One of only three large terriers of Ireland ,the Soft Coated Wheaten terrier originated as an all around farm dog,perhaps serving in this function for hundreds of years. Besides the ever -essential terrier function of extinguishing vermin,it also helped round up stock and guard the homestead.It was later even trained to be known as a gundog.Its early history is largely undocumented however.It is mentioned as a progenitor of the Kerry Blue Terrier.The Wheaten was a comparitive late comer to the show scene.Only in 1937 was it granted breed status in Ireland. For many years,an Irish Championship required that a dog not only prove itself in the ring but also in the field over badger,rat and rabbit.The English Kennel Club recogonized the breed in 1943 ,and in 1946 the first Wheaten came to America.The breed did not instantly catch the public`s attention,but instead it took its time building a firm basis of support.In 1973 the AKC granted recognition.