Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, because allergens come from skin, saliva and urine as well as hair. Wheatens do shed very little, and some people with mild allergies cope better with them than with heavy shedders. If you have allergies, spend several hours with adult Wheatens before committing, and remember that the grooming they need also stirs up dander.

That is normal. Wheaten puppies are born dark, often reddish or grey with black tips and a dark muzzle. The color gradually clears to a pale wheaten shade, a process that can take two years or longer. A little dark shading on the ears and muzzle may stay into adulthood, and the final shade often differs from the puppy's first coat.

Many pet owners keep a Wheaten in a short clip, especially in summer. It reduces daily brushing but does not remove it, since even short coats tangle around the ears, legs and armpits. Clipping should be done by a groomer with blades set to a safe length. Plenty of Wheatens look and feel happier in a practical short trim than in a matted long coat.

Start with management: keep the dog on a lead or behind a gate when the door opens, so it cannot rehearse the leap. Then reward a sit or four paws on the floor with attention and a treat, and let guests greet only when the dog is calm. Wheatens love people, so the greeting itself is the reward. Consistency from everyone in the house matters more than any single technique.

Irish type Wheatens have a lighter, silkier and wavier coat that lies close to the body. The American and English show type was developed with a thicker, more voluminous coat that is shaped when groomed. Both are the same breed with the same temperament, but the fuller coat needs more brushing and more frequent professional grooming to stay free of mats.