Wheeler was born near Bath in Somerset to John Alfred Wheeler (1821-1877), who retired early from the army to pursue a successful painting career. Wheeler is thought to have studied under his father and to have worked closely with him. He married Catherine Muspratt in 1874 and moved next door to his father at Raglan Villas, Bath. Wheeler then followed his father when he moved to Hanwell. Alfred and Catherine had six children, two of whom became artists: Walter Herbert and John Frederich. The Wheeler family specialized in sporting subjects such as horse racing and foxhunting. They were also commissioned frequently for animal portraits. Alfred Wheeler and his father are often confused due to their extremely similar styles and their signatures. Alfred’s work is thought to be less prolific, even though he contributed to many of his father’s paintings toward the end of the elder Wheeler’s life.