The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a healthy, sturdy and well-muscled dog that given proper care and nourishment will live a long, healthy life. The average Wheaten Terrier lifespan is 12 to 15 years and some live up to 17 years old. However, it is important to know that all dog breeds are susceptible to certain diseases and the Wheaten is no exception. Veterinary research has identified two conditions that seem to have a higher than normal incidence in Wheatens: protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). Addison’s disease and renal dysplasia (RD) have been found as well. This does not mean that all Wheaten Terriers will have these diseases. The health section will give you more information on these genetic diseases as well as other medical issues.

Major Health Concerns

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America maintains a watchful eye for potential genetic problems and is proactive in those instances when the general health and well-being of the breed is challenged.

If you are considering adding a Wheaten to your home you should expect the breeder to provide you with the hip and eye clearances on the sire and dam and the PLN Variant Gene test results on the sire and dam or the puppy. Visit the database to look up sires and dams of the puppy you are considering at www.scwtdb.org. SCWTCA encourages all Wheaten Terrier owners to keep up to date with Wheaten health by visiting our site regularly. The breed’s health and genetic database contains over 100,000 Wheatens including health data collected from sources worldwide, enter your Wheaten at link below.

Please enter your Wheaten through this link into the database, healthy and dogs with a health concern are all needed.

• Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN)
• Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE), IBD, Gagging, Gulping
• Renal Dysplasia
• Addison’s Disease
• Diet & Nutrition
• Incontinence/Ectopic Ureter

Other Health Concerns:

• Microphthalmia & other Eye Disorders
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Paroxysmal Dyskinesia