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| A 3½-year-old Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier named Clio. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Dogs have become so popular as pets that many people don't realize the time and energy it can take to properly take care of them, and some people buy a dog at the spur of a moment without giving much thought to whether they can care for him or not. This results in thousands of dog being abandoned. If you're considering buying or adopting a dog you should know that not all dogs are the same, some breeds are more high maintenance than others and you should choose a breed that suits your lifestyle. Wheaten terriers are high maintenance dogs for a few reasons that we shall go into in this article.
Wheaten terriers are a breed of dog that originated in Ireland. They were originally bred as an all-purpose farm dog whose duties varied from watching, guarding and herding livestock to hunting vermin. While most terriers can sometimes be aggressive, this is not so with the Wheaten terrier. They are mellower than other terriers.
Wheaten terriers are famous for their coat which is very soft and comprises of hair, not fur. The Wheaten Terrier is a popular dog with allergic dog owners due to the fact that they have a single coat of hair and shed very little making them relatively hypoallergenic. There are four coat types: American, English, Heavy Irish and Traditional Irish.
Wheaten Terriers are medium sized dogs that don't shed; their hair keeps growing and so requires regular grooming and trimming, making them a high maintenance dog to keep. Whether or not you keep your dog indoors or out, he will need to be brushed regularly if you are to avoid his coat from becoming matted or tangled. These dogs also require more frequent bathing than most other dogs because of their soft coat.
Like all terriers, the Wheaten Terrier is an active, playful breed that needs exercise if it is to thrive. They respond well to positive training and harsh or aggressive treatment may result in a dog that fears bites. They are highly intelligent dogs that require a substantial amount of attention. If you don't have the time to give to your dog, this may not be the breed for you.
Wheaten terriers make great family pets, often being very good with children and other pets. Early training ensures your dog is well adjusted to a home environment and they can be very protective of their human pack" without being overly aggressive.
Wheaten terriers are generally a hardy breed though they are prone to a condition known as protein-losing nephropathy (PLN). This condition results in protein loss from the kidneys and can be fatal. Inflammatory bowel disease, renal dysplasia, Addison's disease and cancer are other health issues Wheaten terriers may develop.
Article Source: EzineArticles |
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