Pat Mullin | Lochlinear Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

Interview with Pat Mullin, Breeder of Lochlinear Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?
3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?
4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?
5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?
6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Pat Mullin

1. I am Pat Mullin and have been a preservation breeder of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers for over 25 years, under the prefix Lochlinear. I was fortunate to acquire a stunning bitch from the icon, Gay Sherman Dunlap, one of the original breeders of Wheatens in the US. This bitch, GCH Gleanngay Tilde Wink, is behind most of my Wheatens. Several of my Wheatens have been campaigned and have been ranked in the Top 5 in Breed and All-Breed standings. My goal is to breed to the Standard, with health and temperament equally important as success in the show ring.

I am an AKC (American Kennel Club) Judge and I am honored to be judging the 2025 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier National Specialty, which is held in conjunction with the Montgomery County Kennel Club All-Terrier Show in Pennsylvania.

2. As I prepare for this judging assignment, I have reflected on the hallmarks of the breed. A Wheaten should be an upstanding, square terrier with a soft, wavy, wheaten-colored coat, which flows when on the move. Temperament is key to breed type: alert, tail up, and will spar—not with the tenacity of other sparring terriers, but will, or should, pull themselves together and stand their ground. This is particularly evident in the males.

3. My breed is a much-loved family companion, good with children, family members, and strangers. If well socialized, Wheatens do well with other dogs too. As a result, there is demand for Wheaten puppies. In particular, for owners who have lost their Wheaten, no other breed will do.

Unfortunately, the breeders who started in the 1980s and ‘90s are now aging-out of the sport of dogs. This has resulted in a decline of Wheaten puppies available for companion homes and in the show ring. Yes, this change is somewhat regional, but it can be seen in areas across the country. For those of us breeding, there is a demand but now from a broader geographical area. There are many reasons that I continue to breed and show my Wheatens—my love for the breed and the availability of loving companion homes.

4. There have been significant advances in DNA testing of diseases in purebred dogs. I do all the testing available: eyes, OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification, DNA testing, and health testing. As a result, I am comfortable placing my puppies in companion and show homes.

5. I live in Northern California (the Sacramento and San Francisco area) where there are people who appreciate a purebred dog. I am thankful that the “designer dog” craze is not as predominate here as it is in other areas.

6. I am concerned about the dog fancy. Exhibitors, handlers, and judges are aging-out. There are many reasons, I am sure, that contribute to the decline in numbers of puppies and dogs showing, new breeders, and new exhibitors. I don’t know the answer, but I know the solution has many facets.

7. That said, the community of the dog fancy is outstanding. We share love for our dogs and are here to help each other in a time of need.