soft-coated wheaten terrier, breed of medium-sized dog developed and perfected in Ireland. It stands from 17 to 19 in. (43.1-48.3 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 30 to 45 lb (13.6-20.4 kg). Its abundant, soft, medium-length coat is silky and slightly wavy and may be any shade of wheat in color. Related to the Kerry blue and Irish terrier, the soft-coated wheaten has been raised for many years in its native land as a farm dog and vermin destroyer. In recent times it has begun to be popular as a pet in the United States, where it is exhibited in the miscellaneous class at dog shows sanctioned by the American Kennel Club. See dog.