So - You Still Want a Wheaten puppy?

If you enjoy a lively, fun dog and you are willing to devote time and energy to grooming and training, then the Soft-Coated Wheaten could well be the dog for you.

The Club runs a puppy waiting list, details of which can be obtained by clicking on the button at the bottom of this page.

Because not many Wheatens are bred in the UK, it is probable that you will have to wait a few months before a puppy is available. It is rare to find a puppy immediately available. If you do so, it could be advisable to ask yourself the question "Why?" The price of a puppy is currently approximately £800 - £850, though some breeders with top winning dogs may charge more. If the price quoted for a pup sounds unreasonable, you could refer back to the puppy list co-ordinator or the Club Secretary but the amount you pay is a decision for you and the breeder. If you feel the price is too high, other puppies will be available if you are prepared to wait a bit longer.

Remember there is no substitute for a good relationship with a reliable breeder. When you are finally offered a puppy, be honest with the breeder about your circumstances - make sure that he/she knows about your home and living situation and be frank about any worries you might have. A good breeder will ask you many questions - some of which may seem irrelevant to you. This is because they want to be sure that you can provide a proper home for one of their carefully reared pups. Once you have made your circumstances clear, trust the breeder to select the best puppy for you.

Most Wheaten breeders will be actively engaged in showing their dogs. If you want a show dog, it is essential that you obtain a pup from such a person, although he/she will also be able to sell you the ideal pet. If you intend showing, make sure the breeder is aware of this fact. Maintain contact with your breeder, who will be delighted to have news and photographs of the pup occasionally, right through its adult life.

Once you take your puppy home, help him to settle in - don't overtire him during the first few days. Everything is strange to him now, away from his mum and brothers and sisters. If you have children make sure that they understand that this is a living animal with feelings and not a toy: they should be taught to respect the dog. Don't let them wake him when he is sleeping, or constantly handle him when he is awake. If your children are young and boisterous, engaging in much running and shrieking, remember that such activity can be confusing to any dog and may arouse overly protective instincts. It is unwise to leave young children of any age unsupervised with a puppy or adult dog, for both their sakes.

You should be aware that problems could occur if two unrelated Wheatens of the same sex are kept together in the same household, although it has been successfully done. Two males or two females, unless they are mother and daughter, do not always live together amicably. It is definitely not recommended to get two pups at the same time. Two puppies together are almost impossible to train, resulting in two hooligans and quite possibly two dogs that are constantly vying for the 'top dog' spot. As a first-time Wheaten owner you will have enough to cope with, learning to deal with just one puppy coat!

You should bear in mind that the neutered pet of either gender is possibly easier to live with. It is a myth that every bitch needs at least one litter - she does not. And, unless you intend your dog to be a regular stud, it is not wise to allow him to be mated to the pet bitch that lives locally. (Unless you regularly show your dog and he is a good example of the breed, it is unlikely that he will have the chance of being a regular stud anyway.)