Soft-coatedWheatenTerrier

Also known as the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Short Coated Wheaten Terrier, it originated in Ireland in the 18th century. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is assuredly the oldest terrier in Ireland and is common around Kerry and Cork, but the exact place of origin is ominous. It is an expert otter and badger hunter. It is a medium-sized, brave, well-coordinated sporting terrier. It is the oldest terrier in Ireland. The Irish Moccasin Terrier is happy, determined dog that appears self-possessed and confident. He is alert and appears to be interested in his surroundings. Appears to be less aggressive than other terrier dogs. Coordinated and in proper proportion to the body. Rectangular in shape; medium length. Strong without appearing rough. Eyes are dark reddish brown or brown, medium sized, slightly almond shaped, and moderately spaced between the eyes. The eyes are black with major defects: anything approaching yellow.

Ears may range from small to medium size, with creases flush with the top of the head, pendulous, slightly forward, with the inside of the ear close to the cheek and the tip of the ear pointing toward the ground and not toward the eye. Hound dog shaped ears or ears that are too high in position are considered serious defects.

The head is flat and neat between the ears. There are no prominent cheekbones. The stop is clear. The muzzle is strong and sturdy and is located below the eyes. It does not appear rude in any way. The length of the skull and muzzle are approximately equal.

The nosepiece is black and large in size relative to the whole. Major defects: nosepiece of any color other than pure black.

Lips are tight and black. Teeth large, neat, and snow white; clipped bite or pincer bite. Major flaw: Protruding upper jaw bite or protruding lower jaw bite.

Medium length of neck, neat and firm, without hanging throat. Proudly raised, gradually widening towards the shoulders, smoothly joined to the shoulders. The back is firm and level. Body compact; tightly coupled. Deep chest. Ribs well supported but not rounded. Broken tail, held cheerfully but never rolled over the back.

Shoulders good, neat and smooth; well combined. Forelimbs straight and well boned. Wolf paws should be removed. The paws are round and compact, with thick pads. The pads of the feet are black. The toenails are black.

The hind limbs are well developed and the hind knee joints are correctly angled and neither turned inward nor outward; the fly joints are low and parallel to each other. The wolf claws should be removed. In competition, a long wolf claw on the hind limbs is a serious defect. The paws are round and compact, and the foot pads are thick. The pads of the feet are black. The toenails are black.

The coat is the main feature that distinguishes the Irish Soft Coated Terrier from other terriers. A dense, single coat covers the entire body, legs and head. The texture is soft, silky and gently wavy. In puppies and young dogs, the waves are not yet as pronounced as in adult dogs. Major defects: woolly or coarse, curly or fluffy coats; adults are also defective if their coats are straight.

Competition - In competition, the Irish Soft Coated Terrier must show the outline of a terrier, but at the same time the coat needs to be long enough to appear flowing as it walks. The coat must not be trimmed or stripped. The head coat needs to be groomed to show a rectangular appearance. The eyes need to be exposed but not necessary fully exposed. There are celluloid accents on the ears. The head, cheeks neck and tail must have sufficient hair to match the length of the body coat. Over trimming is a serious defect.

Wheaten of varying shades. Occasional red, white or black hairs may also be found if examined closely. However, the overall coat must be wheaten and no other color except for the ears and muzzle which may sometimes appear as a blue-grey color. Major Defect: Any other color other than wheaten.

Puppies under 1 year of age may appear darker, even with black tips. dogs under 2 years of age usually become lighter in color, but must never be white, and no gray is allowed in the ears or muzzle. However, by 2 years of age, the wheaten color should be obvious.

The gait should be relaxed, graceful and lively, with the front limbs well extended and the hind limbs well driven. Neither the front nor rear paws are turned inward or outward. Any dog whose tail does not remain upright while marching is considered to have a serious defect.

The Irish Moccasin is a happy, determined dog that appears self-possessed and confident. He is alert and appears to be interested in his surroundings. Appears less aggressive than other terrier dogs. Major Defects: Timid or overly aggressive. The Irish Moccasin is a medium-sized, brave, well-coordinated sporting terrier, distinguished by his soft, silky, slightly wavy coat, soft wheaten color, and square body contour. He is distinguished by his soft, silky, slightly wavy coat, soft wheaten color, square body profile, and his characteristic gentle temperament.

Is happy, determined dog that appears self-contained and confident. He is alert, curious and appears interested in his surroundings. Appears less aggressive than other terrier dogs. This breed requires a moderate body structure and appearance, and any exaggeration is unnecessary. His entire temperament should be that of an alert and happy animal, elegant, sturdy and well coordinated.

Some sources describe him as a brave dog, alert and calm in catching small prey, brave and patient in guarding livestock and gardens, both as an owner's companion and as a caretaker.