Grooming

The Wheaten Terrier is eye-catching because of his soft, flowing coat, which gently waves, and shimmers in the sunlight. A well cared for coat is stunning. Conversely, without regular grooming, the coat becomes dull and matted and even smelly and skin problems can develop. The dog will be miserable to be in such a state and he won't begin to resemble the beautiful fellow with whom you fell in love at first sight.

To keep the coat in good, healthy condition, you must begin by grooming your puppy daily. He won't like it at first and you will hardly think it necessary but by the time he's seven or eight months of age, you'll be glad you persevered and that he doesn't mind being combed. At this time the puppy coat begins to give way to the adult coat and it is the most difficult period as far as grooming is concerned.

Dog hair that does not shed onto the carpet and your clothes sounds too good to be true - and indeed there is a catch; it must be regularly combed out. If you leave the dog without grooming for only a week, the tangles will have begun forming and the session will be uncomfortable and even painful, for him and difficult for you also. (Unless you happen to enjoy participating in all-in wrestling!)

The other drawback of a long, non-shedding coat is the amount of dirt that collects on the feet, legs and undercarriage when out walking and which is trailed back into the house. A non-shedding coat does not mean less housework and it does mean increased grooming.

The Wheaten is not a trimmed terrier - he should always appear natural. However, for his comfort, certain areas are tidied up. Details on how, and where, to do this are to be found in the Breed Handbook and in the Club's video "The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. A Guide to the Care of Your Dog". Both are available from the Club Secretary or on sale at Club events.