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PORTUGAISIrish soft coated wheaten terrier
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog irish soft coated wheaten terrier!
Here, you will find all the useful information about irish soft coated wheaten terrier. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
As its name suggests, the Irish Soft Coated Terrier has its origins in Ireland and despite the scanty written records of its history, we assume that it is one of the oldest terrier breeds in Ireland. They are also thought to have been involved in the creation of many breeds in the UK, such as the Kerry Blue Terrier. They have been found for centuries in Munster where they were mainly used on farms as guard dogs, but their confident temperament, scent and intelligence made them very good at herding and hunting small game. Although not widely known outside his native country, the Irish Terrier's two centuries of existence led to official recognition by the Irish Kennel Club in 1937. The breed was finally registered by the International Kennel Federation on February 26, 1957, and its current standard was updated on January 27, 2001.
The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog, with a rustic and homogeneous appearance. It has a strong build in proportion to its size, giving it the appearance of a cube. The length of his body is equal to the height of his withers, so he fits into a square. Despite its small size, it is a powerful animal, particularly vigorous and agile. Its head is long, well proportioned as a whole, with a strong square muzzle and a rather pronounced stop. Its medium sized ears will be carried on the front of its skull, its slightly sunken eyes are round, small and dark in colour. Unlike its cousin the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Irish Terrier's tail will be carried proudly, but will not be carried over the back in any way. The semi-longhair has a soft, silky texture to the touch, and the colours permitted by the breed standard are wheaten in shades of light wheaten to golden with reddish tones.
The character of the Irish Terrier is balanced, bold and fearless, and its willingness to adapt to any environment or lifestyle. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners, but like all good terriers, they need a good education from the start, as they can be stubborn. Good guardian, his instinct of protection is well developed, but without ever being aggressive, always attentive to the limits of his territory, he will take care that nobody ventures there without the authorization of his master. Jovial and playful, he enjoys playful activities in the company of his family, with whom he is very close. His boundless energy will allow him to be enduring and tenacious, a long daily walk will be necessary for his well-being. His education is important, learning the rules of life in the community must be acquired from an early age, once the basics are understood, you will be able to enjoy this tender companion, perfectly balanced and well in his paws.
Adult: The Irish Terrier will weigh 33 to 39.6 lb for males and 28.6 to 33 lbs for females, its height at the withers will be between 18.1" to 19.3" for males and 16.9 to 18.1" for females.
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Origins
The Irish Terrier with soft coat, also known as Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, originates from Ireland, where it was developed centuries ago. Mainly used as a versatile farm dog, it was particularly appreciated for its skills as a ratter and guard dog. The breed was selected for its soft and wavy coat, which earned it its name. Its versatility and endearing personality have made it a favorite among Irish farmers, and today it is appreciated worldwide as a companion dog.
History
The history of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dates back several centuries in Ireland. Although the exact details of its origins are unclear, it is known to have been used by farmers for various tasks, ranging from pest control to guarding property. The breed was officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1937 and by the British Kennel Club in 1943. Introduced to the United States in the 1940s, it quickly gained popularity. Today, it is known for its cheerful temperament and distinctive coat, and it is widely appreciated as a companion dog.
Standard
The standard of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed describes a medium-sized dog, measuring between 45 and 50 cm at the withers and weighing between 16 and 20 kg. Its coat is soft, silky and wavy, wheat-colored in all its shades. The head is long and proportionate, with a flat skull and dark, expressive and alert eyes. The ears are small, folded forward. The body is compact and well muscled, with a deep chest and a straight back. The limbs are strong and well proportioned, contributing to the elegant and agile appearance of the breed.
Physical characteristics
The Soft Coated Irish Terrier is an elegant and well-proportioned dog. Its coat is one of its most distinctive features, being soft, silky and wavy, with a color ranging from light wheaten to golden. The head is long with dark and alert eyes that express intelligence and liveliness. The ears are small and folded forward, adding to its refined appearance. The body is muscular and compact, with a deep chest and a straight back. The limbs are strong and well-proportioned, giving it great agility and endurance.
Character
The Soft-Coated Irish Terrier is known for its joyful, affectionate, and intelligent character. This dog is very sociable and gets along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. It is also very loyal and devoted to its family, making it an excellent companion. Although it can be independent and sometimes stubborn, it is generally obedient when well trained. Its energy and love for play make it an ideal companion for active families. Its curious and lively nature requires regular mental and physical stimulation.
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Soft Coated Irish Terrier is generally 12 to 15 years. To ensure a long and healthy life, it is crucial to provide balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and proper veterinary care. Regular visits to the vet help to quickly detect and treat any health problems. Special attention should be paid to signs of aging, such as decreased mobility or changes in behavior, in order to adjust care accordingly and maintain a good quality of life for this loyal companion.
Exercise and activity needs
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an energetic breed that needs a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, outdoor play sessions, and activities like agility or tracking are ideal for stimulating his active mind. He loves to explore and run, and needs to expend himself physically and mentally. Without adequate physical activity, he can become bored and develop destructive behaviors. A fenced yard is ideal, but he can also adapt to apartment living with enough daily outings.
Recommended diet
The diet of the Soft Coated Irish Terrier must be balanced and adapted to its energy needs. High-quality food, rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, is essential to maintain its health and activity level. It is recommended to feed this dog with portions adapted to its weight and level of exercise, usually split into two meals per day. Treats should be given in moderation to avoid obesity. Specific nutrition for active dogs or working breeds may be beneficial to support its metabolism and overall health.
Training and obedience
The Soft-coated Irish Terrier is intelligent and receptive to training, although it can sometimes be independent and stubborn. Firm but gentle training, based on positive reinforcement techniques, is the most effective. Starting training at a young age is crucial to establish good habits and reliable obedience. Socialization is also important to prevent shyness or aggressiveness. Regular and varied training sessions, including cognitive games and obedience exercises, will help stimulate its active and curious mind.
Behavior with children
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally very gentle and affectionate with children, making them an excellent family companion. Their patient nature and energy make them an ideal playmate for young ones. However, as with any dog, it is important to supervise interactions between the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and very young children to prevent any accidental incidents. Teaching children to treat the dog with respect and gentleness is essential for harmonious cohabitation. With proper socialization, the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can become a loyal protector and friend to children.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Soft Coated Irish Terrier can live with other pets, but early socialization is essential to ensure a good relationship. Due to its hunting instinct, it can sometimes be reserved or dominant with other dogs, especially males. Introducing the Soft Coated Irish Terrier to other animals from a young age, and supervising the initial interactions, helps to establish positive relationships. With proper training and ongoing socialization, this dog can live harmoniously with other pets, including cats.
Grooming needs
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier requires regular grooming to keep its coat in good condition. Weekly brushing is essential to remove dead hairs and prevent tangles. Its silky and wavy coat also requires regular trimming to maintain its texture and shape. An occasional bath every two to three months is usually enough to keep its coat clean and healthy. It is also important to regularly check and clean its ears to prevent infections, trim its nails, and brush its teeth to maintain good oral hygiene.
Health
The Soft Coated Irish Terrier is generally a sturdy breed, but it can be prone to certain specific health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, eye problems such as cataracts, and dermatological issues. Regular visits to the veterinarian for routine check-ups and vaccinations are essential to prevent and manage these health problems. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, also contributes to the longevity and overall well-being of the Soft Coated Irish Terrier. Owners should be attentive to signs of illness and consult a veterinarian at the slightest doubt.
Average price
The average price of a soft-coated Irish Terrier puppy can vary considerably depending on various factors such as the quality of the lineage, the breeder's reputation, and geographical location. In general, one can expect to pay between 800 and 1500 euros for a puppy from a reputable breeder. In the United States, prices can range between 1000 and 1800 dollars. It is crucial to choose a responsible breeder who respects ethical breeding standards and conducts necessary health tests to ensure a healthy puppy.
Expenses
Annual expenses for a soft-coated Irish Terrier can vary but generally include food, veterinary care, grooming, and various accessories. On average, these expenses can be estimated at around 800 to 1200 euros per year. In the United States, this translates to a range of 900 to 1300 dollars. These costs can increase in case of health problems or specific care needs. It is important to budget for unforeseen expenses and ensure good insurance coverage for veterinary care.
Name ideas
To name a Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, you can choose names that reflect its qualities and Irish origin. "Finn" means blond in Irish, perfect for a light-colored dog. "Bran" is a mythical Irish hero. "Aine" means radiance or splendor. "Cian" means ancient, ideal for a dog with a rich history. "Niamh" means bright or radiant. "Conan" means little wolf, reflecting its hunting side. "Orla" means golden princess. "Ronan" means little seal. "Maeve" is a legendary Irish queen. "Seamus" is a classic Irish name meaning supplanter.
Legislation and regulation
As for legislation and regulations, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is not subject to any particular restrictions in most countries. This breed is generally well accepted and is not on lists of dangerous or prohibited dogs. However, it is always recommended to check local regulations as some cities or regions may have specific restrictions regarding dog ownership. In general, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is perceived as a safe and suitable companion dog for various environments.
Official recognition
The Irish Terrier with soft coat is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under standard number 40. This breed is also recognized by other major global registries such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Irish Kennel Club (IKC) in Ireland, and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). The official breed organization in the country of origin is the "Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club", based in Ireland. These recognitions ensure that the breed is well established and respected worldwide, allowing breeders and owners to maintain the breed standards.
Pedigrees
The available pedigrees for the Soft Coated Irish Terrier help guarantee the purity of the bloodline and trace the genetic background of the puppies. Serious breeders generally provide pedigrees certified by recognized organizations, ensuring that the dogs meet breed standards. These documents include detailed information about the puppy's ancestors, health tests performed, and titles won in dog shows. Owning a dog with an official pedigree can be important for those who wish to participate in shows or breeding programs.
Destination and usage
The Soft Coated Irish Terrier is above all a companion dog, appreciated for its joyful and affectionate temperament. It is also used in various working and leisure activities, such as dog sports like agility and canicross. Due to its appearance resembling that of a wolf, it is sometimes used in the film and television industry. Its sociable and intelligent nature makes it an excellent partner for active families and individuals looking for a loyal and protective companion.
Prohibitions
Currently, the Soft Coated Irish Terrier is not subject to any specific restrictions in most countries. It is not classified as a dangerous or regulated breed, which makes it easier for adoption and ownership in various jurisdictions. However, it is always recommended to check local and regional laws, as some areas may have specific restrictions regarding pets. Overall, the Soft Coated Irish Terrier is seen as a safe and family-friendly dog.
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