THE UNIQUE SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER Factors that Distinguish the Soft Coated Wheaten from Other Terriers BY CINDY VOGELS, BREEDER EDUCATION CHAIR M any terrier breeds were developed simultaneously in the British Isles during the 19th century, making them quite homogeneous in phenotype. Honing in on the Irish ter- rier breeds, Soft Coated Wheatens, Kerry Blues, and Irish Terriers share many com- mon characteristics. For this reason, it’s imperative that breeders are keenly aware of the subtle differences between the breeds because those characteristics form the backbone of proper breed type.
Irish, Kerry Blue, and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers share many similarities.
Soft Coated Wheatens and Kerry Blues are remarkably similar. Both are square in outline, upstanding, and similarly balanced. Consequently, it’s of utmost importance that the differences are maintained.
While there are many subtle differences, three primary differences between Soft Coated Wheatens and Kerrys are: • Ear set and carriage • Coat – color & presentation • Temperament Both Kerry Blues and Soft Coated Wheatens should have heads in balance with the rest of the dog. Skulls and muzzles are equal in length in both breeds. I believe that Kerry Blue Terrier heads appear
more refined than Soft Coated Wheatens’ due to differences in presentation rather than structure. Correct backskulls, muzzles, ear sets and carriage, proper eyes, and large, black noses, combined with proper coat and presentation, create proper SCWT expression. As a judge, I find proper heads are so rare that they appear out of place! SCWT breeders must start paying more attention to head characteristics.
Powered by FlippingBook