Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

We are looking into a dog for safety reasons but because of my allergies we are limited in breed. Soft coated Wheaten Terriers seem to fit our needs, but I don't know anyone who has one. I want to meet one in person (before going to a breeder and get sucked into buying a beautiful puppy) to see if it really is a good fit with my allergies and talk to owners on temperment. Can anyone help? TIA!

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

I don't own a wheaten but I looove them! They are so good natured (as a breed are known to be, obviously all individual dogs are different) and they are supposed to be very good with children. They are a good size, around 35 lbs.

They are terriers though and need to be exercised.

I don't think there is any harm in setting up a meeting with a responsible breeder. You can meet the parents and let them answer all the questions you may have and a responsible breeder will NOT push their puppies on you. In fact, you may be surprised that they may be interviewing YOU a bit to see if they want their puppies to go with you.

good luck!

Poodles are another option for allergies. They come in three sizes and are so smart!

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

As a parent of 2 young children, I personally would stay away from any terrier, despite how stinkin cute wheaten terriers are!! Terriers were bred to hunt. Terriers are very active, lively and energetic. I encourage you to continue to do all of the research possible before you decide to give a lucky dog a forever home with you and your family.

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

I have heard nothing but good things about Wheaten Terriers!

When we adopted our Terrier Mix, Charlie, a year and a half ago, and questioned the vet about what kind of "mix" she might be, the vet said that he saw a lot of wheaten in her with her coloring and fur texture and temperment.

So I tend to have an eye for wheaten terriers and whenever I see them I end up talking to the owners ... yes, I randomly go up to people at parks, on walks, etc. when I see wheatens.

They are always super sweet dogs, allow me to pet them, and their owners speak so highly of them. I've run into a few people who tell me that they've had several wheaten terriers because they've been so great.

To the previous poster who said that they'd stay away from Terriers ... there are SO many kinds of terrier breeds. Yes, some have a bad rap, and even those who had a bad name aren't all bad dogs. It depends on the dog and their temperment, breeding history and how they've been handled.

Wheatens are one of the breads that I've just heard nothing but good things about, and that doesn't happen all that often!

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

BIL & SIL have one. The dog is super hyper and jumps on everything. She's a sweet dog but they had to hire a trainer to try to calm her down a bit and she is still more hyper than my dog is. Not my favorite type of dog, I wouldn't get one personally.

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate everyone's opinions.

I'm still researching and am waiting for a call back from our vet for more info, but we are leaning towards a wheaten.

I found info on the AKC site, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club as well as Iams and other sites. They all say the same thing:

(copied from AKC)
Wheatens tend to be less scrappy than other terriers but they are true terriers and will be more active than many other breeds, enjoying plenty of exercise every day. They relate well to children and can adapt to city, country, and suburban life. The Wheaten is single coated and sheds minimally, but needs regular grooming to keep its coat mat free.

If anyone knows of any different information, please let me know. Like a PP said, I have't found anything negative about the breed, but I would love to read differing opinions.

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

I love Wheatens. They are very lovable, loyal protectors, great with children, have alot of energy and would benefit from a family who can provide them with consistent exercise and training.

With that being said we did have a negative experience with a Wheaten in my extended family To defend the Wheaten, I don't think his parents knew the extent of his energy level and sense of protection being a terrier. I think with any pet you should be well researched and definitely visit with a Wheaten at all ages, puppy and adult. It's a great commitment and responsibility to take lightly.

Lots of luck.

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

Wheaten info

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

My ILs have a Wheaten.

While she is mostly a sweet dog, she has a TON of energy and needs so much exercise. They don't give her enough and her behavior is sometimes terrible. She barks (loudly) ALL the time, and jumps on everyone (elderly and kids, too). She jumped on DH's little cousin a few times and knocked her down, once she hit her head as a result!

I love dogs, all dogs, but Wheatens are best when they get a TON of exercise and I honestly would not recommend a Wheaten to a family with little kids. They are SMART but that also means they can be hard to train because they think for themselves.

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

I have an almost 4 yr old female wheaten..Annie is AMAZING.. My brother owns one, Riley and my parents used to have a femle when i was younger.. I cant say enough about her..my brother and i both have two small kids and never any problems.. I bought her from a breeder in malverne who shipped her in from Ireland.. Annie is sooooo great that one of my friends from work is getting one. hTH

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

I know someone who had a wheaten as a rescue. They hired trainers in home and at a facility. They worked with the dog constantly but she still wouldn't stop biting her children. With the whole family in tears they had to send her back. With that said, if you are truly interested in the breed, if you buy a puppy from a reliable, reccommended, responsible breeder that allows you to meet the mother, that would probably be your best path in my opinion. Good luck!

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

I'll give my two cents here at the risk of offending owners of Wheaten's.

In my practice this breed is amongst the more nervous of our patients and therefore a bit on the more likely side to snap.

There are so many other small breed dogs that may be a better choice.

My advice would be to to a breeder, if possible, and meet the parents, or at least the mother and observe the whole litter.

If possible, avoid getting the pup from a pet store especially if you're choosing a breed like a Wheaten that has potential behavioral issues.

Feel free to ask any follow up questions.

Dr. Marc Gurtman
Towne Line Veterinary Group

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

my mother has a wheaten and while he is a very sweet dog, he is extremely hyper ALL the time. he's very jumpy and he's constantly drinking water, so he's always wet around his mouth and therefore very slobbery.

i do not mean to offend wheaten owners...i should also say that i am much more of a cat person than a dog person. and like i said, this is a VERY sweet dog. if you didn't know wheatens, you might think he doesn't get out much, but my mom takes him for 1-2 hour long walks each day when it's nice enough out and he's still got an enormous amount of energy. my brother and SIL also feel this way about him and their small children have issues being around him b/c he's so jumpy and slobbery as well - he's constantly trying to lick the kids' faces and none of us can pet him because he won't stop licking our hands.

but my mom absolutely LOVES him, and i don't think she has any clue that any of us feel this way about him. she has always been extremely happy with her choice in breed.

Re: Anyone own a Wheaten Terrier?

I would just put my vote in for a poodle. We had a standard. She was a delight- smart and great for my dad's allergies. Such a gentle giant. I do not know about Wheatons. I wish you luck on your puppy search!