Jack Russell Terrier vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Terrier · Small vs Terrier · Medium

Quick take
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the larger breed at 35–40 lbs (males) vs 13–17 lbs for the Jack Russell Terrier.
  • The Jack Russell Terrier typically lives longer (13–18 years).
  • The Jack Russell Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sheds less.
  • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitJack Russell TerrierSoft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Group
TerrierTerrier
Size
SmallMedium
Origin
EnglandIreland
Height (male)
10–15"18–19"
Height (female)
10–15"17–18"
Weight (male)
13–17 lbs35–40 lbs
Weight (female)
13–17 lbs30–35 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
13–18 years12–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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About the Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a fearless, vocal, athletic small fox terrier — Eddie from Frasier, ten pounds of pure energy. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 13–17 lbs and lives 13–18 years. Breeders describe them as fearless, vocal, athletic.

About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a happy, steady, self-confident Irish farm dog with a wheat-colored silky coat — the friendliest terrier. Originally from Ireland, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 35–40 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as happy, steady, self-confident.

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Jack Russell Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye disorders
  • Deafness

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Renal dysplasia
  • Protein-losing diseases
  • Addison's disease