Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Wire Fox Terrier
Terrier · Medium vs Terrier · Small
Soft Coated Wheaten TerrierMedium
A happy, steady, self-confident Irish farm dog with a wheat-colored silky coat — the friendliest terrier.
Weight: 35–40 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Wire Fox TerrierSmall
A confident, alert, gregarious fox-bolter — high-spirited British show ring star with a wiry white coat.
Weight: 17–19 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the larger breed at 35–40 lbs (males) vs 17–19 lbs for the Wire Fox Terrier.
- • The Wire Fox Terrier typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Wire Fox Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Wire Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Terrier |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | Ireland | England |
Height (male) | 18–19" | 15" |
Height (female) | 17–18" | 15" |
Weight (male) | 35–40 lbs | 17–19 lbs |
Weight (female) | 30–35 lbs | 15–17 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–14 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
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. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | wirehaired |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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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.
About the Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier is a confident, alert, gregarious fox-bolter — high-spirited British show ring star with a wiry white coat. Originally from England, this small terrier breed typically weighs 17–19 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, gregarious.
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Renal dysplasia
- • Protein-losing diseases
- • Addison's disease
Wire Fox Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism