| Dating back to prehistoric times, Irish legend and folklore
are filled with references to the native dogs of the island.
The ancient Romans prized canines from the Emerald Isle
and reproduced them on coins, musicals instruments, and
tapestries. The dogs so admired were the hounds and hunting
dogs of the nobility. Early travelers also spoke of the
"cotters' dogs." These were smaller, all-purpose,
easy-to-keep animals and, no doubt, included early terriers.
This division remained for centuries. As quoted in The
Dogs of Ireland by Anna Redlich, the law of William III
in 1698 stated that "only persons owning an estate
of freehold of the yearly value of 40 pounds, at least,
or a personal estate of 1,000 pounds shall keep any hound,
beagle, greyhound, or land-spaniel other than whelps under
the age of twelve months." The sporting or hunting
dogs were reserved for the gentry; the terrier was the
poor man's dog. |
 |
 |
|
The farmers of the counties of Munster--Tipperary, Cork,
Waterford, Limerick and Kerry--used terriers as general
farm dogs. They protected people and property, worked
cattle, kept down vermin, hunted badgers and foxes, and
were even used as gun dogs. While the exact history is
unknown, it seems clear that the three long-legged terriers
of Ireland--the Soft Coated Wheaten, the Irish, and the
Kerry Blue---all share a common background. The Wheaten
was also probably involved in the development of the short-legged
Glen of Imaal Terrier. The Wheaten was late in being recognized
by as a distinct breed. The breed was recognized by the
Irish Kennel Club in 1937.
Lydia Vogel of Massachusetts brought the first Wheatens
to the United States in the 1940s, but real activity in
the breed in this country did not begin until the late
1950s when the O'Connors and Arnolds imported their dogs.
Wheatens were exhibited in the AKC Miscellaneous Class
until October, 1973 when they became recognized and exhibited
in regular classes.
(According to the American Kennel
Club) |
|
| Wheaten terriern är en medelstor och kompakt hund.
Den är frisk och sund, modig lekfull, har energi
och vitalitet utan gränser, är nyfiken och vill
alltid vara med "där det händer".
Den är omskriven som en mycket intelligent hund,
mjuk, vänlig, trogen till sin ägare. Men...
det är också en hund med stort självförtroende
och egen vilja. Den försvarar gärna och missar
sällan en provokation till gräl, även om
den inte är ute efter att starat grälet. |
|
| En Irish SoftCoated Wheaten Terrier är just en
TERRIER. För att få Wheaten terriern
till den underbara hund den kan bli måste man som
ägare besitta egenskapen ett redna från början
kunna visa "vem som är herre i huset".
Vänligt men bestämt. |
|
 |
|
| Characteristics and temperament: |
|
| Wheaten temperament is unique, combining the alert
intelligence of the terrier tribe with the steadiness
of the working dog. A quick lively affectionate dog, the
Wheaten retains his puppy exuberance and medium to high
energy level all his life. Eminently adaptable, he can
enjoy life in the city or the country, just as long he
is close to his "people" and receives ample
daily exercise. |
|
| All children should be supervised when a dog is present.
Wheatens do well with considerate, well- behaved children
children. Because Wheaten exuberance and activity may
overwhelm small children and since Wheatens require a
great deal of time and attention, many breeders urge parents
of infants and pre-schoolers to wait until children are
older to get a Wheaten.
Most Wheatens will bark an alarm when strangers approach,
but generally they are quieter than the smaller terriers.
They must be carefully fenced or walked on a lead since
they will wander if not fenced. |
|
Wheatens will chase squirrels, rabbits, cars, etc.,
and should never be allowed to run loose in an unfenced
area. Wheatens can and do leap straight up off the floor.
They jump up on people and it is difficult to correct
this trait. They are inveterate leash pullers. The Soft
Coated Wheaten Terrier is not everyone's perfect pet.
He does have special requirements if he is to achieve
his potential. He must know that he is a dog and therefore
below the human family in the "pecking" order.Wheatens
generally want to be leaders and can be stubborn and headstrong.
They need consistent, firm discipline but are sensitive
to harsh treatment. They must be trained to be submissive
without breaking their high spirits. They are quite trainable
but it takes more work, time and dedication than with
many other breeds.
(According to the American
Kennel Club) |
