds 35 to 45 lb
- Adult height 46 to 49 cm
- Energy level Moderate
- Grooming High
- Typical lifespan 12 to 14 years
Source: https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/terrier/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier/
What to expect at eight weeks
At eight weeks a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A medium breed puppy at eight weeks is a manageable armful that will not stay that way. Most of the growth happens between now and six months, so buy for the adult dog where you can. Expect moderate energy, in short bursts separated by long naps. Grooming needs are high. Start daily brushing and short, positive handling sessions at eight weeks, well before the adult coat arrives, or the first professional groom will be traumatic. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything it meets calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of its life.
Health worth knowing about
Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.
- Protein losing nephropathy and protein losing enteropathy, detected by blood and urine protein testing
- Renal dysplasia, detected by blood tests and abdominal ultrasound, confirmed by kidney biopsy
- Hip dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
- Inherited eye disease, screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
- Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism), detected by blood work measuring adrenal hormone levels
- Hypothyroidism, detected by a blood test of thyroid hormone levels
From Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed information at https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/terrier/soft-coated-wheaten-terrier/. Discuss any of these with your own vet.
Your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy's first six months
- Vaccination schedule, dated for your country.
- Worming and parasite schedule.
- Feeding calculator. Set expected adult size to Medium for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
- Adult size predictor, to check growth against the 16 to 20.5 kg adult range.
- Puppy names and the first week checklist.
Other medium breeds
Previous: Silky Terrier · Next: St. Bernard
Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.