What do you think about Wheaton Terriers?

Question

I personally they think are so cute!

Does anybody own one? What are the good and bad things about them? What about for a first time dog owner? (please don't try to scare me off of them...I was previously interested in getting a pit bull, you can't scare me!)

Answer 1

They are GREAT dogs! I worked at a boarding kennel for a couple of years and knew two that came in on a regular basis. The owners traveled alot, business and pleasure. They were good dogs. They had been through obedience training and always minded their manners. They never soiled their kennel inside either, only outdoors. They were friendly too. One of them liked to fetch a red rubber ball to me whenever I brought them their food/water. Even though the owners never paid extra for play time, I would take them out into the yard for a few minutes each day and let them play. They were a comical pair out there in the yard! Like little puppies!
A Wheaton Terrior is a great choice of dog. Check out this website I found on them.........

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/softcoatedwheatenterriers.html

Answer 2

They are adorable, but they are ALOT of work. They will tell you they aren't a dog for small children. I have a 3 year old and do childcare and can say that this statement is somewhat true. They are a bit nippy at times, but other than that, the kids LOVE them and visa versa. "It is an alert and happy animal - graceful, strong and well-coordinated. A playful and friendly terrier. They make great watch dogs and bark at the arrival of guests. They are usually very loving with children and get along reasonably well with other dogs (provided they are socialized when they are young). They do not get along well with cats. All it takes is some fast movement on the part of the cat, and the dog's instincts will take over and he will attack. They have a puppy attitude that remains with it throughout its life. Sweet-tempered, easy-going and self-confident. This breed needs to be taught when it's young what is and is not acceptable behavior. It is very intelligent, so it will generally grasp quickly what is required of them. They have a straightforward nature and need to be handled in a straightforward manner. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers bond extremely closely with their family. They seldom bark unnecessarily. Though not as aggressive as many other terriers, males may be combative with other male dogs if challenged. The Soft Coated Wheaten should be well socialized with other dogs while they are young puppies.

Answer 3

It is difficult to sum up Soft Coated Wheaton's in a short paragraph. I surfed the net and came up with some great info for you, as well as some insight to the breed. Enjoy! :)

Wheaten terriers stay young at heart for many years. They are quite active. Their temperament is curious and friendly. Wheaten owners are familiar with the famous "wheaten greetin'" these friendly dogs treat visitors with. They are very sociable. Wheaten PuppyThe Wheaten 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. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is known to be less aggressive in nature than that of other terrier breeds. Proper socialization with their environment and with other children and adults when they are young most likely will ensure a stable temperament in a Wheaten. Basic obedience classes may enable less frustrating co-existence with a Wheaten. The breed 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 Wheaten, as they can be very sensitive to physical correction. With both a short attention span and an energetic personality, Wheatens can be difficult to train as show dogs.
Some Wheatens love water while others will avoid it. Wheatens 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. Many wheaten owners go on to get a second one eventually. Typically, one of each sex make best companions for each other. Wheatens enjoy chasing squirrels. Wheatens need about as much grooming as poodles. They require regular brushing, several times a week to prevent matting (daily is better). In addition, they may need to be trimmed or tidied up four to six times a year. Show dogs should be professionally groomed, but a pet owner can learn the techniques if one wants to invest in the thinning shears and clippers (and time). The fur should not be continually clipped short to avoid grooming responsibilities since the dog's coat does serve some useful purposes, notably protection and insulation. The coat protects the dog from cold weather and moisture as well as from incidental contact with bushes, branches, and plants. It is thought that having the fur cover the eyes shades them from the sun like a golfer's hat. Clipping the fur too short, too often, will cause a change in the coat's texture and it will lose its silky shine. These are delightful dogs, good with families, and very adaptable. On the other hand they require a good deal of effort and commitment from the owner, perhaps more than most breeds. Between the need for exercise, socialization, and grooming; a commitment for many hours of attention a week may be needed for the next 15 years. Many responsible terrier breeders are reluctant to place dogs with first time dog owners. If you are looking for a dog that will respond instantly to your every command, then maybe a terrier isn't for you. Terriers do have minds of their own! If you want a dog that develops strong owner loyalty, maybe a Wheaten isn't for you. This breed tends to be an 'everybody dog', relating well to the family but also enjoying making new acquaintances.

Answer 4

Wheaties are great dogs, but they do have some breed related problems. This site outlines some of the issues.
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/softcoatedwheatenterriers.html
You can also use the site to check out some other breeds you may be interested in.
Good luck in your search.