Aussiedoodle vs Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Aussiedoodle
Also known as: Aussiepoo, Aussie Poodle, Australian Shepherd Poodle Mix
The Aussiedoodle, also called Aussiepoo, brings together two of the smartest dog breeds—the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. This designer breed is known for its exceptional intelligence, boundless energy, and stunning coat that often features the merle patterns of the Aussie parent. Aussiedoodles excel in agility, obedience, and as active family companions who thrive on mental and physical stimulation.
Medium
High
10-14 yrs
35-58 cm
18-32 kg
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Also known as: Wheaten, Wheatie, Irish Wheaten, SCWT
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an exuberant, people-loving terrier with a distinctive silky wheaten coat. Known for their enthusiastic 'Wheaten Greetin' - jumping to greet you at face level - they require 60-90 minutes of daily exercise and significant grooming commitment. Originally bred as all-purpose farm dogs in Ireland, they are hypoallergenic, adaptable to apartment living, and bond intensely with their families.
Medium
High
12-14 yrs
43-48 cm
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | Moderate |
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Medium | Low |
| Chew strength | N/A | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who works from home or has flexible schedule. Experienced with high-energy breeds. Ready for significant grooming commitment. Enjoys training and dog sports. | Dedicated owner willing to pay for professional grooming and attend obedience classes. Active individual or family who can manage the exuberant greeting behavior. Tolerant of daily grooming and beard maintenance. |
Aussiedoodle Dealbreakers
- Sedentary lifestyle - if you want a couch dog after a 20-minute walk
- Long work hours - 8+ hours away from home daily
- Budget constraints - $100/month grooming is a hardship
- No yard or outdoor space
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Dealbreakers
- Want a dog that can be washed once a month and ignored
- Fastidious about a clean house (mud/debris in coat)
- Want an off-leash dog for unfenced areas
- Have small children or elderly relatives (jumping risk)
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | High | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | He's too hyper - energy underestimated, He nips the kids - herding instinct, Grooming costs overwhelming, Cute puppy → High energy adolescent → Backyard isolation → Barking → Surrender | Grooming neglect - owner couldn't handle the matting, Energy mismatch - bounce and jumping too much for families with small kids, Allergies - owner didn't realize hypoallergenic doesn't mean allergen-free |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | High | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Aussiedoodle Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly with dogs
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Social Traits
None
Generally good with other dogs, unlike many terriers. Unneutered males may have same-sex aggression issues at ~18 months.
Training
Aussiedoodle
- Use food motivation for rapid learning
- Keep sessions short and varied to maintain interest
- Channel herding instinct into controlled activities
- Start bite inhibition training early for nipping
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) and fun
- Use high-value treats - they are food motivated
- Four on the floor: no one pets unless feet are grounded
- Never use harsh correction - causes shutdown or defensive behavior
Aussiedoodle Considerations
Both parent breeds are 'Velcro' dogs selected for close human cooperation. Aussiedoodles often cannot tolerate isolation, leading to destructive chewing, self-mutilation, and incessant vocalization if left alone for standard workdays.
The Australian Shepherd's herding instinct manifests as nipping heels of running children, chasing bicycles, or attempting to control movement of other pets. Requires consistent training from puppyhood.
Without a 'job' (agility, advanced obedience, nosework), their intelligence turns inward, resulting in obsessive-compulsive behaviors like shadow chasing or flank sucking.
Unlike purebred Aussies, the coat grows continuously. Professional grooming is mandatory every 6-8 weeks at $100-150 per session. Matting can cause skin damage.
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Considerations
A genetic predisposition to launch themselves vertically at faces to say hello. This is hardwired, dopamine-fueled behavior that takes months of consistent training to manage and can be dangerous for small children or elderly relatives.
Despite their soft looks, they are vermin hunters by heritage. A Wheaten that is an angel in the living room may become deaf to commands the moment a squirrel, cat, or rabbit bolts. Off-leash reliability is exceptionally low.
Professional grooming ($100-150) every 4-6 weeks is non-negotiable unless you learn professional scissoring skills. Neglecting this leads to severe matting requiring a traumatic shave down.
During coat transition from puppy to adult, severe overnight matting occurs even with brushing. Many owners surrender dogs during this phase due to grooming inability.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | May harass by trying to herd them - can coexist if raised together | Only if raised together from puppyhood. Running cat will trigger chase response. Outdoor cats viewed as prey. |
| Small Mammals | Moderate risk - may harass guinea pigs/rabbits by poking/herding | Unsafe - rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs are viewed as prey |
| Birds / Reptiles | High risk - Poodle bird dog instinct + Aussie chase drive | Unsafe - terrier instinct causes fixation on cages |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested to Full |
| Biddability | High | Medium |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | 18 months |
Aussiedoodle: Eye -> Stalk -> Chase sequence from Aussie, Poodle adds retrieval mouthing. Generally safe with family but chase instinct is strong.
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Displays Eye → Stalk → Chase → Grab sequence. Kill bite less common than working terriers but chase drive fully intact. Will harass small animals relentlessly. Soft terrier - harsh correction causes shutdown.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Easy | Medium |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Aussiedoodle: Combines mouthiness with herding nipping and high intelligence. Will outsmart novice owners. Harder than a Cavalier (2/10) but easier than a Malinois (9/10).
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Combination of terrier stubbornness, potty training delays, and the dreaded coat change (7-24 months) makes first year challenging. Many owners surrender during grooming-intensive coat transition.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-24 | 12-36 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 3-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-4 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 35-58 cm | 43-48 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Medium |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years | 12–14 years |
| Litter Size | 6-8 | 5-6 |
Aussiedoodle Coat
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Designer companion combining intelligence and low-shedding coat | All-purpose farm dog: herding sheep, guarding homestead, hunting vermin (badgers, otters, rats) |
| Origin | North America, late 1990s/early 2000s | Ireland, 200+ years ago |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Medium | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.8m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Medium | High |
Health & Common Conditions
Aussiedoodle Health Issues
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Issues
Aussiedoodle Suggested Tests
- MDR1 DNA test (MANDATORY)
- Hip Evaluation
- Eye Examination
- Adrenal Function Tests
- Skin Biopsy (if skin issues)
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Suggested Tests
- PLN Variant Gene Test
- Annual urine test (urinalysis/UPC ratio)
- OFA hips/eyes
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Medium | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Medium | High |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Grains | High-fat diets (PLE risk), Novel proteins (may trigger IBD-like symptoms) |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Medium | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Rare |
Senior Care & Aging
Aussiedoodle Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Hip dysplasia progression
- Cognitive decline
- Vision loss (PRA)
Highly active brains can be prone to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Ramps may be needed for cars/beds.
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Kidney function decline (PLN risk increases)
- Arthritis
- Incontinence (older spayed females)
Geriatric Wheatens often maintain puppy-like demeanor longer than other breeds, but mobility issues and kidney function are primary concerns.
Grooming & Care
Aussiedoodle
high maintenanceIrish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Aussiedoodle Daily Life
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | 25-50lbs (Mini) / Over 50lbs (Standard) | 25-50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | High | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Medium | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,200-3,500+ | $1,500-3,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,200–$3,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $200–$300 | $200–$350 |
| Yearly Range | $2,400–$3,600 | $2,400–$4,200 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $50-75 |
| Insurance / Month | $50-90 | $50-80 |
| Grooming / Session | $100-150 | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-1,000 | $500-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Aussiedoodle Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifetime Cost
$30,000-55,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Aussiedoodle | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | None | None |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | High |
Aussiedoodle Quirks
The Aussie Lean
Will lean their entire body weight against you as a sign of affection
Goose-ing
May nip the butts or heels of guests as they leave the house (herding instinct)
Counter Surfing
Intelligence allows them to solve 'kitchen puzzles' to get food
The Stare
Inherited from Aussie parent - intense eye contact to get your attention
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Quirks
The Wheaten Greetin'
Signature enthusiastic welcome involving jumping, spinning, and kissing faces
The Wheaten Spin
When excited, they spin in circles
The Beard Sponge
The beard acts as a sponge - after drinking, they will drip water on your lap. After eating, food particles remain. Beard hygiene is a daily task.
Snowballs
In winter, snow clumps to leg hair forming heavy ice balls that can be painful
Frequently Asked Questions
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