Longevity
Life expectancy
With good hygiene and lifestyle, a suitable diet and regular veterinary follow-up, this breed generally lives between 12 and 14 years. Maintaining a proper weight and screening for hereditary conditions contribute to good longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
It is a hardy and generally resilient dog, but its robustness must not make one forget certain known sensitivities of the breed, notably in the ocular, renal, neurological and cardiac areas.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular vigilance is recommended regarding hereditary conditions in the breed and the condition of the skin, eyes and locomotor system. The choice of a reputable breeder carrying out the useful tests remains essential.
Cardiomyopathy: Cardiac monitoring may be useful in individuals from affected lines, as this involvement of the heart muscle can affect overall condition and endurance.
Cataract: This eye condition can gradually impair vision and warrants prompt veterinary follow-up at the slightest sign of visual discomfort.
Nephropathy: Certain kidney disorders are described in the breed and require particular attention to bloodlines, growth, and changes in biological test results.
Renal dysplasia: This abnormality in kidney development can compromise kidney function and deserves screening or appropriate follow-up depending on the family context.
Peripheral neuropathy: This neurological condition can manifest as weakness, gait disturbances, or exercise intolerance and should lead to a veterinary evaluation.
Hip dysplasia: Although not systematic, this orthopedic condition can affect locomotor comfort and warrants vigilance regarding growth, weight, and activity.
Dermatitis: The skin and coat should be monitored, as irritations or skin inflammations may appear in some individuals.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its coat provides adequate protection in a temperate climate, but the lack of an undercoat makes it less comfortable in prolonged severe cold. It tolerates heat moderately provided that intense exertion is avoided during the hottest hours and that it is guaranteed fresh water.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed is not among the most prone to weight gain, but an overly rich intake or a lack of activity can upset its condition. Measured portions, two meals per day and regular exercise help to maintain an athletic silhouette.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly monitor the eyes, skin, and coat quality.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and report any locomotor or neurological disorder.
- Ask for advice on useful screenings before any breeding.
Vaccination
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier need? Like all dogs, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Hip and eye checks and certain blood tests are among the relevant monitoring points in this breed, particularly with a view to responsible breeding or if family history is known.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
