In the 19th century, Wheaten Terriers were famous all-purpose multi-taskers. They helped their farmer families with not only guarding the house and moving livestock but also by killing vermin and hunting small game.

Wheaten Terriers are born in a variety of colors, often dark brown, and they lighten to a wheat color by the time they reach adulthood.

Wheaten Terriers share ancestry with the Irish Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier.