Hi. we are on the waiting list for a scwt (wheaten terrier). we have been to see three families with wheatens, but after reading some profiles, we are worried they are going to be too much for us to cope with. IS a puppy born with a personality eg- born very lively and bouncy, or can you train them to be a good obedient dog? we are also worried abou tthe amoubt of walks they need. we can give her 60 mins a day minimum pluss garden excersise. Can dogs adapt to the amount of walks you give them, or do they NEED a certain amount, if so how much? thankyou.

One would hope for a very lively and bouncy and also a well trained dog. But have to say if you feel you have made a mistake and will not be able to cope, then now is the time to say, not after you have the dog and then have to rehome.

Hi Guest
Wheatens are lively and bouncy. They can also be trained to be a good obedient dog, but are not, by any means, easy to train. Although they look lovely and fluffy you must not lose sight of the fact that they are terriers and have all the terrier instincts, ie to chase, bark be very stubborn etc. Very rarely do you find a wheaten with instant recall etc (though it can be done if you are exceptionally dedicated). Presumably, having visited three families with wheatens you have a good idea of their personalities. Don't assume, if all the wheatens you have seen were excitable and boistrous that yours will be any different.
The excerise you mention sounds enough, but if you dont have a large garden, you will need a place where your dog can have a good run once or twice a week. Also remember you will need at least a 4 foot fence - wheatens can jump too!
Speak again to the breeders whose list you are on, or to Judy Creswick if you are on the clubs list, and try to get your worries sorted out. Better to change your mind now than when you have a puppy and it has to be re-homed.

Posted again to say it is not so much the time you can take the dog out it is more the amount of time you can give to the dog for training etc. particulaly when it is young.

If you have any doubts about getting a scwt my advice would be don't go ahead.
I had last minute doubts but unfortunately I ignored them - we did love our wheaten but I have to say he was a REAL handful and caused us a lot of anguish.

There's no shame in admitting this may not be the breed for you.

Quite right Joyce. And also I would say to the original poster, that if the excersise worry is over the amount of time it takes to excersise, don't forget you have to multiply that time to include lots of training and grooming.