French Bulldog vs Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small, muscular breed known for its distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate, playful nature. Originating from France, these dogs make excellent companions, thriving in both city and country environments due to their adaptable and sociable temperament.
Medium
Low
10-12 years yrs
Not specified cm
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 | French Bulldog | 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 | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Energy Level | Low | High |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | Moderate |
| Barking Level | Low | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Medium | Low |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a French Bulldog. | 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. |
French Bulldog Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 30-45 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
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 | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | 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 | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Low | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
French Bulldog Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
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
French Bulldog
- ** Positive reinforcement only (treats/praise). They are sensitive and will become sullen if scolded.
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
French Bulldog Considerations
Frenchies are "Velcro dogs" in the truest sense. They score extremely low on independence. Leaving them alone for standard workdays (8 hours) often results in the "Frenchie Death Scream"—a harrowing vocalization that sounds like a human child in distress—along with destructive chewing and house soiling. They are ill-suited for single owners who work away from home without a budget for daily daycare.
This breed is notoriously difficult to house train. Their stubborn streak, combined with a small bladder and an aversion to rain/cold, means accidents can persist well into adulthood. They do not respond to harsh correction; they will simply shut down.
Despite their goofy appearance, they carry terrier blood (from their ratter ancestors). They can be dangerous around small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes cats if not raised with them.
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 | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Generally safe with proper introduction | Only if raised together from puppyhood. Running cat will trigger chase response. Outdoor cats viewed as prey. |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Unsafe - rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs are viewed as prey |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Unsafe - terrier instinct causes fixation on cages |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Arrested to Full |
| Biddability | Low | Medium |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | 18 months |
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 | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Moderate | Medium |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
French Bulldog: French Bulldog puppies require consistent training and patience.
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 | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 12-36 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 3-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Not specified cm | 43-48 cm |
| Weight | N/A | N/A |
| Size Category | Medium | Medium |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years years | 12-14 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 5-6 |
French Bulldog Coat
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | The French Bulldog originated in the 1800s as a toy version of the English Bulldog, bred by lace mak | All-purpose farm dog: herding sheep, guarding homestead, hunting vermin (badgers, otters, rats) |
| Origin | in the 1800s as a toy version of the English Bulldog | Ireland, 200+ years ago |
Breeding Details
| Detail | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | High |
Health & Common Conditions
French Bulldog Health Issues
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Issues
French Bulldog Suggested Tests
- OFA certifications for Hips
- OFA certifications for Patellas
- OFA certifications for Eyes
- OFA certifications for Cardiac health
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 | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | High |
| Food Allergies | High-fat diets (PLE risk), Novel proteins (may trigger IBD-like symptoms) |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Rare |
Senior Care & Aging
French Bulldog Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
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
French Bulldog
high maintenanceIrish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
French Bulldog Daily Life
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | 25-50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Low | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | $1,500-3,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $150–$300 | $200–$350 |
| Yearly Range | $1,800–$3,600 | $2,400–$4,200 |
| Food / Month | N/A | $50-75 |
| Insurance / Month | $100-200 | $50-80 |
| Grooming / Session | N/A | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | N/A | $500-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
French Bulldog Lifetime Cost
N/A
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifetime Cost
$30,000-55,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | French Bulldog | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Low | None |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | High |
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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