Palacio Wheatens is owned and founded by breeder-handler Katherine Roldan, whose journey with dogs began in 2011. Katherine entered the canine world as a young groomer at PetSmart, where she discovered her passion for coat care, structure, and canine behavior. As she continued her grooming education, she encountered the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier—an experience that would define her future. Their joyful temperament, expressive faces, and beautiful coats immediately captured her heart.

 In 2020, Katherine stepped into the world of AKC conformation, showing and finishing her dogs in the AKC ring. With mentorship and hands-on experience, she developed a deep respect for correct structure, movement, and coat—solidifying her commitment to becoming a dedicated preservation breeder focused on protecting the breed’s integrity.

 Katherine is a proud member of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America (SCWTCA) and is listed on the national club’s approved breeder referral list. Palacio Wheatens strictly follows all SCWTCA-recommended health testing and breeding practices, ensuring that each pairing supports long-term genetic health, stable temperament, and overall breed preservation.

 At Palacio Wheatens, every litter is raised with purpose and intention. Puppies are brought up using the Puppy Culture program, supporting neurological development, early enrichment, confidence building, and structured socialization. Katherine strongly believes that the earliest weeks of life shape a puppy’s entire future, and this philosophy guides every aspect of her program.

 While conformation is at the core of Palacio Wheatens, the program also embraces the breed’s natural versatility. Families are encouraged to explore activities Wheatens excel in—agility, rally, obedience, barn hunt, scent work, therapy work, and junior handling—celebrating a well-rounded, confident dog both in and out of the ring.

 Today, Katherine is dedicated to producing healthy, sound, and well-tempered Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers who embody the breed’s heritage, structure, and joyful spirit. Each breeding is thoughtfully planned, every puppy is raised with exceptional care, and every family receives lifelong guidance and support. Palacio Wheatens is not just a breeding program—it is a commitment to the future, preservation, and well-being of this remarkable breed.

​