The actual origin of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier cannot be found in printed record. Recurring reference to a terrier soft in coat, wheaten in colour and of a size to fit the Wheaten of today, lends credence to the belief that the history of the Soft Coated Wheaten began long before records were kept.

Known for more than 200 years in Ireland, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is believed by some to be an important ancestor of the Kerry Blue. Legend tells us that when the Spanish Armada was sunk of the shores of Ireland, the blue dogs who swam ashore found terriers with a soft, wheaten coat waiting to welcome them.

Bits of information show us a hardy dog who hunted small game cleverly and silently, guarded stock and garden with courage and tenacity and was both companion and protector to his owners.

Of necessity these early dogs were bred for their working qualities, with shade of coat or exact measurements of small consideration and no record. As only the brave and the strong and proficient survived and reproduced, Nature really set the standard for the original stock of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. This has evolved a very attractive, well made dog of medium size, quick-witted and responsive. the demands of his function required steadiness and discrimination, which have been retained, while preserving the joy in living and the stamina associated with a terrier.

It has produced a dog whose natural attributes have been maintained and whoe appearance has not been artrificially altered. It has provided a dog whose mature coat is abundant throughout, giving protection from the elements and the enemy. This coat is very soft, wheaten in colour and from it the breed takes its name. The coat goes through a natural progression of change from puppyhood to maturity, but should be clear wheaten by 18 to 24 months of age.

In the Standard for the breed, the quality of moderation is emphasized; in fact, lack of exaggeration anywhere has seemed to be the hall mark of this breed.