Aussie Wheaten
Hybrid Breed Description
The Aussie Wheaten is a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing an Aussie Wheaten. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd stands as a medium-sized herding dog with athletic proportions and substantial bone structure. Males typically reach heights between twenty and twenty-three inches at the shoulder, while females measure slightly smaller at eighteen to twenty-one inches. Their weight ranges from approximately forty to sixty-five pounds, with males generally heavier than females. The breed exhibits a well-balanced, square-to-slightly-rectangular body structure with a level topline, deep chest, and moderate tuck-up, creating an impression of agility combined with endurance. One of the breed's most distinctive features is its double coat, which consists of a weather-resistant outer layer of medium length that can be straight or slightly wavy, along with an undercoat that varies in density according to climate conditions. The coat is shorter and smoother on the face and front of the legs, while the backs of the legs display moderate feathering, and males typically develop a more pronounced mane around the neck. Australian Shepherds are renowned for their striking coat colors and patterns, including blue merle, red merle, solid black, and solid red, all of which may appear with or without white markings and tan points. Each dog's coat is considered unique, with no two individuals sharing identical patterns. Their heads feature a moderately rounded skull that is approximately equal in length and width to the muzzle, with a well-defined stop creating clean facial proportions. The breed's almond-shaped eyes are particularly expressive and can display remarkable color variation, including brown, blue, amber, hazel, green, or any combination thereof, often with flecks and marbling. Their triangular ears are set high on the skull and break forward or to the side when alert. Many Australian Shepherds are born with naturally bobbed tails, though some have full-length tails that are carried with a slight upward curve.
Key Characteristics
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent working dogs with exceptional problem-solving abilities and strong herding instincts that persist even in companion animals who have never encountered livestock. Their cognitive capabilities make them quick learners who excel in obedience training, agility competitions, and various canine sports, though this intelligence can become problematic if not properly channeled, as they may outsmart their owners or develop creative but undesirable behaviors when understimulated. These dogs require significant mental and physical exercise to remain content, with bored Australian Shepherds likely to become destructive through excessive barking, digging, or other attention-seeking behaviors. The breed demonstrates unwavering loyalty to their families and forms exceptionally strong bonds with their people, often earning the nickname of being devoted companions who thrive on human interaction. However, Australian Shepherds typically display reserved or cautious behavior toward strangers, a trait that reflects their guardian heritage and manifests as natural watchdog tendencies without excessive aggression. This wariness should not be confused with shyness or fear; rather, it represents a thoughtful, discerning approach to new people and situations. The breed's herding instinct can emerge as attempts to control the movement of children, other pets, or even vehicles, which requires proper training and management from an early age. Australian Shepherds possess high energy levels and require a purpose or job to feel fulfilled, making them best suited for active households that can provide daily physical activity and mental challenges. They respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training methods and are eager to please their owners, though their independent thinking occasionally manifests as stubbornness. The breed exhibits remarkable versatility, successfully working in roles ranging from traditional livestock herding to search and rescue, therapy work, and competitive dog sports, demonstrating their adaptability and willingness to work alongside humans in diverse capacities.
Australian Shepherds generally enjoy good health with an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, though the breed is predisposed to several hereditary conditions that responsible breeders screen for prior to breeding. Hip dysplasia ranks among the most common orthopedic concerns, occurring when the hip joint develops abnormally and can lead to arthritis and mobility issues as dogs age. Environmental factors including nutrition, exercise intensity, and maintaining appropriate body weight influence the development and progression of this condition. Elbow dysplasia also affects the breed, though it may be underrecognized as affected dogs sometimes show only intermittent lameness that owners might dismiss as minor injuries. Eye diseases represent significant health concerns for Australian Shepherds, with hereditary cataracts being particularly common and potentially progressing to complete lens opacity that severely impacts vision. Progressive retinal atrophy, another inherited eye condition, causes gradual vision loss that typically appears in mature adults, though affected dogs often adapt remarkably well to their changing vision. Collie eye anomaly and various forms of iris abnormalities also occur within the breed population. Multiple Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1) gene mutation affects approximately half of all Australian Shepherds, causing dangerous sensitivity to certain medications including some parasiticides, anesthetics, and chemotherapy drugs. Testing for this mutation is readily available and critically important for ensuring safe medical treatment. Autoimmune thyroiditis represents the most frequently reported autoimmune disease in Australian Shepherds and one of the most common conditions overall in the breed. Affected dogs may exhibit symptoms including weight gain, skin problems, lethargy, and heat-seeking behavior, though the condition is manageable with inexpensive daily medication. Epilepsy, though less common, can cause seizures of varying severity and typically requires lifelong management with anticonvulsant medications. The breed may also develop various cancers including lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma as they age. Regular veterinary examinations, appropriate health screening of breeding stock, and maintaining dogs at healthy weights through proper diet and exercise help maximize the breed's natural longevity and quality of life.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog exhibiting sturdy proportions and a well-balanced square structure that reflects the breed's working heritage. Males typically stand eighteen to nineteen inches at the shoulder and weigh thirty-five to forty pounds, while females measure slightly smaller at seventeen to eighteen inches in height and thirty to thirty-five pounds in weight. Despite reaching their full size by six to eight months of age, these terriers do not achieve complete physical and behavioral maturity until approximately thirty months old. Their compact, muscular build creates an impression of strength without heaviness, supported by straight legs with strong bone structure and a level back that contributes to their characteristically graceful movement. The breed's most distinctive feature is its luxurious single-layer coat, which differs markedly from typical terrier coats in both texture and appearance. The coat is soft, silky, and either loosely waved or gently curly, flowing naturally rather than standing away from the body. Two coat varieties exist: the Irish coat, which tends toward a silkier, more flowing texture, and the American coat, which presents as fuller and more abundant. The coat grows continuously like human hair and reaches its greatest profusion on the head and legs, where sufficient length creates balanced proportions with the body coat. This non-shedding quality makes the breed appealing to some allergy sufferers, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Wheaten Terriers derive their name from their distinctive coloring, which encompasses any shade reminiscent of ripening wheat, ranging from pale cream to rich golden tones. Puppies are born with darker coats displaying red, brown, mahogany, or white coloring with potentially black or dark brown muzzles and ears. The coat gradually lightens before maturing into the characteristic wheaten shade by approximately two to three years of age. Adult coats may contain scattered black, white, or darker guard hairs, and dark shading on the ears is considered typical. Their triangular heads feature a moderately long skull, well-defined stop, and square muzzle, complemented by large round eyes and V-shaped ears that fold at skull level.
Key Characteristics
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers possess an engaging blend of terrier spirit and working dog steadiness that distinguishes them from many terrier cousins known for excessive scrappiness. They demonstrate remarkable devotion and affection toward their families, forming strong bonds with all household members and displaying enthusiastic greetings that often include the breed's signature behavior of jumping and bouncing to express joy. This exuberant welcome, while endearing to many owners, requires consistent training to manage appropriately. Wheatens are highly people-oriented dogs who thrive on human companionship and do not tolerate prolonged isolation well, making them unsuitable for households where family members are frequently absent for extended periods. The breed exhibits notable intelligence combined with an independent terrier mindset that can manifest as stubbornness during training sessions. While eager to please their owners, Wheatens respond best to positive reinforcement techniques using treats and praise rather than harsh corrections, which they find particularly aversive. Early socialization is essential for developing well-rounded adults, as these dogs can become overprotective or develop excessive barking habits without proper exposure to various people, animals, and situations during puppyhood. Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs who readily announce visitors, though their friendly disposition toward most people prevents them from serving as effective guard dogs. Many Wheatens retain puppy-like exuberance and medium to high energy levels throughout their lives. Originating as versatile farm dogs, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers maintain strong prey drives and chasing instincts that make them unreliable off-leash in unfenced areas. They may pursue small animals, vehicles, or other moving objects with determination once engaged. Despite this hunting heritage, properly socialized Wheatens generally coexist well with other dogs and cats in the household, particularly when raised together from puppyhood. However, smaller pets such as rodents or birds should be kept separated due to the breed's historical role in controlling farm vermin. These adaptable dogs adjust well to various living situations including apartments, provided they receive adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation through interactive play, training sessions, or dog sports.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers generally enjoy good health with an average lifespan of twelve to fourteen years, though the breed faces predisposition to several serious hereditary conditions that prospective owners must understand. Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) and protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) represent the two most significant health concerns specific to this breed. PLN causes excessive protein loss through the kidneys, leading to potential kidney failure if left undetected, while PLE results in protein loss through the gastrointestinal tract due to inadequate absorption. Both conditions can prove fatal without early diagnosis and aggressive management through strict dietary modifications and pharmaceutical intervention. Research suggests these protein-wasting diseases occur more frequently in female Wheatens and often appear concurrently, with PLE sometimes following a PLN diagnosis. Renal dysplasia, a developmental abnormality affecting kidney structure and function, typically manifests in young Wheatens between one and thirty months of age. Affected dogs display symptoms including increased thirst and urination, poor growth, decreased appetite, and progressive kidney deterioration. While no cure exists, supportive treatment can extend both quality and length of life for affected individuals. Addison's disease, a hormonal disorder involving insufficient adrenal gland production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, affects a notable percentage of the breed. Initial symptoms often fluctuate and may be subtle, including lethargy, gastrointestinal upset, and weakness, though severe cases can progress to life-threatening Addisonian crises requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Inflammatory bowel disease and various allergies, including both food and environmental triggers, commonly affect Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and can cause chronic digestive disturbances or skin problems. The breed may develop several eye conditions including microphthalmia and other congenital malformations. As Wheatens age, cancer becomes increasingly prevalent, with various tumor types possible. Responsible breeders conduct health screening on breeding stock through blood and urine testing for kidney function abnormalities, genetic testing for known mutations, and regular ophthalmologic examinations. Owners should maintain vigilant monitoring through annual or semi-annual veterinary examinations and promptly address any changes in appetite, thirst, urination patterns, or energy levels.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Aussie Wheaten may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Australian Shepherd and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.