The SCWT is a natural terrier, and one that has strong sporting instincts. The breed should be spirited and game, but good tempered with plenty of confidence. This is a delightful companion, affectionate and intelligent, and the breed seems to have a marvelous sense of humor.
The SCWT pup should possess the affection and humor with which the breed has come to be associated.
This breed manages to combine the alert intelligence of the terrier with the steadiness of a working dog, which is an admirable combination. As puppies, SCWTs are exuberant, and somehow they still have that joy for living in adulthood and retain a medium to high energy level throughout their lives.
SCWTs do like to be close to the people of whom they are most fond, and seem happy to adapt to life in either the country or the city. Wherever they live, it is important that they be given plenty of time and attention. The SCWT must be taught to accept its standing in the family’s pecking order, for the dog often wants to be the leader and can be a little headstrong.
The Wheaten is a fine choice for a home with children, provided that the children take an active part in the SCWT’s education and rearing.
Discipline should be given consistently; while this should be firm, it should never under any circumstances be harsh. It is important that a Wheaten be taught to respect his owner, but the breed’s high spirit should never be broken. Although SCWTs can be trained, they need a firm hand. In general, training requires somewhat more time and dedication from the owner than would be required for many other breeds.
THE SCWT WITH CHILDREN AND OTHER PETS
This is a breed that generally gets along well with children; with children they can be very loving. However, dogs and small children should always be introduced under careful supervision so that accidents never occur. Young children should be taught not to pull at the SCWT’s rather appealing long coat! If socialized when young, the SCWT also gets along reasonably with other dogs, but cats can be quite a different matter. Because cats move quickly, the terrier instinct is easily alerted, and “attack” is frequently the next step. As with so many breeds, it may indeed be possible to bring up a dog alongside the family cat, but a strange cat encountered in the yard will usually need to make a very rapid get-away.
SPLASH!
Some SCWTs absolutely love water, and swimming can indeed be fun if carefully supervised. One should never assume, though, that all Wheatens like water, for some seem to despise it. It is, however, safe to say that, being an energetic breed, they will love to go for walks.
As with the other terrier breeds, SCWTs are keen to chase small rodents. If the family’s other pet is something like a guinea pig or a hamster, it should be kept out of harm’s way!
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
This is a compact, relatively short-coupled, upstanding terrier that is strong and well built. The SCWT is not exaggerated in any way and is well balanced in both structure and movement. When not moving, the dog should stand four square, with head and tail up. These are features of the breed that help show that this is a happy dog, one that is full of character.
The SCWT raised with children will grow up to be a protective, devoted companion to them.
SOFT AT HEART?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier should always be socialized with other dogs while still young. Although not as aggressive as some of the other breeds in the Terrier Group, males can be only too happy to stand up to another dog if challenged!
HEAD AND EARS
The moderately long skull of the SCWT is of medium width, but should never be coarse. Indeed the American Kennel Club breed standard gives a clear and detailed description of the foreface and skull, which should be of equal length. The skull is flat and the stop defined, while the nose should always be black and large for the dog’s face.
The V-shaped, thin ears are folded at the level of the skull, their forward edge dropping down slightly so that it lies closely along the cheek. The back edge of the ear stands slightly away from the head. The clear, bright, dark reddish brown or brown eyes, with their black eye rims, are medium in size and set under a strong brow.
TAIL
The tail of the SCWT is customarily docked, so that in an adult the length of tail is about 4–5 inches. The tail of the SCWT should be set on high and carried gaily, but this is a terrier breed and the tail should never be carried over the back.
SIZE
The SCWT is a medium-sized breed, with dogs standing approximately 18–19 inches at withers. They weigh 35–40 pounds, while in both height and weight bitches tend to be a little smaller than males.
MOVEMENT
The SCWT moves with long, low strides, and is well coordinated in its movement, which is free, graceful and lively. There is both forehand reach and good drive from behind. When moving, the topline should remain level. Both head and tail are carried high.
DELTA SOCIETY
The human-animal bond propels the work of the Delta Society, striving to improve the lives of people and animals. The Pet Partners Program proves that the lives of people and dogs are inextricably linked. The Pet Partners Program, a national registry, trains and screens volunteers for pet therapy in hospices, nursing homes, schools and rehabilitation centers. Dog-and-handler teams of Pet Partners volunteer in all 50 states, with nearly 7,000 teams making visits annually. About 900,000 patients, residents and students receive assistance each year. If you and your dog are interested in becoming Pet Partners, contact the Delta Society online at www.deltasociety.org.
COAT
The coat of the SCWT is different from that of any other terrier, for it is soft and silky, loosely waved. The UK standard allows curls, saying that curls should be large, light and loose if present. In all cases, the coat should flow and fall naturally, not standing off from the body. Although the coat is abundant all over the body, it is especially profuse on the head and the legs. It is worth noting that the texture of the coat does not stabilize until the dog is around two years of age.
The most controversial breed issue involves the SCWT’s coat, which is groomed variously around the world. This elegant SCWT is a show-winning dog in the US.
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