| Height | 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 35-40 pounds (male), 30-35 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Happy / Deeply Devoted [1] |
| AKC group | Terrier Group [1] |
| Origin | Ireland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 76 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a medium to high energy level that does not diminish, even in old age. They need plenty of exercise every day. With a strong prey drive, Wheatens will have an urge to chase after just about anything that moves, from squirrels to cars, so the backyard or other play area must be securely fenced, and walks must always be on a leash. [1]
Grooming
The Wheaten's soft, silky coat requires a fair amount of maintenance. The daily grooming session starts with a thorough going-over with a pin brush or a slicker brush to remove dirt and loose hair. Next comes a thorough combing with a medium- and fine-toothed metal comb. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Wheatens are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as protein-losing nephropathy, a kidney ailment; protein-losing enteropathy, a term that is applied to several gastrointestinal conditions; Addison's disease; and renal dysplasia. As with all breeds, a Wheaten's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Protein Losing Nephropathy - Variant 1 (PLN) - DNA Test, Complete Blood Count (CBC), Urinalysis, UPC/Micro Albumin (MA) Test, Serum Chemical Screen, Protein Losing Nephropathy - Variant 2 (PLN) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in 1973. [1]
- It ranked No. 76 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 47 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Wheaten, SCWT, Poor Man¿s Wolfhound.” [1]
- The AKC lists Ireland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 8 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Low-maintenance seekers: AKC rates grooming needs 4/5
Common questions
How long do Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female) and weight 35-40 pounds (male), 30-35 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.