Interested in owning a Wheaten Terrier? Wheatens are excellent family dogs and watchdogs, and they do fairly well around other pets. And although they have long, golden strands of fur, Wheaten Terriers don’t shed much. Instead, the challenge with Wheaten Terriers is the maintenance of their fur. It requires daily grooming despite them not shedding.
In this post, we dive deeper into what it’s like owning a Wheaten Terrier and “shed” some light on coat maintenance.
What Are Wheaten Terriers Like?
Wheaten Terriers are friendly, cheerful Irish farm dogs. Like most terriers, their stubbornness shines through occasionally, but their devotion to their families is even stronger.
Wheaten Terriers share ancestry with the Kerry Blue and Irish Terrier, all known to be adaptable farm dogs for any job, although they excelled as watchdogs. After a good day’s work, Wheaten Terriers would snuggle with their families at night with the same happy attitudes they woke up with.
Because of their protective instincts, Wheaten Terriers can be cautious of strangers and other dogs (although they seem to have a soft spot for children). With time, they come to love those they trust.
The Wheaten Terrier Coat
Terriers are well-known for having rough, wiry fur with a signature scruffy goatee, but Wheaten Terriers are the exception.
Although they still show off the hallmark facial hair, Wheaten Terriers have soft, silky fur with natural waves that remind you of a sandy beach or fresh wheat. Their luscious locks require more grooming to avoid matting, but their fur is stunning when brushed and bathed.
Are Wheaten Terriers Hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Wheaten Terriers hardly shed or drool, making them ideal for some allergy-prone dog owners. Wheaten Terriers require frequent grooming, so they may not be ideal if looking for a low-maintenance dog breed.
However, if you’re set on adopting a Wheaten Terrier, try exposing yourself to the breed and the individual a few times first to see if you have a reaction. Allergies come from the proteins found in dog fur, urine, and saliva, and each dog has several proteins. Usually, people with dog allergies are allergic to one or two of these proteins.
It could be that you’re allergic to certain breeds but not the Wheaten Terrier. The only way to know is to spend some time around the dog.
How to Care for Your Wheaten Terrier’s Coat
Wheaten Terrier fur is truly spectacular when properly groomed. Still, it requires daily maintenance. If you’re willing to do the work, you and your Wheaten Terrier will reap the benefits. Both of you will enjoy the process soon enough.
Wheaten Terriers don’t have a second layer that sheds, but you’ll still need to remove the loose fur. Using a pin brush, brush the fur to remove any dirt, debris, and dead hairs stuck to the coat.
Start with the belly then move up the back. Brush the hind legs and front legs, then finish with the tail. As you get closer to the backside, switch to a slicker brush if you have one. These brushes are designed to work through the dense fur around your dog’s butt.
Lastly, use a medium or fine-toothed metal comb to remove stubborn mats. If your Wheaten Terrier has matts beyond what your metal comb can remove, schedule an appointment with a groomer.
Conclusion
Although they have long luscious locks, Wheaten Terriers don’t shed as much as you would think. Still, they require daily grooming to maintain their iconic golden coat.
If you need a low-maintenance dog, this may not be the breed for you. But if you’re set on a Wheaten Terrier and are willing to do the work, you’ll find the process of grooming a Wheaten Terrier to be just as enjoyable as the end result.
Featured Image Credit: bohemama, Shutterstock
