Soft Coat Wheaten Terrier. Juliette Cunliffe

rather appealing long coat! If socialized when young, the SCWT also gets along reasonably with other dogs, but cats can be quite a different matter. Because cats move quickly, the terrier instinct is easily alerted, and “attack” is frequently the next step. As with so many breeds, it may indeed be possible to bring up a dog alongside the family cat, but a strange cat encountered in the yard will usually need to make a very rapid get-away.

       SPLASH!

      Some SCWTs absolutely love water, and swimming can indeed be fun if carefully supervised. One should never assume, though, that all Wheatens like water, for some seem to despise it. It is, however, safe to say that, being an energetic breed, they will love to go for walks.

      As with the other terrier breeds, SCWTs are keen to chase small rodents. If the family’s other pet is something like a guinea pig or a hamster, it should be kept out of harm’s way!

      PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

      This is a compact, relatively short-coupled, upstanding terrier that is strong and well built. The SCWT is not exaggerated in any way and is well balanced in both structure and movement. When not moving, the dog should stand four square, with head and tail up. These are features of the breed that help show that this is a happy dog, one that is full of character.

       The SCWT raised with children will grow up to be a protective, devoted companion to them.

       SOFT AT HEART?

      The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier should always be socialized with other dogs while still young. Although not as aggressive as some of the other breeds in the Terrier Group, males can be only too happy to stand up to another dog if challenged!

      HEAD AND EARS

      The moderately long skull of the SCWT is of medium width, but should never be coarse. Indeed the American Kennel Club breed standard gives a clear and detailed description of the foreface and skull, which should be of equal length. The skull is flat and the stop defined, while the nose should always be black and large for the dog’s face.

      The V-shaped, thin ears are folded at the level of the skull, their forward edge dropping down slightly so that it lies closely along the cheek. The back edge of the ear stands slightly away from the head. The clear, bright, dark reddish brown or brown eyes, with their black eye rims, are medium in size and set under a strong brow.

      TAIL

      The tail of the SCWT is customarily docked, so that in an adult the length of tail is about 4–5 inches. The tail of the SCWT should be set on high and carried gaily, but this is a terrier breed and the tail should never be carried over the back.

      SIZE

      The SCWT is a medium-sized breed, with dogs standing approximately 18–19 inches at withers. They weigh 35–40 pounds, while in both height and weight bitches tend to be a little smaller than males.

      MOVEMENT

      The SCWT moves with long, low strides, and is well coordinated in its movement, which is free, graceful and lively. There is both forehand reach and good drive from behind. When moving, the topline should remain level. Both head and tail are carried high.

       DELTA SOCIETY

      The human-animal bond propels the work of the Delta Society, striving to improve the lives of people and animals. The Pet Partners Program proves that the lives of people and dogs are inextricably linked. The Pet Partners Program, a national registry, trains and screens volunteers for pet therapy in hospices, nursing homes, schools and rehabilitation centers. Dog-and-handler teams of Pet Partners volunteer in all 50 states, with nearly 7,000 teams making visits annually. About 900,000 patients, residents and students receive assistance each year. If you and your dog are interested in becoming Pet Partners, contact the Delta Society online at www.deltasociety.org.

      COAT

      The coat of the SCWT is different from that of any other terrier, for it is soft and silky, loosely waved. The UK standard allows curls, saying that curls should be large, light and loose if present. In all cases, the coat should flow and fall naturally, not standing off from the body. Although the coat is abundant all over the body, it is especially profuse on the head and the legs. It is worth noting that the texture of the coat does not stabilize until the dog is around two years of age.

       The most controversial breed issue involves the SCWT’s coat, which is groomed variously around the world. This elegant SCWT is a show-winning dog in the US.

      Presentation of the SCWT’s coat is a highly controversial issue and differs greatly around the world. In the United States, for show purposes, the SCWT is presented to show a terrier outline, but the coat must be of sufficient length to flow when the dog is in motion. Apart from the difference in bodily outline, the “head coat should be blended to present a rectangular outline.” In Britain, The Kennel Club’s breed standard includes the words “Over-trimming or stylizing should be penalized. For show purposes the coat may be tidied to present a neat outline.” In Ireland, dogs may be shown trimmed or untrimmed, but dogs that are “fluffed out” are heavily penalized.

       The colors of the SCWT are the varying shades of wheaten. This line-up of British show dogs illustrates the “natural” untrimmed coat style favored in the UK.

      This is a matter for constant debate, and the way in which an SCWT’s coat is presented will depend upon the country in which your dog is shown. This is a very important consideration for any overseas exhibitors with any aspirations of showing the SCWTs in the US. The Wheatens winning in AKC show rings are far more elegant and artfully sculpted than the rugged blokes winning in the UK.

       DIFFERING TYPES

      Most people involved with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will agree that, in effect, there are actually three differing types—Irish, English and American. Indeed, sometimes the dogs differ more greatly from country to country than is apparent from merely reading the countries’ breed standards.

      Because the SCWT does not shed a great deal of hair if groomed correctly, it can be a sensible choice for allergy sufferers. However, before purchasing any dog, allergy sufferers should be absolutely certain that the breed they have chosen is one that is unlikely to cause them any discomfort. You and your family should have exposure to a Wheaten in a contained atmosphere before making a final decision.

      COLOR

      The AKC breed standard simply calls for “any shade of wheaten.” The British standard puts it more poetically, describing the color as a “shade of ripening wheat.” Although dark shading on the ears is not untypical, white and red coats are both objectionable. In Ireland, the breed standard requires the coat color simply to be “Any shade from light wheaten to a golden reddish hue.” Regardless of word choice, the overall coloring must be clearly wheaten, with no evidence of any other color, except that blue-gray shading is sometimes present on the ears and muzzle.

      SCWT puppies are born dark in color, perhaps best described as the color of a brown paper bag, but their color changes as they mature. As for the texture of the coat, the coat color in SCWTs cannot be expected to stabilize