One of only three large terriers of Ireland, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier originated as an all-around farm dog, perhaps serving in this function for hundreds of years. Besides the ever-essential terrier function of extinguishing vermin, it also helped round up stock and guards the homestead. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier was later even known to be trained as a gundog. Its early history is largely undocumented; however, it is mentioned as a progenitor of the Kerry Blue Terrier.

Appearance
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 40 pounds. The breed seems to have a square structure and is well built. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers 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 English coat variety of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier tends to be thicker than the other varieties and tends to be kept a bit longer than the American variety of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. For this reason, American coats need to be regularly cared for and maintained.

Character
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is known to be less aggressive in nature than that of other terrier breeds. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are restrained and patient with children. Intelligent and loving breed, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very devoted to their families, but they will not get along with cats. They are playful, friendly and sweet-tempered. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it is far better suited as an indoor dog.
 

Temperament
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers stay young at heart for many years. They are quite active. Their temperament is curious and friendly. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier owners are familiar with the famous "wheaten greetin'" these friendly dogs treat visitors with. They are very sociable. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a fun-loving, intelligent dog. It can be vocal, making it a good watch dog although no one should consider this breed to deter burglars as the dog will greet the burglar as a friend. Their temperament should be such that they consider a stranger a friend they have not met yet.

Proper socialization with their environment and with other children and adults when they are young most likely will ensure a stable temperament in a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. Basic obedience classes may enable less frustrating co-existence with a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally trainable, although the terrier stubbornness does appear on occasion. Consistency in training and positive reinforcement is the best method in the training of a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, as they can be very sensitive to physical correction. With both a short attention span and an energetic personality, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers can be difficult to train as show dogs.

Some Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers love water while others will avoid it. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers do well as a sole dog companion and can also be fine in a multi-dog household depending on the temperaments of the other dogs. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers enjoy chasing squirrels.

Exercise/Training
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is an athletic dog that needs a good daily workout, either in the form of a moderate to long walk or an invigorating game in the yard. It should be allowed loose only in a safe area because it still loves to hunt and chase. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 15 minutes obedience and playing with your Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The color of a young Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier can range from wheat to white, but white coats are not considered desirable by breeders and show enthusiasts. The adult coat of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may contain black, white, or darker brown "guard" hairs in addition to the lighter wheaten-coloured hair.

Grooming
The long coat of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier needs brushing or combing every two days. As a no-shedding dog, loose hair becomes entangled in the coat and will mat if not combed out. Bathing and trimming every other month is necessary to maintain the desirable coat and silhouette; pets can be better managed if their coats are clipped to about 3 inches, but then they lose the breed's typical outline. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well. Additionally, like many other breeds, the claws need close attention.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.