When must grooming effort spike dramatically for a Wheaten Terrier?

During the transition period when their adult coat comes in, typically spanning from 7 to 24 months.

While daily brushing is always essential for a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier due to the single-layered, soft coat, there is a specific developmental window where coat maintenance becomes significantly more demanding. This period occurs between seven and twenty-four months of age, corresponding to the time when the dog is growing its mature adult coat. As the coat texture shifts and potentially becomes oilier during this phase, mats can develop extremely rapidly. Owners must dramatically increase their grooming efforts during this phase. A recommended strategy during this challenging stage involves introducing very short, frequent grooming sessions, such as two five-minute sessions daily, using standard brushing tools to help acclimate the dog to the rigorous handling required for a fully mature coat.