Soft Coated Woxer -- Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier X Boxer

		Soft Coated Woxer
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Ireland <> Germany -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Soft Coated Woxer

Friendly and affectionate, that's what comes to mind when you think of the Soft Coated Woxer. It's an intelligent, fun-loving dog that will make an excellent companion. He loves human interaction and can become anxious if left alone for too long. Gentle and cuddly, he seems to be an eternal puppy with lots of energy to burn and a hint of mischief hidden behind his soft dark eyes. These dogs need a moderate amount of exercise, but they don't need a big garden. They'll settle for a daily walk, then a game or two at home to pass the time. Soft Coated Woxers can be quite stubborn and need a master who is firm but fair. He needs a master he respects, otherwise he can become noisy and boisterous if not properly trained, and he can dig and chew up anything he can get his hands on. They are intelligent dogs that respond well to training, although they can have a tendency towards independence that makes them insensitive to commands or tone of voice. Since they are hybrids, their appearance can vary from one dog to another, the result of two parents of different breeds. In general, they have the build of a Boxer, but their coat is softer and longer than that of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Their gentle temperament, loyalty and affectionate nature make these big dogs a unique and very special companion.

History of the Soft Coated Woxer

Not much has been written about the development of the Soft Coated Woxer, so let's look at the history of the parent dogs to find out more about this unusual breed.

	A little of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
	The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland, where it was a versatile farm dog that guarded property against intruders, cleared it of vermin and helped the owner hunt. Although little is known about the dog's origins, it is assumed to share common ancestors with the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Irish Terrier. The docked tails of working dogs were a sign to the tax collector that they were exempt from dog tax. The first Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers arrived in America in November 1946. Seven arrived among the cargo of the freighter Norman J. Coleman, which docked in Boston after its long voyage from Belfast. Two of the puppies went home to Lydia Vogel of Springfield, Massachusetts. Vogel exhibited them the following year, and these two dogs produced 17 puppies. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1973. The first Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to be registered was Holmenocks Gramachree. Today, this charming breed is ranked 62nd out of 155 breeds in the AKC.

	Standard of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier


	A little of the Boxer
	The Boxer is a descendant of the former Bullenbeisser breeds, now extinct, which were crossed with the Mastiff, Bulldog, Great Dane and possibly the Terrier. They originated in Germany in the 19th century. Strong and muscular, they were used in the now-banned sport of bull-baiting, where strength and a low position on the ground helped the dog hold on to the bull. After this sport ceased, they were used as butcher's dogs. Some say the Boxer got its name from the way it plays, using its big paws to train like a human boxer. The Boxer didn't arrive in America until after the First World War. In the 1940s, they quickly became the most popular dog in America. They were one of the first dogs to be trained as police dogs, and later used as guide dogs. But today, they are devoted companions and watchdogs, with unquestionable loyalty and affection for their families and especially for the children whose safety they take so seriously. For many owners, they are the ultimate companion and trusted friend.

	Standard of the Boxer

Appearance of the Soft Coated Woxer

The Soft Coated Woxer often adopts the square shape of its Boxer parent, but this is often combined with the soft coat of the soft-coated Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier parent. The result is a solid, attractive dog with a soft, slightly curly coat. They tend to have the longer muzzle of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier rather than the slightly short, pushed-out face of the Boxer, which means they have fewer breathing problems. Its strong, muscular body and long legs give it a powerful body that is softened by its shaggy coat. Often, the legs are covered with soft, wavy fur that covers them all the way down to their rounded, well-padded feet. The paws, chest and perimeter of the face may be covered with feathers, giving them a teddy-bear appearance. The thick neck supports the rectangular head and relatively short muzzle. The nose is black and the eyes are almond-shaped and reddish-brown to darker brown. Ears can vary from alert and erect to soft and supple, depending on the genetic influence of the parents. The tail is often docked, but can be left natural and may also include a few feathers. Soft, silky and yet powerfully built, Soft Coated Woxers are pleasing to the eye and make excellent companions and watchdogs.

Temperament of the Soft Coated Woxer

Playful, mischievous, eternal pups it seems, but the Soft Coated Woxer has a serious side. They can be quite reserved when meeting new people and dogs, and can adopt a slightly aggressive attitude if nervous or insecure. But they're never vicious, far from it. On the contrary, this is a dog with a cheerful outlook on life, perhaps a little stubborn at times, but quite comical at others. Living with a Soft Coated Woxer is never boring. He can even have fun on his own, playing with his dog toys and chasing birds in the yard. But he'll never be far from you when you're at home. The Soft Coated Woxer is a popular dog, needing human interaction and living for you. Loyal and devoted, this dog is a true companion. And yet, like all companions, they can have their little idiosyncrasies. If he's bored, he may gnaw on anything he finds, or dig holes so that your yard looks like a lunar landing site, potholes in pieces. Keeping them entertained is one way to avoid this problem, and training and exercising their active minds is another. If you don't have time to devote to this dog, it's likely to develop behavioral problems. They need company, they live for you. So think twice before buying one of these adorable teddy bears. The Soft Coated Woxer is great with children and gets on well with other pets, provided they're raised together. However, he has Terrier origins, so the temptation to chase little furry creatures is very strong. Always keep him on a leash when walking, as he'll wander off if you don't restrain him. Solid, strong and comical, Soft Coated Woxers seem to have retained their puppy-like enthusiasm and engaging behavior, making them ideal family dogs.

Needs and activities of the Soft Coated Woxer

Although the Soft Coated Woxer loves to play and will follow you around the house all day, it will need to get out for a good walk to expend some of its energy. Walks are ideal for your dog to practice his socialization skills, which all dogs need to learn. Training is also beneficial for dogs, as it tests their intelligence and provides essential mental stimulation. With the Soft Coated Woxer, it's advisable to keep training fun, and to offer rewards and praise rather than harsh commands. Most dogs will switch off if training isn't fun or if brutal methods are used, so use praise and petting to get the performance you want from your dog. These lively dogs will love to play with a selection of dog toys, and can be quite comical to watch. With a Soft Coated Woxer in the family, life will never be dull. They're exuberant and simply love life. Adaptable to most climates and housing, they're perfect with a garden to explore, but also adapt to apartment living, provided they can take a walk or two a day.

Maintenance of the Soft Coated Woxer

Depending on your dog's inherited coat, maintenance can be low or high. If your Soft Coated Woxer has the coat of a soft-coated Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, it will need to be combed at least twice a day, as this beautiful coat has a price: your time. It can tangle easily, and brushing is not always recommended as it can make the coat fluffy. It's best to comb the coat for best results and to preserve its texture. This type of coat also requires monthly bathing with a natural dog soap, rinsing and careful combing. But the coat can be a combination of the short hairs of the Boxer and the longer hairs of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, which requires less maintenance. Ears and eyes are vulnerable areas. So make sure your dog has no wounds or infections in these areas. Like most dogs, they need their teeth brushed regularly to keep their breath fresh. There are products specially designed for dogs, which are better suited to their health. Depending on your dog's coat, it may need clipping every two months to keep it in shape. Finish the grooming by trimming the nails, if necessary, and your dog's day is over.