Irish Terrier Breeds
The Glen of Imaal
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a breed of dog of the terrier category. It originates in Wicklow, Ireland, and was developed as a working terrier, proficient in badger-baiting and hunting of fox.The Glen of Imaal Terrier, though normally docile, can sometimes be dog-aggressive if provoked. There have been no reported serious injuries caused by the breed, but their hunting background is visible in some of the dogs. This means that some Glens have a high prey drive and might mistake domestic pets for prey (e.g., cats, rats, gerbils, etc.)
The Glen of Imaal is classified as a medium-sized dog. When full grown, the average Glen of Imaal weighs approximately 16 kg (35 lbs) and stands 35.5 cm (14 in) tall at the withers. The breed has a medium-length coat that is usually wheaten, blue, or brindle in color.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier was initially bred to rid the home and farm of vermin, and hunt fox and badger. The European badger weighs in at 40 lbs and the Glen was tough and strong enough to go to ground and dispatch the vermin soundlessly.
According to legend the Glen of Imaal also has a unique task which it was expressly designed for: it was a turnspit dog. The turnspit was a large wheel which, when paddled by the dog, would turn the spit over the hearth--a canine-propelled rotisserie, if you will. The Glen’s highly individualized bowed front legs and powerful hindquarters were ideally suited for this. For several hundred years, these hearty dogs performed their tasks unnoticed by all except those who treasured them. With the advent of dog shows in the 20th century, the breed began to emerge into the public eye. In 1934, the Glen of Imaal Terrier was given full recognition by the Irish Kennel Club. It was the third of the four Irish terrier breeds to be so acknowledged. The breed is now recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Britain, FCI, and several rare breed associations. In America the Glen was fully recognized and entered the Terrier Group in October 2004 though the hard efforts of members of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America. There are 500-600 Glens registered in the United States.
The Glen is a big dog on short legs. It stands up to 14" at the withers (the point where the neck meets the back) and weighs between 32-40 lbs. It should always give the impression of great substance for its size. Longer than tall, it carries a double coat: a harsher outer coat and a soft under coat. The topknot and furnishings are softer. Its front legs are bowed--like Chippendale furniture -- with front feet pointing to 10 and 2 o’clock.turning . Its ears are rose or semi-prick when alert. Its unique topline rises to a strong loin, with no dip or slackness behind the withers and no drop-off at the croup. The hindquarters are extraordinarily well-muscled. The docked tail is set high and carried erect. Accepted colors are wheaten (any shade), blue, and brindle, the most commonly seen being blue brindle, (the most desirable being a bleu brindle a mixture of dark-slate blue, lighter blue undercoat and hints of tan.
Breed Clubs and Societies
The Glen of Imaal Terrier Association. Contact: Mrs A Hardy. Tel No: 01777 703417
The Glen of Imaal is classified as a medium-sized dog. When full grown, the average Glen of Imaal weighs approximately 16 kg (35 lbs) and stands 35.5 cm (14 in) tall at the withers. The breed has a medium-length coat that is usually wheaten, blue, or brindle in color.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier was initially bred to rid the home and farm of vermin, and hunt fox and badger. The European badger weighs in at 40 lbs and the Glen was tough and strong enough to go to ground and dispatch the vermin soundlessly.
According to legend the Glen of Imaal also has a unique task which it was expressly designed for: it was a turnspit dog. The turnspit was a large wheel which, when paddled by the dog, would turn the spit over the hearth--a canine-propelled rotisserie, if you will. The Glen’s highly individualized bowed front legs and powerful hindquarters were ideally suited for this. For several hundred years, these hearty dogs performed their tasks unnoticed by all except those who treasured them. With the advent of dog shows in the 20th century, the breed began to emerge into the public eye. In 1934, the Glen of Imaal Terrier was given full recognition by the Irish Kennel Club. It was the third of the four Irish terrier breeds to be so acknowledged. The breed is now recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Britain, FCI, and several rare breed associations. In America the Glen was fully recognized and entered the Terrier Group in October 2004 though the hard efforts of members of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America. There are 500-600 Glens registered in the United States.
The Glen is a big dog on short legs. It stands up to 14" at the withers (the point where the neck meets the back) and weighs between 32-40 lbs. It should always give the impression of great substance for its size. Longer than tall, it carries a double coat: a harsher outer coat and a soft under coat. The topknot and furnishings are softer. Its front legs are bowed--like Chippendale furniture -- with front feet pointing to 10 and 2 o’clock.turning . Its ears are rose or semi-prick when alert. Its unique topline rises to a strong loin, with no dip or slackness behind the withers and no drop-off at the croup. The hindquarters are extraordinarily well-muscled. The docked tail is set high and carried erect. Accepted colors are wheaten (any shade), blue, and brindle, the most commonly seen being blue brindle, (the most desirable being a bleu brindle a mixture of dark-slate blue, lighter blue undercoat and hints of tan.
Breed Clubs and Societies
The Glen of Imaal Terrier Association. Contact: Mrs A Hardy. Tel No: 01777 703417
The Irish Terrier
The breed's origin is not known. It is believed to have descended from the black and tan terrier-type dogs of the British Isles, just like the Kerry Blue and Irish Soft-haired Wheaten Terriers in Ireland or the Welsh, Lakeland and Scottish Terriers in Great Britain.
F. M. Jowett writes in The Irish Terrier, 'Our Dogs' Publishing Co. Ltd., Manchester, England 1947 - 7th Edition: They are described by an old Irish writer as being the poor man's sentinel, the farmer's friend, and the gentleman's favourite...These dogs were originally bred not so much for their looks as for their working qualities and gameness, the Irish Terrier being by instinct a thorough vermin killer. They were formerly of all types and of all colours - black-and-tan, grey-and-brindle, wheaten of all shades, and red being the predominant colours. Colour or size evidently did not matter if they were hardy and game."
The proper selection process of the breed began only in the latter 19th century. They were shown now and then, sometimes in one class, sometimes in separate classes for dogs under and over 9 pounds.
The first breed club was set up in Dublin in 1879. Irish Terriers were the first members of the terrier group to be recognized by the English Kennel Club as a native Irish Breed - this happened just before the end of the 19th century. The first Irish Terriers were taken to the US in late 19th century and quickly became somewhat popular.
Although the breed has never been very "fashionable", there used to be big influential kennels in Ireland, the Great Britain and US up to the 1960s. Nowadays there is ambitious breeding in many continents, including North America, (Northern) Europe and Australia.
The Irish Terrier is coloured golden red, red wheaten, or wheaten. Dark red is often mistaken as the only correct colour, possibly because wheaten coats are often of worse quality. As with many other solid-coloured breeds, a small patch of white is allowed on the chest. No white should appear elsewhere. As an Irish Terrier grows older, grey hair may appear here and there.
The outer part of the double coat should be straight and wiry in texture, never soft, silky, curly, wavy, or woolly as might be expected in the Kerry Blue Terrier. The coat should lie flat against the skin, and, though having some length, should never be so long as to hide the true shape of the dog. There are longer hairs on the legs, but never so much as a Wire Fox Terrier or Schnauzer.
The inner part of the coat, called the under-wool or undercoat, should also be red. The under-wool may be hard for the inexperienced eye to see. Coat should be quite dense and so that "when parted with the fingers the skin is hardly visible".
A properly trimmed Irish Terrier should have some "furnishings" on legs and head. The slightly longer hair on the front legs should form even pillars, while the rear legs should only have some longer hair and not be trimmed too close to the skin. The chin is accentuated with a small beard. The beard should not be as profuse as that of a Schnauzer.
The eyes should be dark brown and quite small with a "fiery" expression. The eyes are topped with well-groomed eyebrows. The whole head should have good pigmentation.
The Irish Terrier is full of life, but not hyperactive. It should be able to relax inside the house and be roused to full activity level quickly.
Irish Terriers are good with people. Most Irish Terriers love children and tolerate rough-housing to a certain extent. Most breed devotees would not recommend an Irish Terrier as the first dog. They should know who is the boss, and have natural respect for him/her. Irish Terriers respond best to firm, consistent training from a relaxed, authoritative person. Violence should never be used - it is always best to outwit and lure.
Irish Terriers are often dominant with other dogs, particularly same-sex aggression is a common problem. Poorly socialized individuals will start fights with minimal,if any, provocation. Thus, early socialization is a necessity. Most can have strong guarding instincts and when these instincts are controlled, make excellent alarming watchdogs. Most Irish Terriers need a reason for barking, and will not yap continuously.
Irish Terriers are intelligent and learn new things easily. They can learn complex tasks with relative ease, when they have the motivation to do so. In motivating tidbits and toys work equally well. Training will not be as easy as with other dog breeds that have stronger willingness to please people. When seeking a trainer, one should look for a person who has experience with terriers.
The Irish Terrier is an active dog, and loves to be challenged mentally and physically. Most Irish Terriers are companions and show dogs. There are however more and more people joining organised dog sports with their ITs. Obedience training to a certain level is fairly easy, though the precision and long-lasting drive needed in the higher levels may be hard to achieve. Many Irish Terriers excel in agility, even though it may be hard to balance the speed, independence and precision needed in the higher levels. To date there is one Agility Champion in the US, and a handful of Finnish and Swedish Irish terriers compete at the most difficult classes.
Irish Terriers have a good nose and can learn to track either animal blood or human scent. Many Irish Terriers enjoy Lure Coursing, although they are not eligible for competition like sight hounds are. In Finland one Irish Terrier is a qualified Rescue Dog specializing at Sea Rescue.
Breed Clubs and Societies
F. M. Jowett writes in The Irish Terrier, 'Our Dogs' Publishing Co. Ltd., Manchester, England 1947 - 7th Edition: They are described by an old Irish writer as being the poor man's sentinel, the farmer's friend, and the gentleman's favourite...These dogs were originally bred not so much for their looks as for their working qualities and gameness, the Irish Terrier being by instinct a thorough vermin killer. They were formerly of all types and of all colours - black-and-tan, grey-and-brindle, wheaten of all shades, and red being the predominant colours. Colour or size evidently did not matter if they were hardy and game."
The proper selection process of the breed began only in the latter 19th century. They were shown now and then, sometimes in one class, sometimes in separate classes for dogs under and over 9 pounds.
The first breed club was set up in Dublin in 1879. Irish Terriers were the first members of the terrier group to be recognized by the English Kennel Club as a native Irish Breed - this happened just before the end of the 19th century. The first Irish Terriers were taken to the US in late 19th century and quickly became somewhat popular.
Although the breed has never been very "fashionable", there used to be big influential kennels in Ireland, the Great Britain and US up to the 1960s. Nowadays there is ambitious breeding in many continents, including North America, (Northern) Europe and Australia.
The Irish Terrier is coloured golden red, red wheaten, or wheaten. Dark red is often mistaken as the only correct colour, possibly because wheaten coats are often of worse quality. As with many other solid-coloured breeds, a small patch of white is allowed on the chest. No white should appear elsewhere. As an Irish Terrier grows older, grey hair may appear here and there.
The outer part of the double coat should be straight and wiry in texture, never soft, silky, curly, wavy, or woolly as might be expected in the Kerry Blue Terrier. The coat should lie flat against the skin, and, though having some length, should never be so long as to hide the true shape of the dog. There are longer hairs on the legs, but never so much as a Wire Fox Terrier or Schnauzer.
The inner part of the coat, called the under-wool or undercoat, should also be red. The under-wool may be hard for the inexperienced eye to see. Coat should be quite dense and so that "when parted with the fingers the skin is hardly visible".
A properly trimmed Irish Terrier should have some "furnishings" on legs and head. The slightly longer hair on the front legs should form even pillars, while the rear legs should only have some longer hair and not be trimmed too close to the skin. The chin is accentuated with a small beard. The beard should not be as profuse as that of a Schnauzer.
The eyes should be dark brown and quite small with a "fiery" expression. The eyes are topped with well-groomed eyebrows. The whole head should have good pigmentation.
The Irish Terrier is full of life, but not hyperactive. It should be able to relax inside the house and be roused to full activity level quickly.
Irish Terriers are good with people. Most Irish Terriers love children and tolerate rough-housing to a certain extent. Most breed devotees would not recommend an Irish Terrier as the first dog. They should know who is the boss, and have natural respect for him/her. Irish Terriers respond best to firm, consistent training from a relaxed, authoritative person. Violence should never be used - it is always best to outwit and lure.
Irish Terriers are often dominant with other dogs, particularly same-sex aggression is a common problem. Poorly socialized individuals will start fights with minimal,if any, provocation. Thus, early socialization is a necessity. Most can have strong guarding instincts and when these instincts are controlled, make excellent alarming watchdogs. Most Irish Terriers need a reason for barking, and will not yap continuously.
Irish Terriers are intelligent and learn new things easily. They can learn complex tasks with relative ease, when they have the motivation to do so. In motivating tidbits and toys work equally well. Training will not be as easy as with other dog breeds that have stronger willingness to please people. When seeking a trainer, one should look for a person who has experience with terriers.
The Irish Terrier is an active dog, and loves to be challenged mentally and physically. Most Irish Terriers are companions and show dogs. There are however more and more people joining organised dog sports with their ITs. Obedience training to a certain level is fairly easy, though the precision and long-lasting drive needed in the higher levels may be hard to achieve. Many Irish Terriers excel in agility, even though it may be hard to balance the speed, independence and precision needed in the higher levels. To date there is one Agility Champion in the US, and a handful of Finnish and Swedish Irish terriers compete at the most difficult classes.
Irish Terriers have a good nose and can learn to track either animal blood or human scent. Many Irish Terriers enjoy Lure Coursing, although they are not eligible for competition like sight hounds are. In Finland one Irish Terrier is a qualified Rescue Dog specializing at Sea Rescue.
Breed Clubs and Societies
- IRISH TERRIER ASSOC. Sec. Miss A Bradley. Tel No: 01733 205386
- IRISH TERRIER CLUB OF SCOTLAND. Sec. Mr J Stewart. Tel No: 01563 521257
- NORTH OF ENGLAND IRISH TERRIER CLUB. Sec. Mr P Livesey. Tel No: 01200 424167 [email protected]
- SOUTHERN IRISH TERRIER SOCIETY. Sec. Sandra Grant Tel 01844 346165 [email protected]
- ULSTER IRISH TERRIER CLUB. Sec. Mrs M Croot. Tel No: 01846 676444
The Kerry Blue
The Kerry Blue Terrier was first observed in the mountains of County Kerry in Ireland, hence the name of the breed. There is a romantic story of a blue dog swimming ashore from a shipwreck: the coat of this dog was so lovely that it was mated with all the female Wheaten Terriers in Kerry (or in all Ireland according to some), producing the Kerry Blue. Perhaps this story is not entirely myth as the Portuguese Water Dog is often suggested as part of the Kerry's make up. Others suggest the Kerry was produced by the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier crossed with the Bedlington Terrier with (or without) some Irish Wolfhound or Irish Terrier blood. The extinct Gadhar herding dog is also mentioned as another possible branch of the Kerry's family tree. One certain fact is the breed became very popular as an all-around farm dog in rural Ireland. The Kerry Blue is known to be a good swimmer and one of the few breeds used for hunting otter in deep water. They are well known for their stubbornness. If you are planning on
getting a Kerry Blue, make sure you are ready for it. They are easier to train if you can show them it is in their best interest to do what you ask (using treats and affection).
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed of dog named after County Kerry in South West Ireland. In its motherland the it is often called the Irish Blue Terrier. Over time the Kerry became a general working dog used for a variety of jobs including herding cattle and sheep and as a guard dog. It was, however, primarily developed for controlling "vermin" including rats, rabbits, badgers, foxes, otters and hares and dog fighting. Today the Kerry has spread around the world as a companion and working dog. Despite a Kerry Blue winning Crufts - the most important UK dog show - in 2000, it remains an unfashionable breed. Not as threatened as some of the other terrier breeds (Skye Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier) but still distinctly uncommon.
With the development of dog shows in the late 19th and early 20th century the breed became standardised and tidied up for the show ring. It was closely associated with Irish nationalism with the nationalist leader Michael Collins owning a famous Kerry Blue named Convict 225. Indeed Collins made an attempt to have the Kerry blue adopted as the national dog of Ireland.
It should be stated, however, that the love of dogs crossed political divides. The first show of the Dublin Irish Blue Terrier club took place outside official curfew hours and was entered by those fighting for and against an Ireland Republic. The Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club was so successful it led directly to the foundation of the Irish Kennel Club. A Kerry blue was the first dog registered with the Irish Kennel Club.
Some characteristics of the Kerry Blue Terrier include a long head, flat skull, deep chest, and a soft wavy to curly coat that comes in several shades of blue (the term for "grey" in dog coats). Puppies are born black; the blue appears gradually as the puppy grows older, usually up to 2 years of age. The ideal Kerry should be 18-1/2 inches at the withers for a male, slightly less for the female. The most desirable weight for a fully developed male is from 33-40 pounds, females weighing proportionately less.
The coat is soft and wavy but of one layer and not the common terrier structure of a soft undercoat below a harsh outer coat. It never stops growing and so requires regular brushing to prevent matting (at least once a week, daily is better!) and trimming every six to ten weeks. In the past it was the matting of the coat that protected the working Kerries from rain, cold, water and mud. Todays trimmed and groomed pet Kerry should not be kept outside all the time and should be dried immediately when back at home.
Kerry Blue Terriers are strong-headed and highly spirited. They have always been loyal and affectionate towards their owners and very gentle towards children but were often considered downright mean toward other animals including other dogs. In the early days of competitive dog showing the Irish Kennel Club required Kerries had to pass a "gameness" test, known as Teastas Mor certification, before they were deemed worthy of being judged. These tests included catching rabbits and bringing a badger to bay in its set. They were not nicknamed "Blue Devils" for nothing!
Modern breeders have attempted to retain high spirits whilst breeding out aggression. They have achieved a great deal but the Kerry can still be dog aggressive and vocal so socialization from puppy-hood is an absolute necessity to prevent future problems and veterinary bills.
The Kerry is one of the best-suited terriers for work. They are fast, strong, and intelligent. They do well in obedience, dog agility, sheep herding, and tracking. They have been used as police dogs in Ireland.
As a long-legged breed, the activity level of the Kerry Blue Terrier ranges from moderate to high. They require an active, skilled owner who can provide them with early socialization and obedience training. Kerries require exercise daily; such as walks, jogs, agility-training, or other day care activities to keep them busy and occupied. Combine this with the grooming needs and you have a dog that requires considerable time spent on it. Kerries are not for everyone but in the right home they are a good family companion.
Breed Clubs and Societies
getting a Kerry Blue, make sure you are ready for it. They are easier to train if you can show them it is in their best interest to do what you ask (using treats and affection).
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed of dog named after County Kerry in South West Ireland. In its motherland the it is often called the Irish Blue Terrier. Over time the Kerry became a general working dog used for a variety of jobs including herding cattle and sheep and as a guard dog. It was, however, primarily developed for controlling "vermin" including rats, rabbits, badgers, foxes, otters and hares and dog fighting. Today the Kerry has spread around the world as a companion and working dog. Despite a Kerry Blue winning Crufts - the most important UK dog show - in 2000, it remains an unfashionable breed. Not as threatened as some of the other terrier breeds (Skye Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier) but still distinctly uncommon.
With the development of dog shows in the late 19th and early 20th century the breed became standardised and tidied up for the show ring. It was closely associated with Irish nationalism with the nationalist leader Michael Collins owning a famous Kerry Blue named Convict 225. Indeed Collins made an attempt to have the Kerry blue adopted as the national dog of Ireland.
It should be stated, however, that the love of dogs crossed political divides. The first show of the Dublin Irish Blue Terrier club took place outside official curfew hours and was entered by those fighting for and against an Ireland Republic. The Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club was so successful it led directly to the foundation of the Irish Kennel Club. A Kerry blue was the first dog registered with the Irish Kennel Club.
Some characteristics of the Kerry Blue Terrier include a long head, flat skull, deep chest, and a soft wavy to curly coat that comes in several shades of blue (the term for "grey" in dog coats). Puppies are born black; the blue appears gradually as the puppy grows older, usually up to 2 years of age. The ideal Kerry should be 18-1/2 inches at the withers for a male, slightly less for the female. The most desirable weight for a fully developed male is from 33-40 pounds, females weighing proportionately less.
The coat is soft and wavy but of one layer and not the common terrier structure of a soft undercoat below a harsh outer coat. It never stops growing and so requires regular brushing to prevent matting (at least once a week, daily is better!) and trimming every six to ten weeks. In the past it was the matting of the coat that protected the working Kerries from rain, cold, water and mud. Todays trimmed and groomed pet Kerry should not be kept outside all the time and should be dried immediately when back at home.
Kerry Blue Terriers are strong-headed and highly spirited. They have always been loyal and affectionate towards their owners and very gentle towards children but were often considered downright mean toward other animals including other dogs. In the early days of competitive dog showing the Irish Kennel Club required Kerries had to pass a "gameness" test, known as Teastas Mor certification, before they were deemed worthy of being judged. These tests included catching rabbits and bringing a badger to bay in its set. They were not nicknamed "Blue Devils" for nothing!
Modern breeders have attempted to retain high spirits whilst breeding out aggression. They have achieved a great deal but the Kerry can still be dog aggressive and vocal so socialization from puppy-hood is an absolute necessity to prevent future problems and veterinary bills.
The Kerry is one of the best-suited terriers for work. They are fast, strong, and intelligent. They do well in obedience, dog agility, sheep herding, and tracking. They have been used as police dogs in Ireland.
As a long-legged breed, the activity level of the Kerry Blue Terrier ranges from moderate to high. They require an active, skilled owner who can provide them with early socialization and obedience training. Kerries require exercise daily; such as walks, jogs, agility-training, or other day care activities to keep them busy and occupied. Combine this with the grooming needs and you have a dog that requires considerable time spent on it. Kerries are not for everyone but in the right home they are a good family companion.
Breed Clubs and Societies
- KERRY BLUE TERRIER ASSOC. Sec. Ms Munro. Tel No: 01787 269977
- KERRY BLUE TERRIER ASSOC. OF NORTHERN IRELAND. Sec. Mr J G Keery. Tel No: 01846 692866
- KERRY BLUE TERRIER CLUB OF ENGLAND. Sec. Mrs Bradley.
- NORTHERN KERRY BLUE CLUB. Sec: Miss C Clarke-O’Neill. Tel No: 0151 474 6012
- ULSTER KERRY BLUE TERRIER CLUB Sec: Foinnuala Malone Tel No: +353 86 8750614
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Wheaten was originally bred in native Ireland to be an all-purpose farm dog whose duties would have included herding, watching and guarding livestock, and vermin hunting. This is probably why they are not as aggressive as other terriers, who were primarily vermin hunters. They are believed to be related to the Kerry Blue Terrier.
Despite its long history, the Wheaten wasn’t recognized as a breed in Ireland by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937. Following this in 1943, the English Kennel Club recognized the breed as well. The first Wheatens were exported to the United States in the 1946, but serious interest in the breed took years to develop. Lydia Covel was one of the first breeders of the Wheaten Terrier in the United States. Finally, in 1973, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog, which ranges on average anywhere from 17 to 19 inches and weighs about 30 to 45 pounds. The breed seems to have a square structure and is well built. Its hair does not shed like most dogs; like human hair and Poodle hair, it keeps growing, needs regular trimming, and drops just a few hairs daily.
The Irish coat tends to be thinner and silkier than the English and American varietys.
A curiosity of the breed is that whenever an adult wheaten incurs an injury to the skin the resulting coat will grow out in the puppy brown color and then return to Wheat over time.
Puppies have a dark coat of either red, brown, mahogany or white. The muzzle and ears of Wheaten puppies may be black or dark brown. The dark puppy coat gradually grows out into a wheat-colored white brownish coat as they get older. The color can range from wheat to white, but white coats are not considered desirable by breeders and show enthusiasts. The adult coat may contain black, white, or darker brown "guard" hairs in addition to the lighter wheaten-coloured hair.
Breed Clubs and Societies
SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER CLUB OF GB. Sec. Mrs J A Creswick. Tel No: 01670 512832
[email protected]
Despite its long history, the Wheaten wasn’t recognized as a breed in Ireland by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937. Following this in 1943, the English Kennel Club recognized the breed as well. The first Wheatens were exported to the United States in the 1946, but serious interest in the breed took years to develop. Lydia Covel was one of the first breeders of the Wheaten Terrier in the United States. Finally, in 1973, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog, which ranges on average anywhere from 17 to 19 inches and weighs about 30 to 45 pounds. The breed seems to have a square structure and is well built. Its hair does not shed like most dogs; like human hair and Poodle hair, it keeps growing, needs regular trimming, and drops just a few hairs daily.
The Irish coat tends to be thinner and silkier than the English and American varietys.
A curiosity of the breed is that whenever an adult wheaten incurs an injury to the skin the resulting coat will grow out in the puppy brown color and then return to Wheat over time.
Puppies have a dark coat of either red, brown, mahogany or white. The muzzle and ears of Wheaten puppies may be black or dark brown. The dark puppy coat gradually grows out into a wheat-colored white brownish coat as they get older. The color can range from wheat to white, but white coats are not considered desirable by breeders and show enthusiasts. The adult coat may contain black, white, or darker brown "guard" hairs in addition to the lighter wheaten-coloured hair.
Breed Clubs and Societies
SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER CLUB OF GB. Sec. Mrs J A Creswick. Tel No: 01670 512832
[email protected]