The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The first Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers came to the United States in 1946 on a difficult ocean voyage that saw one of the imported pups lost over the side, but the Wheaten had been known in Ireland for over 200 years. The Wheaten is one of the four Irish Terriers, perhaps the oldest of the four, though the breed today must be seen as the result of breeding experiments. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1937. There is a difference between the Wheatens of Ireland and Europe, and the ones we see in the United States. The European version is a moderate dog without exaggeration, while the American version is an extremely-built Terrier with a profuse coat which is highly styled. The dispute over which is the correct Wheaten is ongoing. Either way, the breed makes a good companion, not so much on its toes as the other Terriers of Ireland.