Wheaten Terriers tend to be playful, energetic, and fun dogs that are affectionate with their families. They get along well with children and other dogs. But, they have a high prey drive, so they will need socialization with smaller pets in the family. They also tend to be initially wary of strangers, but will warm up quickly once introduced if they have been properly socialized.

If the other parent breed tends to have a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same in a Wheaten Terrier Mix. You can also meet the mother in-person to see what her temperament is like and what kind of behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started training and socialization. But, once you get a puppy home, it is up to you to continue training and socializing them throughout their life.

A Wheaten Terrier is a moderately adaptable dog breed that does better in homes with fenced-in yards where they can run. If you spend enough time every day giving them the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection they need, they can adapt to apartments. Because of their urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas.

If the other parent breed is also moderately adaptable, then you can expect something similar from a Wheaten Terrier Mix. Because every dog breed has its quirks, it’s important that you ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix to get a full idea of what to expect.

Although mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, it’s not a guarantee. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds or they could inherit a mix of them or even all of them.

From the Wheaten Terrier side, potential health conditions to be aware of in a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Mix include skin conditions, protein-wasting conditions that affect digestion and the kidneys, and hip dysplasia.

Responsible breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing genetic issues on to puppies. So, you should be asking about the health and genetic history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about the results of any health tests that have been done for the parents or the puppies.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are intelligent and pick up on things quickly. Although they can be eager to please, they also tend to have an independent nature and a stubborn streak that can be challenging for first-time dog owners. As such, puppy training classes are recommended.

The other parent could make a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Mix easier or more difficult to train. Because of that, you may want to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes regardless. Even if you don’t need them, they are still beneficial. The classes are another way to bond with your puppy and also offer some opportunities to socialize them too.

A Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Mix could inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. If they inherit the Wheaten Terrier coat, it will be low-shedding, but will require daily brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.

Regardless of coat type and amount of coat care required, you will also need to take care of your Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Mix’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues.

Checking ears on a weekly basis and carefully cleaning ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. It’s also essential to practice good dental care for dogs. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life.

Wheaten Terriers tend to sit in a moderate activity range, but they are also known to jump into high-energy bouts of activity as well. Daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity are a must for this dog breed.

The other parent breed could affect the potential activity level range to expect in a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Even if they have lower exercise requirements, you will still need to be prepared for a potentially higher-energy dog.

A Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier usually stands 17-20 inches tall and weighs 30-45 pounds. The other parent breed could have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so it’s important to talk to the breeder about them. It’s not a guarantee, but you can meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of what size to expect in a Wheaten Terrier Mix.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers generally live for 12-14 years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Mix.