Everything You Need to Know About the Aussie Wheaten Dog

The Aussie Wheaten dog, also called the Wheaten Terrier Australian Shepherd, is a cross between the Australian Shepherd dog and the Wheaten Terrier.

As a result, Aussie Wheatens are happy, easy-going, and very loyal dogs that are also very intelligent and protective, making them excellent watchdogs for families.

If you want a dog with a pleasant and playful personality, the Aussie Wheaten is it. In fact, in numerous ways this dog is the perfect family dog, and this article will give you the information you need to understand what makes them unique.

What Is the Aussie Wheaten Dog?

For a better look at the Aussie Wheaten, let’s first take a look at some of the traits of the two dogs that make up the breed. This is the perfect way to understand what makes this dog so wonderful.

1.  Australian Shepherd Dog

Originally bred to be a herding dog, the Australian Shepherd dog is now a very popular companion dog. It is a medium-sized athletic dog that is very adaptive, as well as playful, active, loyal, and protective.

It is a fairly healthy breed with only a few potential health problems, which are minor, and the lifespan is roughly 12 years. The Australian Shepherd dog is also great with kids.

2.  Wheaten Terrier Dog

The Wheaten Terrier dog was bred to be a good all-around farm dog. It is also called the soft-coated Wheaten Terrier. It is playful and loyal but also filled with energy.

Because of this, these terriers need owners with a lot of patience, time to devote to them and the ability to make sure they get enough exercise. The dogs usually live 10-12 years on average.

Now, let’s take a closer look at Aussie Wheatens and what makes them so great.

Physical Traits and Temperament

Aussie Wheatens tend to have soft double coats of medium length and can be one or more different colors, including taupe, red, black, or blue. They are usually between 17 inches and 23 inches in size and are very playful and friendly. They also tend to have a lot of energy, which means they need regular exercise in order to expend that energy. Otherwise, they can become destructive or aggressive.

Aussie Wheatens take traits from both parents, and this includes traits such as being affectionate, loyal, strong, protective, athletic, and very friendly and playful.

Because of their high energy levels, it’s best to train them while they’re still very young so that they get used to how they’re supposed to behave. It is simply much easier to train them and get good results when they’re still puppies.

While these dogs are very sociable, they tend to be a little hesitant around strangers. This is because they tend to be protective towards the families they live with, but if you socialize them at an early age, this can become less of a problem.

Bringing them around other animals and people frequently can help a lot, but keep in mind that these dogs are always protective of their pet parents.

What About Their Grooming Needs?

Just like any other breed, Aussie Wheatens need to be groomed regularly, in part because the silky and wavy coat they get from their Wheaten Terrier parent requires a lot of grooming.

It isn’t that you’ll be grooming them all the time, but they do need regular grooming of their coat, hair, and nails. Grooming is also necessary to prevent them from getting tick and parasite attacks.

Regular grooming is important, but it isn’t necessary to hire a professional dog groomer. Just check their coat and nails regularly to make sure they don’t get out of control.

Not only does it provide for better hygiene, but it also keeps the dogs healthier and therefore happier. They may have even gotten a double coat from their Australian Shepherd side, but this generally makes grooming easier.

What Is the Best Way to Train Aussie Wheatens?

As already mentioned, it’s necessary to train Aussie Wheatens while they’re puppies, and the best way to get started is to use positive reinforcement, which includes treats and praise.

Aussie Wheatens are very easy to train, in part because they are confident, very athletic, and have a lot of energy. In addition, they love to stay stimulated throughout the day.

Proper training keeps these dogs much calmer and healthier, and it should include potty training and socialization, but not to worry because for the most part, as long as you use the right training methods the dogs are simple to train.

Thanks to traits such as being energetic and willing to learn, you can train Aussie Wheatens much faster than you can other breeds of dogs.

Other Things You Need to Know About Aussie Wheatens

Like many other dog breeds, Aussie Wheatens are prone to certain health conditions, but they can be either short-term diseases or chronic ones. They can include one or more of the following:

• Cataracts
• Epilepsy
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Hip dysplasia
• Retinal dysplasia

Of course, if you’re like most pet parents, you’ll be taking your furry family member to the vet regularly for wellness visits, and this helps catch some of these issues early enough so that they are much easier – and less expensive – to take care of by your vet.

Regular vet visits will help make sure the issue is dealt with sooner rather than later, making it easier on both you and your pet.

As far as the cost of the dog goes, it varies quite a bit and is dependent on the breeder and even where you live, not to mention the dog itself.

Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,500 for your Aussie Wheaten, but it is crucial to make sure you buy the dog from a reputable breeder. Backyard breeders and puppy mills may sell you a dog that is prone to all types of medical problems.

Should You Get an Aussie Wheaten Breed?

Aussie Wheatens do make great family dogs, but keep in mind that they have tons of energy and therefore are not a smart dog to have for owners who aren’t willing to exercise with them once or twice a day and train them at an early age.

In other words, if you want a dog that is a little on the lazy side and lays around the house all day, this is not the dog for you.

Of course, if you are active yourself and don’t mind the exercise sessions and the training you’ll need to do while they’re still very young, you’ll be thrilled having an Aussie Wheaten in your home. These are certainly attractive, playful, and loving dogs that will steal the hearts of every member of your household.

Conclusion

The Aussie Wheaten breed of dog is a mix between a Wheaten Terrier and an Australian Shepherd dog. They are great family dogs because they are loyal, smart, and protective, but keep in mind that they are also very energetic and therefore need a lot of daily exercise. They should also be trained as puppies so they are more socialized and less hesitant around other dogs and people.

If you’re interested in one of these dogs, make sure you buy one from a reputable breeder so your experience with them is a pleasant one.