How Much Exercise Do Wheaten Terriers Need? Vet-Approved Guidelines
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
Wheaten Terriers are high-spirited farm dogs from Ireland. They are beloved for their friendly, cheerful dispositions and their extroverted natures. While they can be occasionally stubborn and feisty, they are also devoted to their loved ones, making them excellent companions.
If you are considering the Wheaten Terrier for your household, researching the breed’s care needs is the first step to ensuring they are right for you. A critical aspect of your dog’s care to consider is their exercise needs.
You might think that being rather small in stature, that Wheaten Terriers don’t need too much exercise, but they do require around an hour or two of daily exercise to keep their bodies fit and their minds active. What are the best ways that you can provide physical activity for your dog? In this article, we will examine why the Wheaten Terrier is so lively and how you can help them burn their energy.
History of the Wheaten Terrier
Wheaten Terriers are originally from Ireland, where many other fantastic Terriers were born (such as the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Irish Terrier). The Wheaten Terrier was bred to be a versatile farm dog capable of performing various chores, including ratting, guarding chickens, and herding.
With so many responsibilities riding on the Wheaten Terrier’s shoulders, they needed a huge energy supply to perform their duties; these were not lazy lap dogs! As a result, the Wheaten Terrier was bred to have moderate to high levels of energy. They need plenty of daily exercise and will retain their lively dispositions even into old age.
The Wheaten Terrier’s Temperament
While the Wheaten Terrier is known to have a feisty Terrier temperament, they are also sweet, friendly, and affectionate. They are companionable animals that are always eager to remain by their owner’s side. When exercising with the Wheaten Terrier, it is best to find activities that both of you can participate in.
Wheaten Terriers can be great companions for children. They are fun-loving pets with playful attitudes, making them entertaining for kids. They are well-behaved around younger kids, but they can occasionally become overly rowdy. Careful supervision is necessary when young children are playing with the frisky Wheaten Terrier.
Many terrier breeds have a tendency to be quite vocal, and the Wheaten Terrier is no exception. Early socialization and training is a must if you want to avoid upsetting your neighbors with a noisy barking dog. Mental stimulation is also hugely important for this breed, as they can become destructive when bored.
Providing Proper Exercise for the Wheaten Terrier
Before exercising with your Wheaten Terrier, it is essential to note that they have a strong prey drive. If allowed in an open, outdoor area with no leash, there is a good chance they will take off when they spot a small animal.
No matter how well you have trained your Wheaten Terrier in obedience and recall, breaking through their instinct and convincing them to return to you may be difficult. Therefore, when exercising with your Wheaten Terrier, it is recommended that you keep them on a leash or stay in an enclosed outdoor space.
As mentioned before, the best activities for your Wheaten Terrier are those you participate in equally. Some great activities for you and your Wheaten Terrier to enjoy include brisk walks, short runs, fetch, frisbee, agility training, and even swimming. Training can also be a great activity for you and your pet.
Training the Wheaten Terrier
While early obedience classes are recommended for all breeds, it is especially important for the Wheaten Terrier. The Wheaten Terrier can be occasionally stubborn and unwilling to listen to instructions. Recall is one command you want to master early.
If your Wheaten Terrier thinks they are in charge, it will be much harder to re-establish yourself as the boss. Therefore, starting training soon after adopting them will immediately set the stage and make future training efforts more manageable.
At the same time, the Wheaten Terrier is a sensitive companion. While you should establish yourself as the boss early on, you must not use harsh methods or break your dog’s spirit. Consistent, firm leadership combined with positive reinforcement is the best way to train the Wheaten Terrier.
Interesting Facts About the Wheaten Terrier
Wheaten Terriers are fascinating dogs. If you are curious to learn more about this breed, take a look at the interesting facts we have for you below!
1. The Wheaten Terrier Used to Be Reserved for Peasants
Hounds, Greyhounds, Beagles, and Spaniels used to be the domain of the upper class. Therefore, peasants were limited in options, and the Wheaten Terrier became their canine companion or choice.
2. They Come in a Variety of Colors
The typical coat of the Wheaten Terrier is a beige color; however, their coat is not always one color. Wheaten Terrier puppies are born in various colors, which eventually transform into their standard beige as they age.
3. The Breed Was Represented in Artwork
A 19th-century painting by the artist Frederic William Burton depicted a tragic scene of a drowned child being mourned by a community, and the community included a woeful Wheaten Terrier.
Final Thoughts
Wheaten Terriers are energetic, lively dogs requiring at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily. The best way to ensure that your Wheaten Terrier receives enough activity is to participate in games or exercises with your dog. Not only will this keep your pet happy and healthy, but it will also allow you to develop a stronger bond with your pet.
Featured Image Credit: Denis Babenko, Shutterstock
