the SCWT’s coat is a highly controversial issue and differs greatly around the world. In the United States, for show purposes, the SCWT is presented to show a terrier outline, but the coat must be of sufficient length to flow when the dog is in motion. Apart from the difference in bodily outline, the “head coat should be blended to present a rectangular outline.” In Britain, The Kennel Club’s breed standard includes the words “Over-trimming or stylizing should be penalized. For show purposes the coat may be tidied to present a neat outline.” In Ireland, dogs may be shown trimmed or untrimmed, but dogs that are “fluffed out” are heavily penalized.
The colors of the SCWT are the varying shades of wheaten. This line-up of British show dogs illustrates the “natural” untrimmed coat style favored in the UK.
This is a matter for constant debate, and the way in which an SCWT’s coat is presented will depend upon the country in which your dog is shown. This is a very important consideration for any overseas exhibitors with any aspirations of showing the SCWTs in the US. The Wheatens winning in AKC show rings are far more elegant and artfully sculpted than the rugged blokes winning in the UK.
DIFFERING TYPES
Most people involved with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will agree that, in effect, there are actually three differing types—Irish, English and American. Indeed, sometimes the dogs differ more greatly from country to country than is apparent from merely reading the countries’ breed standards.
Because the SCWT does not shed a great deal of hair if groomed correctly, it can be a sensible choice for allergy sufferers. However, before purchasing any dog, allergy sufferers should be absolutely certain that the breed they have chosen is one that is unlikely to cause them any discomfort. You and your family should have exposure to a Wheaten in a contained atmosphere before making a final decision.
COLOR
The AKC breed standard simply calls for “any shade of wheaten.” The British standard puts it more poetically, describing the color as a “shade of ripening wheat.” Although dark shading on the ears is not untypical, white and red coats are both objectionable. In Ireland, the breed standard requires the coat color simply to be “Any shade from light wheaten to a golden reddish hue.” Regardless of word choice, the overall coloring must be clearly wheaten, with no evidence of any other color, except that blue-gray shading is sometimes present on the ears and muzzle.
SCWT puppies are born dark in color, perhaps best described as the color of a brown paper bag, but their color changes as they mature. As for the texture of the coat, the coat color in SCWTs cannot be expected to stabilize until around 24 months of age, the overall darker color and dark markings having cleared by then. This understandably needs to be taken into consideration when selecting a puppy.
TEETH
As is true of other terriers, the teeth are quite large for the size of the dog. The Wheaten’s pearly whites can be seen in a typical canine scissors bite or a level bite. Teeth should be set square to the jaws, which should be strong.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
In general, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a healthy dog, and, if given proper care with correct feeding, this is a breed that should lead a long and active life. However, all breeds encounter health problems of one sort or another, and as time moves on and genetic research progresses, more and more problems come to light. This can only be for the future benefit of dogs, though to read about any disease can be somewhat alarming, especially for newcomers to dogs.
HEART-HEALTHY
In this modern age of ever-improving cardio-care, no doctor or scientist can dispute the advantages of owning a dog to lower a person’s risk of heart disease. Studies have proven that petting a dog, walking a dog and grooming a dog all show positive results toward lowering your blood pressure. The simple routine of exercising your dog—going outside with the dog and walking, jogging or playing catch—is heart-healthy in and of itself. If you are normally less active than your physician thinks you should be, adopting a dog may be a smart option to improve your own quality of life as well as that of another creature.
Nonetheless, to be forewarned is to be forearmed, so the following section of this chapter is not intended to put fear into those who are considering becoming Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America recommends health screening for PLE, PLN, RD and Addison’s disease. Here’s some basic information about these and other inherited diseases.
PLE AND PLN
The SCWT has an inherited predisposition for diseases that cause protein loss. PLE stands for protein-losing enteropathy, involving loss from the intestine; PLN stands for protein-losing nephropathy, involving loss from the kidneys. Most researchers believe that the two conditions are related, and sometimes PLN and PLE are found in the same dog.
Often there is no sign of illness until middle age, by which time a dog may have been bred from, and presently there are no tests to determine which dogs may become ill later in their lives. Research is currently underway, for the mode of inheritance is not yet proven, and environmental factors may play a part.
PLN is difficult to diagnose. In consequence, the initial signs can be mistaken for liver, glandular or other enteric or kidney diseases. Indeed clinical signs vary, but can include listlessness and depression, decreased appetite, weight loss and vomiting. These can be severe and can lead to death. Tissue biopsies frequently show inflammatory bowel disease, and it has been demonstrated that the disease is associated with food allergies.
PLE is most frequently caused by an inflammatory bowel disease, with a stimulation of the immune system in the bowel wall. Among the common signs of PLE are vomiting, diarrhea and loss of weight.
RENAL DYSPLASIA
Renal dysplasia (RD) has appeared as a problem in the SCWT and, again, research is being carried out on this disease. It involves congenital malformation or abnormal development of the kidneys, and is generally apparent before two years of age.
The first clinical symptom usually observed in affected dogs is an increase in the production of urine, coupled with excessive thirst. When the urine is checked, it is found to be extremely dilute, this being indicative of kidney disease. Later a dog may lose appetite and have muscular weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and foul-smelling breath.
HEALTHY DOGS
In 1991 an interesting health survey of SCWTs was carried out by an American university. Of those surveyed, 93% of owners reported that their dog’s overall health was good. Of the 35% seen by vets for non-routine healthcare, the most common causes were in the following order: diarrhea, skin problems, cancer, teeth and throat problems and musculoskeletal problems.
SCWTs bred for the show ring must be flawless inside and out—healthy and handsome.
Although there is no cure, initially the
