Do wheaten terriers shed? What to Know

Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes, Wheaten Terriers are considered a hypoallergenic breed.

But this doesn’t mean they are not going to upset your allergies or that they are perfect for people with asthma, it just means they are generally better suited for these folks.

Even hairless dogs like the American Hairless Terrier can cause some allergies to people with extreme sensitivity. And the reason is because the allergens do not come from the hair itself, they come from the dried saliva and dander (dead skin) of the dog.

It’s just that these allergens attach themselves to the hair, which then spreads further when that hair falls out. So the more shedding a dog does, typically the worse reaction allergy sufferers will have.

So “hypoallergenic” breeds like the Wheaten and Basenji for example, are not completely allergen free, but definitely a better choice if this is something you’re concerned about.

There’s not a lot you need to do to reduce shedding in a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, because they don’t shed much to begin with.

The best line of defence is just regular brushing, which you’re going to have to do anyway, otherwise your Wheaten will end up with lots of painful matts and knots. So as long as you groom him regularly, you will be able to keep shedding to a minimum and keep his coat in top shape.

One thing worth mentioning though, is that you really don’t want to over bath your Wheaten, or any dog for that matter, or use the wrong shampoo. Because both of these can cause dry, irritated skin, which is a leading cause of excessive shedding.

The same goes for diet. You really want to ensure you are feeding your Wheaten a proper, balanced diet to avoid imbalances that may lead to dry skin.

If you are noticing a lot of shedding though, that could be a good indication you need to consult your local veterinarian. As sometimes this can be due to underlying issues.

#1 – Wheaten Terriers Are An Irish Breed

The Wheaten is one of many terriers coming from the Emerald Isle, along with the Irish, Kerry Blue, and Glen of Imaal Terriers. They did not become popular in America until the 1950s. Also, they were not recognized by the AKC for regular classes until 1973. Legends say that after the Spanish Armada sunk near Ireland, wheaten-colored dogs were waiting for them on the shore. The reality might not have been as magical, but Wheaten Terriers increased in popularity after that.

Do wheaten terriers shed?

#3 – Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Are Capable of Many Skills, Like Herding!

As a dog of the lower classes, the Wheaten Terrier is actually an all-round farm dog. They can do anything and everything a farmer may need – hunting vermin, guarding, and moving livestock. Despite being family companions, they still remain versatile to this day. They even compete in competitions for skills like agility, tracking, and herding. There’s nothing these canines can’t do!

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier – Top 10 Facts