The coat on a dog can be one of its most outstanding characteristics. The coat can tell you a lot about the type of dog and what it was originally bred for. In the case of the Irish soft coated wheaten terrier, this dog is prized for its silky soft coat. There is a gentle wave that goes through the coat and very nice wheaten color. These dogs have a very self confident demeanor and they are highly intelligent. These dogs can often be found competing in agility or obedience competitions. Like many terriers, this breed does have a bit of a scrappy streak, but it is less so than some of the other terrier dogs.

The history of this breed can be traced back to Ireland. These dogs were known as the poor man’s dog and were used mainly on small farms. The Irish soft coated wheaten terrier would patrol the perimeter of these small farms and rid them of vermin or help to herd sheep and other livestock. Another popular use was to take this dog hunting. Like most other terriers, these dogs require daily exercise to keep them calm and behaving well. They make good pets for families and they do well with children. These dogs can adapt to many different types of living conditions.

The typical Irish soft coated wheaten terrier weighs in between thirty five and forty pounds. The stand about twenty inches at the shoulder and have the aforementioned silky smooth coat. Because this signature coat is the one thing that sets these dogs apart from the other terrier breeds, it needs to be groomed and taken care of on a fairly regular basis. These dogs are also very alert and show a great interest in their surroundings. They are not known to be very aggressive which again makes them a good fit for an active family.

When considering getting a dog and adding this wonderful new member to your family, make sure that the breed of dog is the right fit. Dogs like the Irish soft coated wheaten terrier require a large amount of time and attention. Because these dogs are a little more high energy, training at an early age is critical to enjoying them as a pet. Without the proper training, high energy dogs can take out their excess energy and frustration in the form of some very unwanted behaviors. Taking care of a dog is something that should be taken seriously. If you put in the time, these animals can create some of the best times you will ever have.