Dog lovers from all corners of the world can’t help but wonder how much a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs given that they are quite sought after.
But aside from the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy price, it’s also important to learn about the recurring expenses of owning this pooch.
For a comprehensive guide on how to determine the budget you need for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, continue scrolling. By the end of this article, you’ll be financially prepared to be this dog’s new fur parent!
The Average Cost of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Puppy
The price of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 when bought from a reputable breeder. If you want a show-quality puppy, you will need to shell out $3,500 to $6,500. The final price tag is affected by several factors, including lineage, coat color, and the breeder’s reputation.
The average price of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is comparable to other medium-sized terrier breeds. They are around the same price as a Miniature Schnauzer but cheaper than a West Highland White Terrier.
For its price, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the best choice, especially for allergy sufferers. Since their soft and silky coats come in a single layer, they don’t shed excessively.
There’s a long list of reasons why a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of the most favored house pets nowadays.
Perhaps, the video of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier below can enlighten and convince you to adopt one as well:
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Puppy
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are in the average price range compared to most dog breeds. However, they can get pretty expensive depending on several factors discussed in this section.
Breeding any dog requires certain expenses that breeders consider when pricing their puppies. These may be health-related costs, registration papers, training, and guarantees, among other things.
When it comes to buying Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, you should be aware of the following factors that go into their final price:
- Dog’s Bloodline: A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s bloodline is one of the major factors that affect its price. If the puppy is bred from two champion dogs, you can expect them to be more expensive. If you want a cheaper pup, you should purchase a pet-quality dog instead of a show-quality one.
- Breeder’s Reputation: Buying a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier from a reputable breeder is more costly than getting one from a backyard breeder or puppy mill. The breeder’s years of experience and membership in various kennel clubs are considered when setting their puppies’ price.
- Age: Some breeders offer adult or retired dogs at a lower price than puppies. This is also a practical way to avoid the costly expenses of raising a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. However, you won’t be able to witness your dog transition from puppyhood to adulthood.
- Coat Color and Markings: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers come in any shade of wheaten color, ranging from pale beige to shimmering gold. Those with gray-blue shading in their eyes and muzzles and red and white hairs hiding in their coat are usually priced higher.
- Health Guarantees: Any responsible breeder provides a health guarantee for congenital disabilities and diseases that a puppy may develop after purchase. The cost of this guarantee is also added to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s price.
- Registration Papers: Breeders may also incorporate the cost of limited kennel club registration. They may offer registration to one or even all of the major clubs in the United States. Two of the most popular ones are the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).
- Training and Socialization: When you buy a puppy from a reputable breeder, you can ensure that the pup you get is pre-spoiled and already house-trained. Most puppies also come potty-trained. The cost of early training is also added to the puppy price.
When searching for a breeder, you should consider one that offers high-quality puppies at a reasonable cost. You wouldn’t want to spend too much on a puppy that you can get for a lower price.
Aside from the factors mentioned, you should also acknowledge the additional shipping costs, especially if the puppy will be transported from a different state.
In such cases, you should try to find a local breeder to avoid such expenses.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier From a Rescue?
To save thousands of dollars, you can adopt a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier from a shelter or rescue for a $150 to $600 adoption fee.
This fee already includes standard puppy vaccinations, spaying and neutering costs, and any medical treatment needed by the dog.
However, you should know beforehand that adopting a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier means dealing with meticulous applications and long waiting times. There’s also a chance that you might not even get approved at all.
Luckily, you won’t have to deal with any rescue rejection. With our ultimate dog adoption guide, you can increase your chances of bringing a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier home!
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Initial Cost of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Ownership
If you’re an experienced dog owner, you probably know that the puppy price barely covers the overall expenses of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier or any breed for that matter.
Let’s start with the costs that come right after you purchase your precious pup. Often, their basic requirements include food, a cute collar, a strong leash, and a comfy bed.
For a complete list of your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s initial expenses, refer to the list below:
- Food and Treats: Before anything else, you should ensure that your puppy has enough initial supply of high-quality dog food and treats. You should opt for brands recommended by your vet. A large bag of dog food and treats may cost around $80 to $100.
- Food and Water Bowls: Owners should purchase long-lasting feeding bowls appropriate for their puppy’s age. This will ensure that your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy gets the exact amount of food serving each meal. Two-in-one food and water bowls typically cost around $10 to $30.
- Bed: After a long day of activity, your pup will need a comfortable place to rest. A soft, comfy bed can ensure that they get enough sleep for another day of adventure. Medium-sized dog beds are priced around $40 to $180.
- Crate: You should also not forget to purchase a crate for your dog. Crate training is essential to promote independence and give them a sense of security when you are away. Crates can be bought for around $50 to $370.
- Leashes and Collars: To take your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier on fun walks at the dog park, you need to invest in a high-quality leash and collar. As a high-energy breed, you need to ensure that their collars remain intact from all the playing they do all day. These items are typically priced between $15 and $50.
- Toys: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are fun-seeking dogs. If you can’t take them out to play, you can keep them occupied with toys. These also promote jaw and teeth development for puppies. You can buy different varieties of toys at your local pet store for around $30 to $40.
- Grooming Essentials: To effectively manage your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s thick coat, you need to have the necessary tools. A grooming bundle consisting of a hairbrush, de-shedding tool, nail trimmer, and dog shampoo can cost around $40 to $160.
- Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies are prone to internal parasites such as hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and external parasites like fleas and ticks. That’s why it’s crucial to routinely deworm them and give flea and tick medication as suggested by a licensed vet. The cost for these may reach $50 to $200.
- Initial Vet Visits: To monitor their overall health, you should take your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy to regular vet consultations. Your vet will suggest some dog food brands and supplements to boost your puppy’s immune system. Depending on your vet’s rates and reputation, you may need to shell out $100 to $300 for their services.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: A Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier needs to have three sets of core vaccinations until it turns a year old. These consist of vaccine shots for rabies, distemper, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and parvovirus (DHPP). Since most breeders already cover the first set of vaccinations, you only need to pay for the succeeding ones, which amount to around $75 to $200.
- Neutering or Spaying: Most breeders have a neuter/spay agreement with future Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners. This means that when the puppy reaches a certain age, the owners need to submit proof that they have neutered or spayed their dogs. The surgery costs between $50 to $500.
- Dog License: For the safety of your puppy, you should also invest in a dog license. By signing up your dog in a registry, you will get a dog license number and a dog tag containing all contact information. A small fee, usually amounting to $10 to $20, must be paid upon registration.
- Microchip: Another essential puppy investment is microchipping your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The microchip implanted in your dog has all the important information needed in case your dog gets lost. A vet usually charges around $40 to $60 for the procedure.
- Miscellaneous Supplies: Aside from the basic puppy items mentioned, you need to spend on other stuff such as urine cleaners and poop scoopers. These tools will help you clean up after your dog’s urine and fecal matter, especially when they do it in unexpected places. These miscellaneous supplies typically amount to $15 to $30.
The initial items needed by your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are summarized in the table below, along with their corresponding price range:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $80 – $100 |
Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $30 |
Bed | $40 – $180 |
Crate | $50 – $370 |
Leashes and Collars | $15 – $50 |
Toys | $30 – $40 |
Grooming Essentials | $40 – $160 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $50 – $200 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $300 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $75 – $200 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Microchip | $40 – $60 |
Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
Total Initial Cost | $605 – $2,240 |
The estimated total initial cost of owning a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be quite burdensome for others.
If you want to be more practical with your purchases, you should search for discounts at nearby pet stores in your area and consider buying supplies in bulk.
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Annual Cost of Owning a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The yearly expenses of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owner are usually the costliest. As your dog ages, you should ensure that they get what they need in terms of health.
With that being said, medical expenses will take up most of your dog’s annual budget. Vet visits, vaccinations, deworming costs, and other medications shouldn’t be missed.
For a quick summary of the yearly costs of owning a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, refer to the table below:
Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
Food and Treats | $480 – $960 |
Toys | $25 – $125 |
Beds and Crates | $120 – $420 |
Leashes and Collars | $25 – $35 |
Grooming | $150 – $350 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $150 – $250 |
Routine Veterinary Care | $200 – $400 |
Pet Insurance | $500 – $900 |
Vaccinations | $80 – $250 |
Miscellaneous Supplies | $30 – $50 |
Yearly Total | $1,760 – $3,740 |
Average Monthly Cost | $147 – $312 |
Apart from the essential dog items that you may need to restock and replace, you also need to pay for grooming tools.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s coat needs to be managed well. Grooming essentials usually cost between $150 and $350 per year for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Routine trips to the vet are also required to secure your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s health.
Aging dogs become more susceptible to certain diseases so it’s best to consult with a licensed veterinarian for advice on prevention and proper treatment. Yearly vet costs can amount to $200 to $400.
Another expense you should include in your annual budget is pet insurance. This should keep your dog’s medical expenses to a minimum.
Yearly fees range between $500 and $900 depending on the coverage and the insurance company.
It can be a bit disheartening to know the annual expenses of being a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owner. However, if the services are for the well-being of your dog, there should be no hesitation in spending this amount.
Other Potential Expenses
Now that you’re acquainted with the initial, monthly, and yearly expenses of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, it’s time to prepare your bank account for unexpected costs.
These involve services that you may need to avail yourself of in certain situations and emergencies.
The list below shows some of the potential expenses that come with raising a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier pup:
- Dog Daycare: When you need to run errands or be away for a couple of days, you can leave your dog in the hands of a doggy daycare center. These facilities also offer pet boarding services which can run you around $25 to $40 a day.
- Dog Walking Services: Moderately active dogs like the Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. If you don’t have the time to take your dog for a walk, you can hire a pet walker for around $15 to $30.
- Kennel Club Registration: There are many benefits to registering your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to a kennel club. Aside from joining various dog shows, they can have a well-documented record of their pedigree. Registration fees range from $40 to $100.
- Grooming Services: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s abundant, silky coat is what makes them stand out among other terriers. Occasionally, you can take your pet to a grooming salon for some coat trimming. These places typically charge around $55 to $75.
- Medical Treatment: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are prone to several diseases as they age. Some of these health issues include protein-losing nephropathy and enteropathy, Addison’s disease, and renal dysplasia. Treatment for such conditions ranges between $1,500 and $5,000.
Given that you keep your dog in good shape, you won’t need to spend thousands of dollars on vet bills. However, it still pays to have an emergency fund for accidents and injuries.
It is also optional to get the other services if you can find someone to walk and look after your dog for free. You can also choose to groom your dog at home.
Places to Find Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies are not difficult to find. They are well-known terrier breeds, after all. However, you should still watch out for online puppy sellers that claim to have purebred dogs at a lower price.
The best way to have a healthy Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy is by buying from reputable breeders such as the ones below:
- Inishmore – This hobby breeder produces Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier from champion bloodlines. Their small breeding program aims for proper conformation, good health, and stable temperaments. All of their dogs are AKC-registered.
- Whindancer Wheatens – This breeder has been producing and showing Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers since 1995. As an AKC Breeder of Merit and member of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America (SCWTCA), you can ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices. All of their sires and dams are health tested annually.
- Moonstruck – This Florida-based breeder has been committed to protecting and preserving the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breed since 1975. All of their puppies are sold with contracts. Their pet quality pups are neutered to ensure the quality of the breed.
If adoption is a better option for you, you can check out the following rescues for available Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers:
- National Wheaten Rescue – This rescue provides rehabilitation and placement of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers in loving homes. They also give counseling services to owners dealing with their Wheaten’s behavioral issues. All of their rescued dogs are placed under foster care before adoption.
- S’Wheat Rescues & Adoptions – This is another organization that cares for abandoned, neglected, and abused Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers in puppy mills. Before applying, interested adopters are required to read their sample Adoption Contract. You should also note that they don’t ship or provide any means of transportation for their rescued dogs.
- Wheatens In Need Rescue (WIN) – This rescue is a safe haven for homeless Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers found in the United States and Canada. All of their dogs are evaluated by a resident veterinarian and treated for any injuries or minor health issues. They are also spayed or neutered and evaluated for temperament before being put up for adoption on their website.
To set you up for a lifetime of fun and adventure with your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, you should follow our ultimate dog adoption guide for some helpful tips on how to get instantly approved by a rescue.
READ NEXT: 13 Ways to Find Free Puppies in Your Area for Adoption (2023)
Money-Saving Tips for Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Owners
A puppy price and expenses guide wouldn’t be complete without some tips on how to provide the best quality of life for your pup without breaking your bank account. In this way, you can be less worrisome financially.
Without further ado, here are some of the budget-friendly tips for Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners:
- Prepare homemade dog food and treats. Commercial dog treats are both expensive and unhealthy for your dog. You can check out online recipes to make doggy treats from cheap ingredients. This can also prevent them from gaining too much weight.
- Only buy high-quality products. While it may seem counterintuitive, purchasing high-quality products for your dog actually costs less in the long run. Because they last longer, you won’t have to repurchase them too often. Meanwhile, cheaper items need to be replaced more frequently.
- Prioritize your dog’s health. To avoid costly vet consultations and treatment, you should put your dog’s health at the top of your priority list. This means providing them with the right quality and amount of food and constantly monitoring their weight. Buying from a reputable breeder is also the best way to obtain a pup free of health issues.
- Groom your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier at home. By watching grooming tutorials online, you can save a lot of money from expensive professional grooming services. You can buy grooming tools from your local pet store during discount season.
You can also follow Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier owners online for other practical fur parent tips. However, be careful not to cheap out your pet.
Final Thoughts
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the perfect pet for those looking for a devoted and affectionate dog with sharp instincts. Aside from enjoying cuddles and kisses, this breed makes a brilliant watchdog.
However, getting a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy is no cheap and easy venture. It comes with a great deal of budgeting and responsibility. Whether you choose a pet quality or show quality puppy, you must meet their everyday needs.
If you are financially capable of raising a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, I assure you that you wouldn’t regret it!