General Appearance and Size

Size
Soft Coated Wheatens are medium-sized, hardy, well-balanced terriers with a square outline. They are noted for their soft, silky coat of wheaten color which falls in gentle waves and their steady disposition. They should be happy, alert, well-conditioned animals that show moderation is structure and temperament. The male dogs average 17-19 inches at the withers and weigh in at 35-40 pounds, the females being slightly smaller than males, measuring 16-18 inches at the withers and weighing 30-35 pounds.

Coat 
The adult coat of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one characteristic which sets it apart from other breeds. It is a single coat that abundantly covers the entire body including the legs and head. On the head it falls forward to cover the eyes. The texture of the coat is soft and silky and on the mature dog will have a slight wave (the wave will be missing in puppies and adolescents). The correct color is any shade of wheaten except on the muzzle and ears where some blue-gray shading is allowed. Occasional guard hairs of red, white, or black may be seen.

Note the shine and wave
in Windy's coat

Appearance
When shown, the Wheaten is trimmed to show a terrier outline without exaggerated stylization. The head should be blended to give a rectangular look with the beard balancing the fall. Eyes should only be indicated, not exposed. The coat is thinned, not clipped or plucked, and should be long enough to flow when the dog is in motion. The motion should be free and graceful with good front reach and strong rear drive. Feet should turn neither in nor out and the tail should be carried erect. 

Why don't the puppies look more like the Adults?
Frequently, Wheaten Terrier puppies are born with dark colored coats that lighten with age.

There is more variation among puppies in Wheatens (even within a single litter) than is common for single colored breeds that breed true to type. Puppies can have Irish or American style coats (information coming) and can be light or dark in color. They can also have black tipping, black muzzles, or white blazes on their chests. The adult coat texture and color is achieved through gradual changes and should be set by the time the dog is two years old. Some adolescents will go through a stage where they are much lighter than adult dogs. The standard makes allowances for these coat changes.