Appearance of the Wheagle
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Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known and appreciated for their wavy, silky, cream or black coats. They have small to medium-sized ears that flop forward, a square body and long legs. Its eyes are brown and almond-shaped, and its tail is relatively straight, never curling over its back. Beagles also have a compact, square body and straight front legs. Their tails are slightly curved and often erect, especially when happy or hunting. They have compact, round legs and large brown eyes. Their ears are medium to large and hang from the side of their head. Their muzzle is medium-sized, straight and square, and their nose can be brown or black. Beagles have a smooth but relatively dense double coat that lets water through and keeps them warm. They can come in many different colors, including white and tan, tricolor, tick blue, white and brown, or any combination of these. The Wheagle's appearance varies according to the genetic variations of its parent breeds, but it can be said to have any combination of these characteristics. One thing's for sure, though: he'll have big, puppy-brown eyes. |
Temperament of the Wheagle
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A word commonly used to describe the Wheagle's two parent breeds is friendly. The Wheagle is undoubtedly a wonderful family pet. They are active, playful and young at heart. They love spending time with their owners, especially the younger ones. These dogs make excellent watchdogs, as they'll be sure to sound the alarm when someone comes to the door, but don't expect them to guard anything. They're lovers, not fighters, and they quickly make friends with everyone they meet, including other animals. They are energetic dogs, and plenty of exercise is essential. Otherwise, they risk becoming destructive, chewing things they shouldn't, digging holes or even trying to escape their yard in search of adventure. Beagles are intelligent and relatively easy to train, but they do best with reward-based training; they need to feel they're getting their money's worth, or they'll lose interest. Beagles are known to be very food-oriented, a trait that Wheagles can inherit. As a result, they can be very protective of their food dishes. Make sure you teach them to tolerate people handling their food dish when they're young to avoid any problems of this kind. Overall, these playful dogs are very affectionate and make excellent pets, especially for families with young children. They're so cute, they're almost impossible to resist. |
Needs and activities of the Wheagle
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Exercise is essential for these intelligent, active dogs. If they don't get enough exercise, they're likely to bark and be destructive. Plan to walk them for at least an hour every day, although longer is ideal for younger dogs. Because of their high intelligence, Wheagles need mental stimulation as well as exercise. This can take the form of training exercises or even tracking games, which Beagles love. This type of activity will keep your dog engaged and help him channel his energy. As a very people-oriented breed, your dog will be happy to snuggle up to you as long as he's getting exercise. Wheagles can adapt to any environment, but they can be noisy, which means they're not necessarily ideal for apartment living. However, plenty of exercise will reduce their tendency to bark. These hardy dogs thrive in all climates, but prefer cold weather. |
Maintenance of the Wheagle
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Fortunately, whether the Wheagle has inherited the silky, wavy coat of its soft-coated Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier parent, or the smooth double coat of the Beagle side of the family, grooming is low-maintenance. A weekly brushing removes matted or dead hairs. Wheagles tend to have sensitive skin, so should be bathed as needed. If he has inherited large ears from his Beagles parents, be sure to check them several times a month for any signs of irritation; air can get trapped in them and cause infections. Weekly teeth brushing is ideal to prevent tartar build-up, and monthly toenail trimming will keep their nails in good condition. |