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Aussie Wheaten (Australian Shepherd & Wheaten Terrier): Info, Pictures

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Australian Shepherd & Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Mix

Height: 18–19 inches
Weight: 35–45 pounds
Lifespan: 12–15 years
Colors: Black, brown, beige, white and gray
Suitable for: Active families with older children, people who want a loyal dog
Temperament: Loyal, fun, intelligent, friendly, will get along with other dogs, does better with older kids than with toddlers

Australian Shepherd & Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers originate from a mix between purebred Australian Shepherds and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. This dog is bred to be an active companion because of their affability and energy. They’re known for being alert, loyal, and affectionate, although they are sometimes stubborn due to the Terrier blood.

Since not much is known about Australian Shepherd Wheaten Terriers, we’ll go over all the information you need to decide whether this dog is right for you. Read on to find out about the wonderful Aussie Wheaten!

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Aussie Wheaten Puppies

Aussie Wheaten
Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock
Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

If you love the look of Aussie Wheaten puppies, you will want to know everything that you can about them before you go and get one for your family. Below we are going to tell you some things about their temperaments, how much they cost and other things to help you make the right decision.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Aussie Wheaten

1. Aussie Wheaten Dogs Are Extremely Sociable. They’re Very Friendly and Jovial.

Aussie Wheatens make excellent pets for children. Their parents are child-friendly canines, and due to their boundless energy, they’re unlikely to get tired when playing with the kids. They’re also more tolerant of young children than most dogs.

2. They Have a Lot of energy. This Means That They’re a Lot of Fun but They Also Need a Lot of exercise.

With a working dog lineage, the Aussie Wheaten isn’t a lap dog that’s content to lie around the house all day. They need long daily walks and must be allowed to run around in a fenced-in area. If they don’t get enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive.

3. They Are Often Very Clownish. They’re Often Lots of Fun and Very Cute if You Make Sure You’ve Taught Them Manners.

Aussie Wheatens are amusing pups that seem happy to show off for their owners, but they require thorough training to keep them focused and well-behaved. Enrolling your puppy in obedience classes as soon as they’re old enough can help develop the appropriate social skills and habits.

The parent breeds of Aussie Wheaten
The parent breeds of Aussie Wheaten: Left – Australian Shepherd (Maud Slaats, Unsplash) | Right – Wheaten Terrier (agoa, Pixabay)

Australian Shepherd & Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Mix

Divider 8Temperament & Intelligence of the Aussie Wheaten🧠

Aussie Wheatens are energetic, affectionate, and joyful, and they love to play. They’re easygoing and friendly and generally will be fine with sharing their home with other dogs. They love going outside and are willing participants in family activities. If you don’t include them in games, be ready to have them grab your ball or frisbee and insert themselves in your game, whether you want them to or not.

They’re able to adapt to life in the city and the country. Just make sure you give them the exercise they need. They’ll love running around the park, backyard, or house for hours if they’re allowed.

You should start socializing them early. They’re usually easygoing with new people, and they don’t mind being around other dogs.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?🏡 

Aussie Wheatens make excellent pets for families, and although they’re tolerant of children, they should be supervised when playing with them. They’re so energetic that they could accidentally harm a young child if they’re running around at full speed. The children must also be taught to respect their dogs and learn how to handle them.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?🐶 😽 

Yes, they get along with other dogs and cats, and it’s best to introduce them when they are young. This will make things a lot easier for everyone. However, they might not accept smaller animals like hamsters as roommates and might chase or attack them.

Aussie Wheaten
Image Credit: Kathryn Gilbert, Shutterstock

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Things to Know When Owning an Aussie Wheaten

So, you have stayed with us this long and are interested in knowing more. If you are thinking of getting an Aussie Wheaten, there are some things that you should know about this mix.

Food & Diet Requirements🦴 

As with any dog, the amount of food that you give them will depend on their age, health, and weight. When you first bring your Aussie Wheaten puppy home, from 8 to 12 weeks old, you should be feeding them four times per day.

When they’re 3 to 6 months old, you can reduce the amount to three meals each day. After a year old, they should be fed twice per day. The food you give your Aussie Wheaten should be high quality mixed with broth, water, or canned food. You can also serve cooked eggs, vegetables, cottage cheese, and fruit.

Exercise🐕 

Your Aussie Wheaten is a very intelligent and energetic dog. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation so that they don’t get bored. They’ll be happy walking, running, or engaging in energizing games with other dogs and with you.

It’s especially important that you are socializing your Aussie Wheaten early so that their protective instincts are counteracted. If your Aussie Wheaten is more like the Shepherd side, they will likely be more protective. However, they’re also known as devoted pets who form strong attachments to their family.

dog running with the man owner
Image Credit: maxim ibragimov, Shutterstock

Training🦮

It’s important to start training your Aussie Wheaten early. Their intelligence makes it easy to train them, but they can be stubborn and nippy due to their hunting and herding nature. An experienced owner is ideal for the Aussie Wheaten, but new owners who enroll in obedience classes can train their dogs effectively if they have the time and patience to continue the training at home.

Grooming ✂️

Although Aussie Wheatens aren’t hypoallergenic, they produce fewer allergens from their hair because they’re part Terrier. They can be very messy, and the coat is medium length and wavy, so it requires regular brushing using a brush with firm bristles. This will help with reducing matting and shedding.

It’s not necessary to have the Aussie Wheaten professionally groomed regularly, but it’s not a bad idea to trim the edges around their feet,  tail, and ears to make the maintenance simpler. They should be bathed monthly or on an as-needed basis.

Like any breed, their teeth should be brushed each day, and their nails should be clipped every 6 weeks. Because they enjoy being outside, it’s also important to check their coats for insects, such as ticks or fleas, that may be caught in the coat.

groomer brushing dog's coat
Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock

Health and Conditions❤️

Aussie Wheatens are prone to a variety of health issues. Although we’re mentioning some of them here, it doesn’t mean your Aussie Wheaten will have these problems.

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Ear infections
  • Skin growths
  • Tumors
Serious Conditions
  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Nervous system problems
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Kidney disease
  • Addison’s disease
  • Digestive disease

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Final Thoughts

If you want a dog to add to your family, an Aussie Wheaten is a wonderful choice. They’re happy and self-confident and make excellent watchdogs. However, they are also very friendly. They love children and will get along with other dogs and cats, mainly if they’re introduced to them as a puppy.

However, when they are outside, they will chase any furry small animals that crosses their path. So don’t be surprised if you see them suddenly take off across the yard.

See also:


Featured image credit: birgl, Pixabay

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