The SCWT Database for Researchers & Veterinarians

The SCWT Health & Pedigree Database assists researchers by providing a large, searchable, and voluntarily updated repository of health, pedigree, and DNA information specific to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Our Database was established to house information about pure bred Wheaten Terriers in relation to phenotype and genotype.

The Endowment’s mission is to improve the health and longevity of the breed. In the 1980s, breeders recognized heath issues in the breed, particularly kidney disease. Long before it was popular, our breeders began a mission to collect DNA on affected dogs, to create a mandatory Open Registry of affected dogs, and to vow as stated in the SCWTCA Code of Ethics to be open and honest in all matters regarding our dogs. Then-President Pam Donohue stated, “There is no shame in producing a sick dog, only with hiding it.” In its final publication there were over 1,300 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers on the Open Registry, a testament to breeders’ and owners’ love for the breed and their determination to find an answer for PLN.

With the discontinuation of the Open Registry due to Dr. Littman’s retirement, the Database stepped in as a place where breeders and owners could report the health and temperament of their dogs, allowing fellow breeders to make informed breeding decisions.

All of our 14 studies with participants are in the Database and are searchable in DNA Research under the Reports tab. Each dog that participates in a study receives a shamrock on its Database page – some dogs receiving as many as 4 shamrocks identifying the dedication their owners and breeders have for the betterment of the breed.

The Database is available to researchers and veterinarians. If a researcher or veterinarian would like a user id to see more detailed information, they can request it at comments@scwtdb.org. As of March 2026 we have:

  • Extensive data collection: It includes comprehensive information for nearly 109,000 Wheaten Terriers, including health certifications, pedigrees, causes of death, and photos.
  • DNA: Beginning in the early 1990s, in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, there are thousands of tissue samples stored at the University, as well as a freezer dedicated to Wheaten Terriers. Samples also exist at North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Focus on genetic diseases: It enables researchers to search the health records of dogs with testing for serious hereditary diseases, such as PLE, PLN, Addisons disease, microphthalmia, degenerative myelopathy, paroxysmal dyskinesia,  cancer, hip/elbow dysplasia, and other orthopedic problems.
  • Open access for science: Data is accessible, allowing researchers to track health trends, study specific families of dogs, and improve the understanding of genetic diseases, which can also benefit other dog breeds and humans.
  • Validated data: Data is not just crowd-sourced, but reviewed by trained operators to ensure accuracy for research purposes.
  • Support for specific studies: The Endowment provides data and access to samples for approved projects, collaborating with researchers at institutions such as NIH, the University of Missouri, UPenn, NCSU, TAMU, and Michigan State University, just to name just a few.