How to Care for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Puppy
So you've decided to add a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy to your family! Congratulations! These pups are known for their happy dispositions, loyalty, and love of people. They make great family pets. But like all dogs, they require some special care to stay healthy and happy. In this blog post, we'll go over some of the things you need to know about taking care of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy.
Breed Specific Needs
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized breed of dog. They weigh between 30 and 40 pounds as adults. They have a soft, silky coat that can be either wheaten (golden) in color, or white. The coat is low-shedding, but does require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Wheatens are an active breed, and need daily exercise to stay healthy. A good walk or run, plus some playtime, will help keep your Wheaten happy and healthy.
Health Issues
Like all breeds, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the health issues that have been seen in the breed include:
- Autoimmune disease
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (eye disease)
To help ensure your puppy grows up to be a healthy adult dog, be sure to purchase from a reputable breeder who can provide health clearances for the parents of your puppy. Health clearances show that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can also talk to your veterinarian about ways to help prevent health problems in your Wheaten.
Diet
A healthy diet is important for all dogs, but especially for puppies. Puppies need a diet that is high in protein and fat to help them grow and develop properly. An adult Wheaten Terrier's diet should be around 18% protein and 5% fat. Puppies may need even more protein and fat in their diet. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to make sure you are feeding your Wheaten the right diet for their age and activity level.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn a little more about the care of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies. These are wonderful dogs, and we're sure you'll enjoy many happy years with your new pup!