How to comb a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

[@melindawhite9572]

Thank you so much for posting this wonderful video. I have watched it off and on over the years. My first Wheaten was NOT groomed properly, and it was consistently extremely difficult. She had to be shaved many times, and looked like a "ragamuffin." The next Wheaten in this family will be properly groomed from day one. I think the SCWT breed is THE most magnificent breed, so thanks for helping us to care for them.

[@wheatengroom]

Melinda, thank you for your comments and I know that there are many Wheaten owners who share your experience, but (eventually) learn that proper combing and grooming comes high on the list of looking after this wonderful breed.

[@Silversp00ns]

So thankful to have found this video! I'm new to Wheaten ownership and have struggled with how to remove the knots. Just took ownership of a wonderful three year old Wheaten, but was given no instruction. She has to be the most patient dog ever! I will be buying some new implements tomorrow, thanks to your video and both dog and owner will get better results from now on. Thanks oh so much for taking the time to make and post this video.

[@wheatengroom]

Silversp00ns Thanks very much for your comment, it is a reward for us when we know that the videos are helping.Proper grooming is a very important task in Wheaten care and can so easily lead to problems if not carried out correctly and frequently.Make use of www.wheatenhealthinititiative.com for health and well being information.

[@zomisland03]

Love the video! Now I can groom my Wheaten properly. Thank you for sharing!

[@wheatengroom]

Thanks Ron and you are right to recognise that keeping a Wheaten properly groomed is a very important task.

[@johnblake4990]

I am so happy I found this! Thank you so much for your grooming tips! I learned so much from you.

[@wheatengroom]

Thanks from the Groomer and good luck with your Wheaten, your comments are much appreciated. Don't forget to keep an eye on www.wheatenhealthinitiative.com for all health issues and facebook Wheaten Health Matters for expert forum advice.

[@wheatengroom]

BJGrace Thanks from the Groomer for your comments. Much appreciated.

[@loriowen-fernandez7178]

still love this video and am sharing with my new puppy parents.

[@wheatengroom]

Thank you Lori and thank you for sharing this very important part of any Wheaten's welfare.

[@nancymesek]

I'm so proud of myself after viewing this. I've always groomed my ISCWT as thorough as she does. The only difference, is he lays on his back in my lap for under grooming, he loves it.

[@wheatengroom]

Hi Nancy, very pleased to hear about your method of grooming and it is a credit to you that your dog obviously enjoys and is at ease with this important part of a Wheaten's welfare.

[@hv7978]

Maybe a bitt of a silly question but honestly meant: how did those dogs go by in the past when - i assume - life on the farm was more 'rougher' and they - maybe - weren't looked after so well? More to themselves really. I absolutely agree that combing is important though.

[@wheatengroom]

Quite a realistic question I think, but I can only say that we've not found anyone who can give an answer! As 'irish coated' dogs had a lighter weight of coat it could be that they were simply shaved at sheep shearing time.

[@michaelanasakta2378]

Thank you for an exceptionally helpful video.

[@wheatengroom]

Thanks for your comment Michael, it's good to know that our videos are helping with the one of the important tasks of keeping your pet well groomed. Regular grooming leads to healthy coat and skin and a happier dog.

[@addsomosdda]

Hi. Thanks for the tip. I loved the tutorial. so easy to follow. I will be getting my Wheaten very soon hopefully. Two more questions i have is , how often do you trim them and i would loved some advice on bathing them and which shampoo you recommed.

[@wheatengroom]

+addsomosdda I think the answer to that question could be something like 'depends on where you will take your puppy and how dirty it will get!' I guess the average for bathing and trimming is no more than every six weeks, but at puppy stage it is very important to get them used to the scissors and bathing more frequently as this really helps their acceptance to this in future as adult dogs. (See also previous comments on this page). Coincidentally we have just completed a slide show of our Wheaten being bathed, which will include tips on shampoos. We hope to publish this quite soon. In the meantime have a look at the Puppy page on the WHI website www.wheatenhealthinitiative.com/Pages/puppies.html and also take a look at associated grooming pages.

[@lesleyevans6691]

Thank you my Tilly hates brushing as her previous owners never groomed her , so at 2 yrs old when i rescued her, she still has aggressive behavior when grooming , but im working on it , got a muzzle but hate using it. Every night she sees me coming and runs lol. No amount of treats help. But i just sing to her and ignore her , has to be done. I have cut some out to save the stress is this ok

[@susangholson960]

This was very informative..im planning to get a Wheaten later this year..can you find the brushes anywhere or just pet shops?

[@wheatengroom]

Sorry for the delay. The brushes used are generally available via specialist shops (many online). Pet shops may have similar, but it is better for a Wheaten's coat if you use the brushes shown on the Wheaten Health Initiative website (link below) and the grooming videos.

[@Felix_Effex]

Thank you Malc for this video. I have taken to grooming my terrier myself, I agree with leaving the face more natural, once a groomer gave my girl a "puppy cut", her lashes and snout hair was too close and the hairs were growing into her eyes, she had goopies and irritation. If I want to see her eyes I pull it back with a child's tie. I like natural, they need the protection, and now I don't have go be upset by someone else assuming my working dog is a foo foo poodle :) we comb everyday not only to remove tags, and check for "bugs", but as our daily bonding and affection after our fun filled days. (she sure likes to get into nature!)

[@wheatengroom]

Thanks Felix for taking the time to post a comment, makes us feel that we have been of use. Needless to say that we agree with all your statement. Happy Grooming.

[@wheatengroom]

Wheaten 'cuteness' does have its' commitments and one is regular and correct grooming. The coat is a high maintenance and should not just be brushed, but thoroughly combed to remove all knots and matts. A badly groomed Wheaten will soon come to dislike being combed, making life miserable for both dog and owner.

[@wheatiegirls]

Beautifully done and so respectful of these gorgeous dogs! Wish we could clone you!

[@wheatengroom]

Thank you, nice of you to comment

[@spursman3998]

Great video, has given me the confidence I need, to know I will be able to care for my dog properly. Many thanks indeed. Another new subscriber t o your site no doubt.

[@wheatengroom]

Good to know that the video has helped with this essential part of Wheaten ownership. If you have not yet visited, have a look at the WHI and all grooming and care pages: www.wheatenhealthinitiative.com/Pages/grooming.html

[@himelodyhi]

Here in Texas, it could get up to the high 90’s. How short can I clip the hair? and with it being shorter, is it less likely to get matted?

[@wheatengroom]

It's not always a good idea to cut a Wheaten's coat short in hot temperatures as the coat acts as a filter to the hot sun. The Wheaten does not have an undercoat and if the coat is short he is more likely to get sunburn. Also with Wheatens if the coat is combed well and flows naturally this helps a lot to cool his body as he moves on a hot day. To answer you question about short coats and matting, this does again depend on the environment and where the dog runs and plays, so regular combing will still be needed as tangles and matting can still start even if the coat is short, but you may be able to comb a little less frequently than with a longer coat. A Wheaten is a high maintenance dog!

[@x000401]

What is the name of the comb used in this grooming video? Loved the demonstration, such a caring and informative groomer.

[@wheatengroom]

+x000401 Thanks for your comment, it is always good to know that the videos are helpful. The comb is one which is used a lot in UK and there is one for the heavy coated Wheaten and one for the Irish coat. Have a look at the Wheaten Shop www.wheaten.org.uk/Shop/ and go to the Grooming category. If you are not in the UK then mail to the Wheaten Club Secretary on [e-mail] and ask for a price including shipping.

[@lyns9738]

What kind of brush and comb is best for a Wheaten?

[@wheatengroom]

Hi Lyns and sorry for the delay in a reply. The best advice I can give is for you to look at the information on the Grooming Equipment page on the Wheaten Health Initiative web site: www.wheatenhealthinitiative.com/pages/GroomingEquipt.html This will give you a good overview of what is available and correct for the Wheaten coat. Also, if you are on Facbook, you could join the Wheaten Grooming Matters group for much more specific advice. Hope this helps.

[@saratakeda5139]

Good tips.

[@jaynebiggart8631]

Thank you. Have you ever stripped the coat?

[@wheatengroom]

Hi Jayne thanks for watching our video. In actual fact Wheaten coats don't need to be stripped as they have no undercoat. Wheaten Terriers' coat is a single coat of hair and should be combed and cut with scissors or an appropriate electrical trimmer. However most other terriers do need to be stripped as they do have an undercoat.

[@himelodyhi]

How much time a day do you or should one spend on brushing realistically?

[@wheatengroom]

If you imagine not combing your own hair for a few days or a week, it would not be comfortable when you eventually combed. It is the same with Wheatens and I found with all our dogs that a daily routine is better for dog and owner. I used to comb through immediately following my dog's afternoon walk every day. The dog got used to it as part of his routine and it made for a much easier life for both as tangles and knots were (mostly) avoided. Time spent depends on the weather (rain, snow and so on) but the important fact is that your dog does not get to the situation where he has to endure hours of painful combing or clipping to remove matted coat.

[@addsomosdda]

What size trimming board do you use??

[@wheatengroom]

+addsomosdda Generally about 24 inches by 36 inches, but the one in use on the video is slightly larger. Hope that you found the tutorial useful.

[@Anna-oh7un]

My groomer recently cut my wheaten's eye lashes down very short :'( How long do you think it will take for them to grow back?? I miss his lashes!!

[@wheatengroom]

Anna, This is one aspect of a Wheaten care of which it is hard to give a definitive answer as growth varies so much. It could be anywhere between at least 3 months and perhaps as long as 6 months (or thereabouts) The important thing that you must do is to make sure that the lashes do not turn inwards towards the eye during growth and if this does happen, then use great care to snip it off. And then perhaps a word with the groomer would be beneficial, assuming that you go the same one the next time.

[@Anna-oh7un]

Malc Jeffries, thank you! Yes, I may try another groomer...we’ll see.

[@angellane3142]

I have been trying to search for the perfect future dog and I thought this one was it until I watched this video and realized I don't want to have to do this every time I give it a bath. They are so cute but I know I would dread bath and grooming time.

[@MrBuntudor]

Angel... A Wheaton is the perfect dog. I have a Wheaton Terrier and she does not have that stupid hair style, nor do we bully her into being a designer dog. Wheaton Terriers are silent, energetic, loving, giddy, sociable, loving, funny, characteristic, mental, playfull, intelligent (all of these attributes at YOUR disposal and leisure) and out right best friend you could possibly imagine and will NEVER hurt your feelings - ever. If you ever get to meet a Wheaton you will understand, Just don't cut their hair like that! Why would you? A Wheaton Terrier looks adorable with hair that grows naturally. I swear heart and soul a Wheaton will be the best dog you have ever had. They are hilarious, and human in ways you never thought possible. I love my Wheaton to bits, she as never ever raised her voice to anyone ever. Get a Wheaton Terrier and improve your life 10 fold. Fact. Just dont hurt their feelings, they will sulk and let you know about it! Awhhhhh Angel they are Gods gift to doggies. You must promise you will let your wheaton sleep o the bed otherwise there will be hell on!

[@wheatengroom]

Also Facebook groups Wheaten Health Matters, Wheaten Grooming Matters, Wheaten Training Matters and many more..

[@queenpl1723]

Looks like my dog

[@wheatengroom]

Also have a look at this video, a badly cared for Wheaten has its coat completely shaved off.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJCsg6GKZ8x4edU

[@Stand-g3i]

i will be getting a table, my wheaten protests too much

[@wheatengroom]

Hi Hester, I would advise to be careful with a table If your Wheaten wriggles and squirms when you are combing and grooming. If a dog jumps from a table he may land OK, but if you have grooming arm and the dog is in the neck noose when he jumps than there could be an awful result. Training a dog with kindness and fairness to stand while being groomed is the best way forward.