3 pros and cons of owning a Wheaten Terrier
Pros! | Cons! |
---|---|
Friendly and Affable The Wheaten Terrier is very outgoing and expressive. | Strong Prey Drive The Wheaten Terrier has a tendency to chase smaller animals. |
Devoted and Loyal This dog is very protective of its owner. | Stubbornness This dog needs a firm but friendly hand to guide it. |
Energetic and Playful This breed loves to interact with people through playtime and exercise. | High Maintenance Coat The dog’s soft, silky coat requires quite a lot of grooming. |
The Wheaten Terrier is a small to medium size dog with long legs and a slim physique. Males tend to be a fair amount larger than females on average.
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Height (Male) | 18 to 19 inches |
Height (Female) | 17 to 18 inches |
Weight (Male) | 35 to 40 pounds |
Weight (Female) | 30 to 35 pounds |
The Wheaten Terrier is a very healthy breed with a lifespan of some 12 to 14 years, but there is always the chance that it develops some health conditions. The Wheaten may be particularly prone to a developmental kidney disorder called renal dysplasia, which may be particularly serious if it affects both kidneys. Another potential problem is Addison’s disease, meaning the low production of adrenal hormones, which causes poor appetite and loss of energy.
The Wheaten may also have a tendency to develop two little-known conditions called Protein-Losing Nephropathy and Protein-Losing Enteropathy. These conditions cause the dog to lose an excessive amount of protein and plasma from the kidney and gastrointestinal tract, respectively. Other common problems include allergies, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and dermatitis. A good breeder should ideally try to reduce the risks for some inheritable diseases. In summation, these are the most common health problems:
How to Take Care of the Wheaten Terrier
Despite its small size, the Wheaten Terrier is actually a real handful to care for. Its constant need for exercise, its high maintenance coat, and its somewhat stubborn and independent mind all require an engaged and experienced owner who knows how to handle this breed. The Wheaten will also require regular physical examinations at the vet to catch health problems as early as possible. If you have any other questions or concerns about how to take care of your dog, then you should consult with your vet.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Pictures
SLIDE Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – Dogtime