Leonberger vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Working · Giant vs Terrier · Medium

Quick take
  • Leonberger is the larger breed at 110–170 lbs (males) vs 35–40 lbs for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically lives longer (12–14 years).
  • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitLeonbergerSoft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Group
WorkingTerrier
Size
GiantMedium
Origin
GermanyIreland
Height (male)
28–31.5"18–19"
Height (female)
25.5–29.5"17–18"
Weight (male)
110–170 lbs35–40 lbs
Weight (female)
90–140 lbs30–35 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
7–10 years12–14 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very High (5/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
High (4/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
High (4/5)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
longlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoYes
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About the Leonberger

The Leonberger is a friendly, gentle, playful giant — bred to resemble a lion, with a famous black-masked golden mane. Originally from Germany, this giant working breed typically weighs 110–170 lbs and lives 7–10 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, gentle, playful.

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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Leonberger health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bone cancer
  • Bloat
  • Polyneuropathy

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

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