This page, while for our Ardgaeithe Kennel activities is also to share new and current ideas about dog/puppy breeding, health and training. Our Kennel Prefix is Ardgaeithe (height of the Wind) and we breed and Show and adore Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, one of the oldest breeds of Ireland and uncommon. We are ANKC registered breeders aiming to breed best possible quality Soft Coated Wheate
n Terriers with the correct Irish coat, and are careful to select for optimal health and temperament and structure . We have one or two litters on average in a year and carefully select puppy homes on the basis of quality time and care available for the pup and keenness to properly train from the start.We also sometimes work with people who might like to try Showingand exhibitng their new pup when trained. We show/exhibit our dogs and participate in Obedience and Agility and other dog sports and support Breed Rescue through our Club. We affirm the need for health testing, even with healthy lines and only breed puppies with Low COI (ie not in**ed) (aiming below recommended 8 at 8 generations) chosing to use Phenotype Pedigree breeding method rather than linebreeding/inbreeding in order to support best breed health. Our usual health testing includes Renal Ultrasounds to exclude significant RD in parents and pups, Urinalysis to exclude Protein losing Kidney disease(PLN), PLN gene test to exclude the risk of inherited PLN which even one copy means a 20x risk.We also check hips and elbows and only breed A and B (Excellent and Good/Normal). Annual Vet check for eyes and other abnormalities and basic bloods and thyroid if indicated.We do not breed dogs that are close relatives of affected significant inherited diseases like RD, PLN, PLE, Addisons, etc.. In fact to our knowledge we do not have any affected dogs in our dog's ancestors back 10 generations. Wheatens are one of the oldest Native Irish breeds, in the past used as an all rounder dog in the home and then also on the farm. Their coat, which is their hall mark. is single and soft and wavy, the shine discourages dirt to stick. They do not shed other than how a person does and their hair follicle is fine a lot like human hair. This may be perfect for people (like myself) who are very allergic to other kinds of dogs). Their coat can be trimmed short, still in wheaten style, or kept longer like a show dog. It requires weekly combing and brushing, ideally daily, especially when still very young.They rarely if ever have the "dog smell" even when wet.They will not leave hair on your black lounges or car like other dogs will. They are a medium sized dog, about Kelpie size, standing up to 19inches/48cm max at their shoulder and weighing 14-20 kg, the males tend to be heavier and bigger than the females once fully mature.They mature slowly, full height about 7-8 months but full development including coat not until about age 3yrs or more
They start off dark coloured as puppies, some even black, but usually by 8weeks coming home time you can see the blonde coming through at the base of the hair..The proper Irish coats tend to be coarser and sparser as pups while the American/UK coat tends to be heavier and boofier like a cute teddy bear. They are naturally good with people and adore being close and with them, not the kind of dogs to keep outside in a kennel but rather at your feet of beside your lounge.If properly socialised and trained they are very good with children once the dog is an adult, but as with all dogs, they should always be closely supervised with small children. As a puppy they can be very enthusiastic and this can be daunting for children and elderly or frail as well as tending to jump up("wheaten welcome" )however they train out of this very well. My own 81 year old mother has one of our 2year old dogs as a therapy companion and watch dog. With such enthusiasm and not a huge food drive for treats their training can be daunting but with gentle persistance and calm environment , not overstimulated and distracted, excellent early puppy training results can be had. Gentle persistance and consistancy will eventually pay :) but puppy preschool is a good start. Training is very important right from the start as they will be the best dog possible if well trained.Training is essential as with any dog and should be daily, and can be difficult in the early puppy days when they are enthusiastic but they are very trainable if consistent positive reward training used. Never use dominance/Alpha training on any dog especially a wheaten. They are an all round dog- active, intelligent and compete in obedience and agility events as well as Barn Hunt. They have a natural tendency to hunt small prey but if trained from early puppyhood this may be contained to have other feathered and furry friends in the garden with them, but don;t presume this will work. They are an excellent watch dog yet not a yappy dog. If they bark there is a reason. They are intensely loyal and want and enjoy their owner's company all the time.They are usually good with other dogs if properly socialised.We happily take ours to dog parks. Health:-generally very healthy with few problems as long as WELL BRED with usual precautions for health testing and avoiding parents with illnesses in their close relatives. Allergy to fleas can be a problem, but preventable with proper flea control, ears can get inflammed/infected if wet, dirty and left hairy-so grooming "ear toilet" important. Serious illnesses are rare and include PLN, PLE, RD.There is a gene test now for PLN so ask the breeder if you pup is clear.RD is there from birth and some breeder Renal ultrasound the pups to be sure there is none present.PLE doesn't come on until about age 4 , is rare, and seems to have some correlation to poor food so good quality food and avoiding gluten may have a protective benefit in those dogs at risk from having parents with PLE/PLN affected relatives. Few breeders would breed such dogs anyway. As a whole, the breed is a very healthy one.It had to be to survive the hardships of Ireland in the past! Exercise:
They are a fit dog that thrives with exercise, and once mature enjoys running and long walks and unleash play at parks.Half hour walk each day is necessary, and more would benefit.(within sensible limits).However their usual position is spread out at your feet asleep until you say the word "w a l k." Grooming:
Minimum once coat is mature is a weekly full comb and brush, but ideally daily.3monthly trim at groomer once adult.As a puppy daily brush and comb and occassional trim,Wash and condition as needed. Rarely smell even when wet. Family:
Excellent family inside dog if well trained
Training:
Intelligent inquisitive dog, so it Essential and responds well with positive consistent methods. A good all round family dog which doesnt have the shedding/wet smell problem that other dogs have. I hope you enjoy seeing our pups and find the articles of .interest and perhaps sometimes helpful.
