Breed History

The first record of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers being imported into the US was by Lydia Vogel who imported a breeding pair in November of 1947. Although she successfully showed her dogs in AKC shows under the Miscellaneous Class, there were not enough dogs or interest to receive AKC recognition.

Ten years later, the O'Connor family of Brooklyn, New York imported a dog from Maureen Holmes, one of the most influential Irish breeders of Soft Coated Wheatens. The O'Connors had become interested in the breed after falling in love with the “shaggy dog look” shown to them in a picture of one of the Vogel dogs. 

The O'Connors began showing their dog and became interested in achieving AKC recognition for the breed. They tracked down descendants of the Vogel pair and, with the help of Maureen Holmes, other Irish imports. On March 17 (1962), again a great day for any Irish dog, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was formed.

At the time there were thought to be less than 30 Wheatens in the country. A stud book registry was started in 1965 and by 1968 there were 250 registered Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. 

The first club matches were held in 1970 and 1971. The AKC admitted the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to the Terrier Group on March 13, 1973. Popularity has continued to grow and by the early '90s the breed became the seventh most popular terrier in America.

Hannah and Sephora with our yearling female Polly