How Much Does a Wheaten Terrier Cost?

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The Wheaten Terrier dog is a breed that originated in Ireland over 200 years ago, and its main purpose was to be used as a farm dog. This diligent breed, referred to as the „Poor Man’s Wolfhound” was designated to herd and guard livestock, by hunting vermin.

The Wheaten Terrier breed is known for its soft coat and extrovert temperament, being a very active and alert dog, but also friendly and playful, perfect for families with an active routine.

However, in the 1930s, the Wheaten Terrier breed almost vanished. Patrick Blake, a dog enthusiast, rescued the breed from potential extinction.

How Much Does a Wheaten Terrier Cost?

The average cost of a Wheaten Terrier dog is anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on your geographical location, the breeder, and the age and quality of the dog.

However, top-breed Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier pups may cost up to $5,000, especially dogs that are bred from champion parents, with extraordinary abilities and markings.

Based on our research, you may be able to find Wheaten Terriers with costs between $400 to $1,000 but keep in mind that these dogs may not be AKC-registered or have the appropriate paperwork.

According to NextDayPets.com, the average cost of a Wheaten Terrier dog may be around $1,000, while a top-quality one can range between $2,400 to $5,800 for dogs with superior pedigrees.

The AKC Marketplace has more than 50 listings with a range of costs for Wheaten Terrier puppy adoption. For instance, a reputable breeder from Newark, OH sells 5 males and 2 females for $2,000. Another breeder sells 3-week-old Wheaten Terrier puppies for a price of $1,000.

However, there are a few breeders that have listed their puppies for a $500 cost. In conclusion, on this platform, the average cost of a dog from this breed is around $2,300 for a puppy of 3 to 6 weeks old.

GoodDog.com offers several Wheaten Terrier puppies for adoption, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,000, and an average cost of $2,500. Most of these dogs are between two and four months old and rated as top pedigree dogs.

At the date of this writing, WinsomeWheatens.com, a website made specifically for this breed, offers two Wheaten Terrier puppies for sale at the cost of $1,900. Additionally, they claim that a shipping fee of $500 will be required.

The DogBreedsList.info is a classified website that claims that the average cost of a Wheaten Terrier dog is anywhere from $1,800 to $3,000, however, you can expect to pay between $1,500 to $2,500 for a puppy from a reputable breeder. According to them, a Wheaten Terrier puppy from a top-line breeder with an exceptional pedigree may cost up to $5,500.

Greenfieldpuppies.com has several Wheaten Terrier puppies all registered at the ACA, with shots and wormers up to date at costs ranging between $400 to $1,000.

As shown above, the cost of a Wheaten Terrier puppy will greatly vary depending on your location, the reputation of the breeder, the quality of the dog’s pedigree, and its age. Also, factors such as whether the dog is registered, and whether the shots are up to date or not, may influence the total cost.

What should be included in the adoption?

As a general rule, a reputable breeder will always deliver the puppy with all the necessary documentation such as the registration paperwork, health certificate, and a health guarantee. Also, the puppy will have the vaccinations and the wormers up-to-date, and a travel crate in case of shipment.

You might also like our article about the cost of a Bedlington Terrier, Cairn Terrier, or Boston Terrier.

However, the breeders that sell AKC-registered puppies will typically take care of the microchipping of the dog and the dew claw removal. Besides these, the breeder will often recommend to the buyer some specific health tests to be followed, such as eye exams, hip evaluation, bloodwork, UPC/Microalbum test, and CBC test.

Extra costs

Purchasing a Wheaten Terrier from a different location may require that you have it shipped to you. The travel costs are usually supported by the future owner, and depending on the length of the travel this extra cost will vary.

Also, an additional fee of around $70 will be charged for a crate if the breeder does not include one in the purchasing cost.

An additional cost may be the microchipping of the puppy, which can be around $60 on average.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Breed Description

Appearance: The Wheaten Terrier dog is a medium-sized breed with a height of between 18 to 20 inches for males and 17 to 19 inches for females and a weight between 30 to 45 pounds.

Their long wavey coat is soft and silky, and they do not shed as a usual dog. The Wheaten Terrier’s coat grows just like human hair, which needs to be trimmed regularly. A specific trait for this breed is that the puppy is born with a dark red or brown colored coat and grows out into this wheaten color at maturity.

However, there are different shades of wheaten and color combinations as the adult may also have a few hairs colored in black, red, or white. Their body is squarely proportioned, with a rectangular shape and a high-set tail, that is often docked.

Temperament: The Wheaten Terrier breed is known to be agile and strong, yet very careful and playful. The breed was originally designated to be a farm-working dog and guard the livestock, which is why these dogs are great watchdogs and love to please their owners.

Wheaten Terriers are typically very friendly and caring with children and other dogs, making them a perfect dog for families. However, keep in mind that this type of dog needs regular exercise, due to its active nature and is usually recommended for owners with basic training experience.

Wheaten Terrier Puppy Facts

Regular grooming is recommended, even though their wavy coat does not shed. Constant brushing and regular trimming are needed to keep their silky-specific coat.

The Wheaten Terrier breed lifespan is anywhere between 12 and 15 years.

The AKC recognized them in 1973, but it will only accept the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America as the Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers breed’s official Parent Club.

This breed is suitable for small living spaces and needs a daily leash walk. If fenced in, they can find a way over or under, so a secure fence is important.

When left alone for long periods, these dogs might develop separation anxiety, causing them to become destructive or bark excessively.

It is important to note that there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, despite what some may claim. While some breeds may produce less dander and shed less hair, no dog is completely allergen-free.

Therefore, if you or anyone in your family has allergies, it is recommended that you spend time with a dog you are considering adopting to see if your allergies are triggered. Even if a dog is labeled as hypoallergenic, there is still a chance you may experience an allergic reaction.

Terriers are known to be an alert breed, which is why they are fast to react and bark at any unfamiliar sound.

The official breed club recommends several health tests for your pet, including hip and ophthalmologist evaluations, CBC, blood chemistry panel, urinalysis, and UPC/Microalbumin (MA) test.

The SCWTCA has identified three potential health conditions that are more common in this breed, which include protein-losing nephropathy, protein-losing enteropathy, and renal dysplasia. It’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s health and get them checked by a veterinarian regularly to ensure they stay healthy.