My wife and I were looking for a dog to join our family. We were looking for specific characteristics in our chosen breed. We needed a dog that could be comfortable around multiple generations. We were looking for a mild mannered, friendly, outgoing breed.
After researching, we focused on the Wheaten breed. They not only met our requirements but they thrive on social interactions. The fact that they do not shed was a plus. We got our first male dog in 1997. We loved the breed so much we got our female next in 1998.
Family and friends started asking for us to have a litter so they could get a Wheaten for their family. We had our first litter in 1998, and Walker's Wheatens was founded.
Fast forward to today, we have 7 Wheatens. Two breeding males, 3 breeding females, and 2 females that are pets, all that live with us. Both of our sons also have a breeding female. This is not back-yard breeding and we stick to our breeding ethos.
What sets our dogs apart? years of experience, clear and healthy lines, and a commitment to transparency.
We have been raising Wheatens for more than 25 years. When we first started pursuing breeding, we ran into issues finding a reputable breeder. We don't want anyone to have to endure living with a pet with health issues and strive to provide the healthiest puppies from a transparent and legitimate breeder.
A dog's health isn't solely a product of genetics, but of diet, environment, and lifestyle. By performing DNA testing, we are ensuring that all of our dogs are clear of any genetic defects and are set up to have the healthiest life possible.
We stand behind the health of our puppies with a comprehensive 1 Year Health Guarantee. Our commitment to your puppy's well-being doesn't end when they go home with you.
At Walker's Wheatens, transparency isn't just a promise—it's our foundation. We've been where you are, searching for a reputable breeder, and we're committed to being the breeder we wished we had found years ago. Every question you have, every concern you raise, and every visit you request helps us ensure you're making the best decision for your family.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond breeding - it's about creating lifelong companions through love, care, and selective breeding practices.
We love our Wheatens. They are part of our family. As with any family member, their health and happiness are top priorities. Our dogs visit the vet regularly for checkups, worming, flea and tick medications.
We are selective with the dogs we choose for breeding. We strive to breed quality healthy dogs. We limit the females to one litter a year to increase the health of our pets and ensure proper care.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an exuberant Irish farm dog with a rich 200-year history. These medium-sized terriers (30-40 lbs) are known for their distinctive silky, wheaten-colored coats that don't shed, making them excellent for families with allergies. Originally bred as all-purpose working dogs, they combine the hardiness of a terrier with a friendly, outgoing personality - truly "an iron fist in a velvet glove."
Bouncy, cheerful, and enthusiastic with a friendly personality. Wheatens are confident, steady, and fearless - perfect family companions with their famous "Wheaten Greetin'."
Their silky, soft coat is low-shedding and hypoallergenic, but requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent matting and maintain its beautiful wheaten color.
High-energy dogs with medium to high exercise needs. They retain their puppy-like enthusiasm throughout life and excel in dog sports, hiking, and family activities.
Intelligent and people-oriented, but with a typical terrier stubborn streak. Early socialization and consistent, positive training methods work best for this sensitive breed.
Generally healthy breed with 12-15 year lifespan. Responsible breeding includes screening for genetic conditions like PLN, PLE, Addison's disease, and hip dysplasia.
Medium-sized Irish farm dogs (30-40 lbs, 17-19 inches) with square, sturdy builds. Originally all-purpose working dogs, first recognized by Irish Kennel Club in 1937.
A heartwarming collection of our precious puppies who have found their forever families. Each one represents the love, care, and dedication we put into our breeding program.
Every puppy that leaves our home carries with them our love and the promise of becoming a cherished family member. These photos capture precious moments before they embarked on their new adventures.
From their first weeks of life to their going-home day, we document every milestone. These images represent the joy, playfulness, and unique personalities that make each Wheaten special.
Our beloved Wheaten family includes active breeding dogs and cherished retirees. Each dog is carefully selected for health, temperament, and breed standards. Our dogs carry names from a galaxy far, far away, reflecting the Walker family's love for epic adventures and legendary companions.
As responsible breeders, we prioritize the health and well-being of our dogs through comprehensive health testing and regular veterinary care.
Our dogs visit the vet regularly for checkups, worming, flea and tick medications, and routine health maintenance. Prevention is key to maintaining optimal health.
All breeding dogs receive appropriate health clearances including hip and elbow evaluations, eye clearances, and genetic testing for hereditary conditions common to the breed.
We limit females to one litter per year to ensure their health and well-being. Quality over quantity is our approach to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies.
Comprehensive health records are maintained for all our dogs, and puppy families receive detailed health information and ongoing support from our veterinary team.
Not all breeders are created equal. Here's how to identify ethical breeding practices and avoid potential red flags when searching for your perfect companion.
At Walker's Wheatens, transparency isn't just a promise—it's our foundation. We've been where you are, searching for a reputable breeder, and we're committed to being the breeder we wished we had found years ago. Every question you have, every concern you raise, and every visit you request helps us ensure you're making the best decision for your family.
This is not an all-exhaustive list, but the items below are the common genetic defects in Wheatens. All of our breeding dogs are tested to ensure they are not able to pass genetic issues to our puppies.
Type: Brain and Spinal Cord (Neurologic) | Gene: SOD1(A) | Inheritance: Recessive
The dog equivalent of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, DM is a progressive degenerative disorder of the spinal cord. Because the nerves that control the hind limbs are the first to degenerate, the most common clinical signs are back muscle wasting and gait abnormalities.
Type: Neuromuscular | Gene: PIGN | Inheritance: Recessive
Paroxysmal Dyskinesia is a neurologic condition that causes dogs to have episodes where their movement is very abnormal, especially in their hind legs. This disease is easily confused with a seizure disorder. It is suspected to be a malfunction in the basal nuclei, which control movement in the brain.
Type: Kidney and Bladder (Urinary) | Gene: NPHS1 | Inheritance: Complex
Protein Losing Nephropathy causes inappropriate loss of protein in the urine. Certain parts of the kidney act as a sieve where ions, small molecules like urea, and water are filtered out of the blood into the urine. In PLN, the sieve is compromised and protein moves in the urine. This leads to muscle wasting, abnormal fluid accumulation in the skin and limbs, and kidney failure.
This NPHS1 mutation was first described in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Airedale Terriers with PLN. This mutation always accompanied a mutation in the nearby KIRREL2 gene. Both genes code for proteins that determine the size of the molecules that can pass into the urinary space.
For a full list of items covered in our DNA tests, check out the Test Kits on Embark's website.
1081 Mise Rd.
Yanceyville, NC 27379