What were the initial, multifaceted roles expected of the Wheaten Terrier on the Irish farmstead?

Vermin hunting, watchdog duties, and livestock herding assistance.

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier was developed out of sheer necessity on the Irish farm, requiring a dog capable of performing numerous essential tasks to support the homestead. Its initial purpose was highly varied and utilitarian. One of its most critical roles was as an exceptional vermin hunter, actively dispatching rats and other pests that threatened food stores and supplies. Complementing this hunting instinct, they functioned as diligent watchdogs, providing alerts regarding the presence of strangers or intruders. Furthermore, historical accounts indicate that they were also employed to assist in the herding of livestock. This necessity for diverse capability mandated that the Wheaten possess an even temperament—courageous when necessary but steady enough to coexist safely with the family and the stock.