Before gaining specific recognition, what common names were used for the Wheaten Terrier across the Irish countryside?

"Irish Terrier" or "Couch Terrier".

Prior to the dedicated efforts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to formally distinguish the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier as a unique entity, the dogs were known by more general regional descriptors commonly used by the people who worked alongside them. Throughout the Irish countryside, where they were a common sight for centuries, these dogs were often identified simply by the broader classification of their type or location rather than their specific coat quality. The two most frequently used historical designations that preceded its specific recognition were the name "Irish Terrier," reflecting its origin, and the designation "Couch Terrier," likely referencing their close association with the farmstead or home environment.