Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Feeding your Wheaten properly is crucial for maintaining their health and that gorgeous coat. These active dogs do best with high-quality commercial food that meets nutritional standards, whether you choose kibble or wet food. The key is finding a diet appropriate for their life stage - puppies need specially formulated puppy food, while adults and seniors have different nutritional requirements.

Most Wheatens thrive on two measured meals per day, which helps prevent bloat and maintains steady energy levels. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily to keep their blood sugar stable as they grow. The amount you feed depends on your dog's size, age, activity level, and metabolism, so it's worth chatting with your Australian vet to determine the right portions.

Given their predisposition to kidney and gastrointestinal issues, some Wheatens may benefit from specialised diets. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil or specially formulated foods, can support their skin, coat, and kidney health - particularly important given their breed-specific health concerns.

In Australia's warm climate, always ensure fresh water is available, especially during our hot summers. If you're in Darwin or Brisbane, your Wheaten might drink more due to the humidity, while dogs in Melbourne or Canberra might need less during cooler months.

Be mindful of treats - they add up quickly calorie-wise, and Wheatens can be prone to weight gain if overfed. Australian-made treats using local ingredients like kangaroo or fish can be excellent training rewards. Remember, a lean Wheaten is a healthy Wheaten, especially considering their potential joint and kidney issues later in life.

Here's where owning a Wheaten becomes a real commitment - that beautiful, silky coat requires serious dedication. Unlike double-coated breeds, Wheatens have a single layer of soft hair that doesn't shed much, making them popular with allergy sufferers. However, this low-shedding coat comes with a trade-off: it mats easily and needs daily brushing.

Your daily grooming routine should start with a thorough brush-through using a pin brush or slicker brush, followed by combing with medium and fine-toothed metal combs. Any mats you find need to be carefully worked out with your fingers and brush - never cut them with scissors, as this can damage the coat's appearance.

Professional grooming every four to six weeks is essential, whether you keep the coat long or opt for a shorter, more manageable trim. Many Australian owners choose the shorter "puppy cut" during our hot summers, particularly in northern regions where the humidity can make long coats uncomfortable.

Monthly baths using gentle, dog-specific shampoos will keep your Wheaten clean without stripping natural oils. In Australia's dusty conditions, you might need to rinse paws and legs more frequently, especially after beach walks or bushland adventures.

Pay special attention to their distinctive "beard" and eyebrows, which can collect food and debris. Daily eye cleaning helps prevent tear staining, and regular ear cleaning is crucial since Wheatens tend to have hairy ear canals that can trap moisture - particularly important in humid climates like Queensland's.

The grooming commitment is significant, but the reward is a stunning, hypoallergenic companion with one of the most beautiful coats in the dog world.

Wheatens are intelligent dogs with minds of their own - classic terrier traits that make training both rewarding and challenging. They're eager to please but can be strong-willed, so patience and positive reinforcement work much better than harsh corrections. Starting training early is crucial, as these dogs can develop stubborn habits if left to their own devices.

Early socialisation is absolutely essential for Wheatens. They need exposure to different people, dogs, and situations to develop into well-rounded adults. In Australia, this might mean visits to busy markets, dog-friendly cafes, and various environments from beach walks to bushland hikes.

Exercise-wise, Wheatens have moderate to high energy levels that don't diminish with age - many remain playful well into their senior years. They need at least an hour of exercise daily, which can include walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation. Their strong prey drive means they should always be on lead or in securely fenced areas, as they'll chase anything that moves.

These dogs excel in various activities like agility, obedience, flyball, and nose work. Many Australian dog clubs offer these sports, providing excellent outlets for their energy and intelligence. They also make wonderful hiking companions for weekend trips to places like the Blue Mountains or Grampians.

In Australia's climate, be mindful of exercise timing during hot weather. Early morning or evening walks work best in summer, particularly in Perth or Adelaide. Their dark coat can absorb heat, so provide plenty of water and shade during outdoor activities.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise - puzzle toys, training games, and scent work help keep their clever minds occupied.