You didn’t land on the Soft coated wheaten terrier by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. A terrier with a soft side, energetic and spirited, and low-shedding with real personality, they’re a natural fit for active families, first-time owners, and apartment dwellers who want an athletic terrier with a manageable coat who want a spirited, affectionate, and athletic terrier who brings genuine character to an active household. Let’s dig in.
What are the characteristics of a Soft coated wheaten terrier?
Think you know what you’re getting into with a Soft coated wheaten terrier? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.
Training
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Trainability | 3 out of 5 | Intelligent and motivated when training is engaging. Their terrier independence shows when motivation fades |
| Obedience | 3 out of 5 | Can be reliable with consistent, positive training. Stubbornness varies by individual |
| Focus | 3 out of 5 | Good focus in short sessions. Their curiosity means distractions compete for attention |
| Stubbornness | 3 out of 5 | Stubborn typical of terrier breeds. Not impossible, but persistent training matters |
Friendliness
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Good with family | 4 out of 5 | Devoted and warm with their family |
| Good with children | 4 out of 5 | Playful, gentle, and enthusiastic with children |
| Good with strangers | 4 out of 5 | Friendly and outgoing with new people. The Wheaten greeting is famous for its exuberance |
| Good with other dogs | 3 out of 5 | Usually fine with other dogs when socialized early |
Adaptability
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | 4 out of 5 | Manages well in apartment or smaller living with daily exercise |
| Cold weather | 3 out of 5 | Their soft coat provides moderate protection in cool weather |
| Hot weather | 3 out of 5 | Tolerates moderate heat |
| Routine flexibility | 4 out of 5 | Adapts well to different routines |
| First time owner | 4 out of 5 | A workable option for first-time owners who enjoy terrier personality |
Physical needs
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | 4 out of 5 | High energy. They need vigorous daily exercise to stay settled |
| Endurance | 3 out of 5 | Good stamina for their size |
| Exercise needs | 3 out of 5 | Needs 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise |
| Mental stimulation | 4 out of 5 | Bright and curious. Mental engagement keeps them out of trouble |
| Grooming needs | 4 out of 5 | Their soft, silky coat is low-shedding but requires significant grooming |
Personality
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Playfulness | 5 out of 5 | Extremely playful and enthusiastic throughout their life |
| Affection | 5 out of 5 | Affectionate and physically warm. The Wheaten's exuberant greeting is a signature trait |
| Loyalty | 4 out of 5 | Loyal and devoted |
| Independence | 2 out of 5 | Low independence. They prefer company |
| Alertness | 3 out of 5 | Alert and curious |
Behavior
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Barking tendency | 3 out of 5 | Can be vocal. Training manages it |
| Digging tendency | 4 out of 5 | Significant digging tendency from their terrier heritage |
| Chewing tendency | 3 out of 5 | Moderate chewing |
| Prey drive | 4 out of 5 | High prey drive. Their terrier instincts are fully present |
| Guarding instincts | 3 out of 5 | Alert and vocal enough to serve as a watchdog |
What are common health issues of a Soft coated wheaten terrier?
Like all breeds, Soft coated wheaten terriers are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.
Addison's Disease
A hormonal condition where the adrenal glands underperform. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are at elevated risk. Signs include lethargy, vomiting, and low energy. A vet can confirm.
Read more about Addison's DiseaseKidney Disease
Wheaten Terriers have a breed-level predisposition to kidney problems. Increased thirst, reduced appetite, and low energy are early signs worth flagging to your vet promptly.
Read more about Kidney DiseaseInflammatory Bowel Disease
A chronic condition where the digestive tract becomes inflamed, affecting nutrient absorption. In Wheaten Terriers, vomiting, diarrhea, and gradual weight loss are common signs.
Read more about Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseLymphangiectasia
A condition where intestinal lymphatic vessels enlarge, making nutrient absorption difficult. It is seen in Wheaten Terriers and causes chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and a swollen belly.
Read more about LymphangiectasiaAllergies
Wheaten Terriers can be sensitive to food, pollen, and environmental triggers. Itching, skin irritation, and recurring ear infections are common signs worth discussing with your vet.
Read more about AllergiesWhat are the recommended health tests for Soft coated wheaten terriers?
Your Soft coated wheaten terrier can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.
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OFA hip evaluation -
Urine protein/creatinine ratio testing annually
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Fecal alpha-1 protease inhibitor test annually
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CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
Do Soft coated wheaten terriers need pet insurance?
We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Soft coated wheaten terrier owners are really glad they had coverage.
Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Soft coated wheaten terrier owners in 2025.
The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.
With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Wheaten specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.
And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.
Soft coated wheaten terriers are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Wheatens age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Soft coated wheaten terrier owners pay with Lemonade:
| Age | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 1 year old | $55-$60 |
| 2 years old | $50-$55 |
| 3 years old | $55-$60 |
| 4 years old | $60-$65 |
| 5 years old | $60-$65 |
| 6 years old | $70-$75 |
| 7 years old | $80-$85 |
Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Wheaten?
See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Soft coated wheaten terrier and your budget.
History of the Soft coated wheaten terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland, where it was used for centuries as a farm dog capable of herding, hunting vermin, and guarding property. The breed's history in Ireland stretches back at least 200 years, though formal breed development began in the 20th century when Irish enthusiasts began standardizing the type. The Wheaten was first shown in Ireland in the 1930s, and the Irish Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1937. The breed came to the United States in 1946 when a litter was exported, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was founded in 1962. The AKC recognized the breed in 1973. The Wheaten is unique among Irish terriers in having a soft, silky coat rather than the harsh wire coats typical of the terrier group. Their famously exuberant greeting, sometimes called the Wheaten greeting, involves jumping up and licking the face of anyone they're happy to see.
Caring for a Soft coated wheaten terrier
Training
Training a Soft coated wheaten terrier takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are energetic, independent, and terrier-stubborn, which means owners need to be firm and consistent while keeping sessions interesting enough to hold their focus. Short, positive sessions with high-value treats and a patient, persistent approach tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.
Grooming
Soft coated wheaten terriers have a soft, silky wavy coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush 3 to 4 times per week to prevent tangles and matting, and the occasional trim keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the soft coat healthy and mat-free.
From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Wheaten looking (and feeling) their best.
Exercise and mental stimulation
Soft coated wheaten terriers have high energy levels and need 60 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Fetch, off-leash play in a secure area, and agility training are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Soft coated wheaten terriers are highly intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become hyperactive, mischievous, and prone to destructive digging and escape attempts. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.
Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Soft coated wheaten terrier will actually love.
Nutrition
Soft coated wheaten terriers are medium dogs with high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 900 to 1,200 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $45 to $65 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.
What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.
Get the full picture on feeding a Soft coated wheaten terrier here.
Soft coated wheaten terrier costs and adoption
What does it cost to bring home a Soft coated wheaten terrier?
Before your Soft coated wheaten terrier even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.
| Category | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption (Reputable breeder) | $800-$2,500 | Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree |
| Adoption (Rescue/shelter) | $50-$300 | Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation |
| Initial veterinary care | $300-$600 | Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip |
| Essential supplies | $200-$400 | Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys |
| Training classes | $150-$300 | Basic obedience, puppy socialization |
Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.
What does it cost to own a Soft coated wheaten terrier each year?
Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Soft coated wheaten terrier owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.
| Category | Annual cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Food and treats | $500-$900 | Based on the recommended portion for your Soft coated wheaten terrier |
| Routine Veterinary Care | $500-$1,000 | Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care |
| Professional Grooming | $300-$600 | Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Silky coat requires regular professional grooming; ear cleaning at every professional appointment is essential. |
| Toys and Supplies | $200-$400 | Replacement items, mental stimulation toys |
What are popular Soft coated wheaten terrier names?
We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Soft coated wheaten terrier we see at Lemonade.
More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.
Soft coated wheaten terrier puppies
Puppy veterinary needs
The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.
The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.
It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.
Puppy socialization
Soft coated wheaten terrier puppies are spirited, warm, and enthusiastic in a way that makes every homecoming feel like a celebration. That an exuberant affection and terrier personality that makes daily life genuinely more entertaining is part of what makes them a lively, low-shedding terrier companion for active owners who appreciate real personality and can manage the grooming, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.
Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Soft coated wheaten terrier brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.
Where are Soft coated wheaten terrier’s most popular in the United States?
Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Soft coated wheaten terriers are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.
1. New York
In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.
2. California
Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.
3. New Jersey
New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, so tick prevention is critical for any dog spending time outside, even in suburban backyards. Proximity to the Jersey Shore also means dogs can encounter jellyfish washed ashore, and saltwater ingestion during beach trips can cause stomach issues.
4. Illinois
Chicago winters bring salted sidewalks that can irritate and crack paw pads, so wiping down your dog's paws after walks is a good habit from November through March. In warmer months, ticks become active in wooded and grassy areas, and the occasional coyote sighting in suburban neighborhoods is worth keeping in mind.
5. Texas
Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.
Breed comparison
Already leaning toward a Soft coated wheaten terrier? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.
Standard Schnauzer
Both are athletic, low-shedding, and spirited. Standard Schnauzers are more working-oriented and protective. Wheaten Terriers are more affectionate and better suited to family life.
Read more
Portuguese Water Dog
Both are athletic, low-shedding, and family-friendly. Portuguese Water Dogs are more trainable and better for water activities. Wheaten Terriers are more independent and terrier-driven.
Read more
Lagotto Romagnolo
Both are athletic, low-shedding working dogs. Lagottos are rarer and better known for truffle hunting. Wheaten Terriers are more widely known and better suited to active family life.
Read more
Miniature Schnauzer
Both are small, low-shedding, and spirited. Mini Schnauzers are more consistent in temperament. Wheaten Terriers are larger, more affectionate, and better suited to active families.
Read more
Is a Soft coated wheaten terrier right for you?
Soft coated wheaten terriers reward the right owner with a joyful exuberance that makes every interaction feel like a celebration and a low-shedding coat and terrier personality that work well in active family life. They just need regular professional grooming, annual protein loss screening, vigorous daily exercise, and patient consistent training in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Soft coated wheaten terrier. Make sure they’re protected from day one.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.
Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.