The Wheaten Terrier has spawned a network of owners and breeders known for their particular dedication to Wheaten Terrier rescue and protection. A perennial favorite in the United States since the 1970s, the Wheaten Terrier, also known as the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, has firmly established its place in the hearts and minds of its fans.
Wheaten Terrier Rescues in the United States
There are several groups dedicated to finding new homes and taking in surrendered Wheaten Terriers in the United States.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America (SCWTCA)
The SCWTCA has one of the most comprehensive programs in the United States dedicated to purebred Wheaten Terrier rescue.
- The SCWTCA adheres to strict rescue guidelines that include transfer of ownership agreements and "in home" evaluations (both the surrender home and placement home). An adoption application is required.
- They do not buy dogs they rescue from breeders, owners or from puppy mills.
- They will not take dogs that demonstrate aggressiveness in the form of biting.
- The SWCTCA has chapters in California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
- Adoption fees are:
- $400 for dogs under one year of age
- $350 for dogs one to four years old
- $300 for dogs four to seven.
- The fees for dogs over seven will vary.
- All fees do not include additional crate and shipping costs.
Wheatens in Need (WIN)
The WIN rescue is headquartered in Katy, Texas and is an entirely volunteer-run non-profit rescue.
- They rescue dogs from all over the country and house available dogs in foster homes.
- WIN will take in dogs from owners that need to place them in new homes. Owners must complete a transfer agreement and provide extensive information on the dog and its temperament.
- An adoption application is required and volunteers match your requirements and lifestyle with available dogs.
- Adoption fees vary by age:
- $500 for dogs under one year of age
- $475 for dogs one to two years old
- $450 for dogs two to three years old
- $400 for dogs three to four years old
- $375 for dogs four to five years old
- $350 for dogs five to seven years old
- Dogs over seven will have varying fees based on the dog
Midwest Wheaten Rescue
Based in Omaha, Nebraska, this volunteer group places Wheatens and Wheaten mixes in new homes.
- An adoption application, phone interview and veterinarian reference check is required.
- Approved applications will also include a home visit.
- The adoption fee for all dogs is $400.
- MWR will not adopt dogs to homes with electric/underground fences as they are not recommended for this breed. They will consider applicants without fences or who live in apartments on a case-by-base basis.
- MWR will not adopt dogs that will be outside-only dogs.
- There is no in-state restriction on adopters, but if you live outside the Omaha/Lincoln area, you will be required to drive to Omaha to pick up your dog.
- The group takes in owner surrenders provided they have an available foster home for the dog.
S'Wheat Rescues & Adoptions, Inc.
S'Wheat Rescues, located in Missouri, places both Wheatens and "Wheatables" (mixes) and will take in owner surrenders.
- An adoption application, telephone interview, home check and veterinary and personal references check is required to adopt a dog.
- Out-of-state adoptions are permitted but you must physically come to Missouri to pick up the dog, as well as commit to returning the dog to Missouri if the placement does not work out.
- The rescue does not adopt dogs to home with children under six years of age and they recommend children be at least 10 years old before adopting a Wheaten or Wheatable.
- If the adopter has allergies, the rescue will require you to spend 24 hours with the dog prior to the adoption being finalized to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
- Dogs can only be adopted to homes with dogs of the opposite sex.
- Most adoptions require a fenced-in yard, but this can be decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the desired dog's history and temperament. Yards with electric/invisible fences are not acceptable.
- Adoptions fees are:
- $700 for purebred Wheatens under one-year-old
- $600 for purebreds one to two years old
- $500 for purebreds two to three years old
- $400 for purebreds three to 10 years old or for Wheatables under age 10
- $150 for dogs 10 to 12 years old. Dogs over 12 do not have an adoption fee
- If you are adopting a puppy mill dog, adopters are required to pay an additional $60 for a crate, unless you bring your own
- Adopters are required to microchip their dogs within two weeks of adoption.
Finding Wheatens in Multi-Breed Rescues
You can also find Wheaten Terriers in all-breed rescue groups and shelters. The best tools are the Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet websites which allow you to search for a dog based on breed and your zip code. You can also sign up for a "New Pet Alert" on the Adopt-a-Pet site to notify you when a Wheaten turns up in a local shelter or multi-breed private group.
Recognizing a Wheaten Terrier
With its soft, wavy coat, the Wheaten can be and is often confused with other highly coated terrier breeds. It's not unusual to see a dog listed as a Wheaten on a rescue group or shelter's website when it's actually a mix. This is especially true if the dog isn't properly groomed.
- Seen properly groomed and in a show cut, the Wheaten has a rectangular shaped head and has a soft, wavy coat ranging in color from wheat to reddish gold.
- The coat may even appear tipped with silver when it is ruffled or the dog is moving.
- The breed has dark eyes and noses and usually weighs between 30-40 pounds when fully grown.
- Their height is between 17-19 inches at the dogs' withers.
- They are inherently graceful dogs and move with an easy, flowing gait.
Adopting a Wheaten Terrier
Wheatens are one of the most impressive members of the terrier group and are prized for their happy personalities and exuberant energy. When looking for a rescued Wheaten, take your time to find a dog that will fit well with your personality and lifestyle in order to ensure a permanent "forever home" for your new canine friend.
