Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
SOFT KOH-ted HWEE-tun TAIR-ee-ur
Happy, Friendly, Deep, Devoted. Originally bred for farm work; herding, guarding, ratting.
An adult Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier weighs 35-45 lbs (male) or 30-40 lbs (female), needs 690-1,340 calories daily, and lives 12-14 yrs. This medium-sized breed balances well between manageable size and robust health. The breed's primary health watch is protein-losing nephropathy (pln). All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier needs 690 to 1,340 calories per day. An average male (40 lbs / 18.1 kg) needs around 1,050 kcal; a female (35 lbs / 15.9 kg) roughly 950 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Wheatens carry two breed-specific conditions that every owner should know about: protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and protein-losing nephropathy (PLN). Both involve the body losing protein through the gut or kidneys, and both can be managed if caught early. Annual urine protein screening and blood panels are essential monitoring tools for this breed. Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
Exercise and activity
45-60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Wheatens are exuberant; the 'Wheaten greetin'' (their signature bounce-and-jump greeting) demonstrates their energy level. Terriers are diggers, chasers, and independent thinkers. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will investigate every hole, chase every squirrel, and test every boundary you set. Provide outlets for natural terrier behavior: digging pits, earth dog trials, agility, and puzzle toys that require problem-solving. Without sufficient exercise, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a soft, silky, wavy (single coat, no undercoat) coat. Origin: Ireland.
The 'Wheaten greetin'' (jumping up to greet people face-to-face) is a breed trademark that requires training to manage. PLN/PLE screening should be annual. Their soft coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Tools for Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 690 to 1,340 calories daily depending on size and activity. A 37-pound male needs about 1,020 kcal; a 32-pound female roughly 900 kcal. Because the breed is susceptible to protein-losing conditions (PLE and PLN), food quality and digestibility are more important than in most breeds. If your Wheaten shows chronic soft stools, weight loss, or low energy, talk to your vet about dietary protein adjustments before just increasing food volume.
Males: 35-40 lbs (15.9-18.1 kg). Females: 30-35 lbs (13.6-15.9 kg). Wheatens should look square and sturdy but not heavy. Their soft, wavy coat makes visual weight assessment difficult; always use the rib check. They should feel solid and muscular underneath that silky coat, not soft or round.
Health records for the breed show protein-losing nephropathy (pln) as the most prevalent concern in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. Annual urine and blood screening catches these early. Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) and renal dysplasia also appear at higher rates than average. Food allergies and sensitivities are more common in Wheatens than in many breeds.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is built for activity and needs 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Wheatens have a terrier's energy without a terrier's intensity, making them adaptable to various activity levels. They stay playful well into middle age, which is charming but also means they genuinely need regular exercise even at 7 or 8 years old. A fenced yard is ideal because their prey drive makes off-leash walks unreliable.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026