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Is A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Right For You?

By Ruth Walker


When families decide to add a pet to their household, they have to make decisions about what kind of animal will fit their lifestyle and financial situation. Some people choose to select a rescue dog and others prefer to pick a purebred. If you are interested in purchasing from a breed unfamiliar to you, you will have to make certain you get what you expect. The soft coated Wheaten Terrier is an example of an animal that needs a specific type of owner.

These dogs are adorable as puppies with their shaggy coats, big brown eyes and energetic personalities. They don't really change very much as they grow into adulthood. Behaviors that may have seemed cute and appealing in a puppy may not be as attractive in a larger animal. Wheatens have a lot of traits in common with other terriers. They tend to bark at the drop of a hat, and they love to dig. These dogs also jump on people they know and those they don't.

Wheatens probably aren't the best choice for families with young children or other pets. The dogs can make rowdy playmates, knocking little ones off their feet. These animals are also very serious when it comes to their food. They generally don't want anyone near them and can become aggressive in protecting the bowls.

These dogs are people lovers, and they require time and attention every day. If you spend all day outside the home or travel frequently, you might want to reconsider your choice of a Wheaten. They tend to hate crates, and leaving them free to roam through your home can lead to disaster. Left to their own devices, these dogs may dig holes in the furniture, upset plants and knock over lamps.

Wheaten puppies, like most terriers, have boundless energy. They need plenty of exercise to keep that energy under control. If you don't have the time, or energy of your own, to provide them with plenty of outdoor activities, you are better off with a more sedate animal. Most Wheatens cannot be allowed off leash. They will be off and running in a second and will probably not pay any attention to your calls for them to come back.

Choosing one of these puppies means you are willing to spend time on regular grooming. Their shaggy coats need to be trimmed and even then you will have to remove bits of food from their chins and wipe the floors after they have had a drink of water. Most Wheatens are poor learners when it comes to basic obedience. They don't seem to have much interest and may regress after being taught certain commands.

When you consider purchasing any animal, you should take health issue into account. Wheatens commonly suffer from kidney, ear, skin, and digestive problems.

Adding a pet to your family dynamic can be a great thing or a total disaster. You should never assume a puppy will outgrow annoying characteristics and turn into the animal you always wanted.




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