Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier - History

History

The Wheaten was bred in Ireland to be an all-purpose farm dog whose duties would have included herding, watching and guarding livestock, and vermin hunting and killing. They are believed to be related to the Kerry Blue Terrier. Today, Wheaten terriers compete in obedience, agility, and tracking, and are occasionally used in animal-assisted therapy, as well. In Ireland, they were commonly referred to as the "Poor Man’s Wolfhound." Their tails used to be docked to avoid taxes, and were often kept to a specific size.

Despite its long history, the Wheaten was not recognized as a breed in Ireland by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937. In 1943, the British Kennel Club recognized the breed in the UK, as well. The first Wheatens were exported to Lydia Vogel in the United States in the 1940s, but serious interest in the breed took another ten years to develop. Finally, in 1973, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club. In the 1970s, the first Wheatens were imported into Australia by Anubis Kennels. Since then, many more have been imported. Recent importation of Irish-style dogs have improved and broadened the gene pool.