Irish Setter vs Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a friendly and energetic breed known for its striking red coat and graceful, athletic build. Renowned for their intelligence and gentle temperament, these dogs make excellent family companions and excel in various canine sports and activities.
Large
High
11-15 years yrs
N/A 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 | Irish Setter | 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 | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate |
| Barking Level | Medium | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Medium | Low |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Irish Setter. | 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. |
Irish Setter Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 90-120 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 | Irish Setter | 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 | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Irish Setter Social Traits
Low
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
Irish Setter
- ** Positive reinforcement is essential. They work for engagement and fun, not just duty.
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
Irish Setter Considerations
This is a "Velcro" breed in the truest sense. Irish Setters were bred to work in tandem with humans and possess a profound need for companionship. They do not tolerate isolation well. Left alone for standard workdays (8+ hours), they frequently develop destructive behaviors (chewing drywall, digging) and distress vocalization (howling/barking).
Irish Setters are notoriously slow to mature. While physically full-grown by 12-18 months, their mental maturity often lags until age 3 or 4. Owners must be prepared for a large, powerful dog that retains the impulse control and chaotic energy of a 4-month-old puppy for several years.
As a bird dog, their instinct to scan the horizon and chase is hardwired. They are generally not safe around birds, and their recall can vanish instantly if a visual trigger (squirrel, bird, leaf) activates their prey drive. This makes off-leash reliability in unfenced areas a significant challenge.
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 | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | 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 | Irish Setter | 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 | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Moderate | Medium |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Irish Setter: Irish Setter 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 | Irish Setter | 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 | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A cm | 43-48 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Medium |
| Lifespan | 11–15 years | 12–14 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 5-6 |
Irish Setter Coat
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | setting (crouching) game birds on the moors | All-purpose farm dog: herding sheep, guarding homestead, hunting vermin (badgers, otters, rats) |
| Origin | in Ireland in the 18th century | Ireland, 200+ years ago |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Irish Setter | 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
Irish Setter Health Issues
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Issues
Irish Setter Suggested Tests
- CLAD (DNA)
- PRA (rcd1 & rcd4 DNA)
- OFA/PennHIP clearances for hips and thyroid
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 | Irish Setter | 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 | Irish Setter | 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 | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Rare |
Senior Care & Aging
Irish Setter 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
Irish Setter
high maintenanceIrish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Irish Setter Daily Life
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | 25-50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | High | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Excellent |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Irish Setter | 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 | Irish Setter | 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 | Irish Setter | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $140–$220 | $200–$350 |
| Yearly Range | $1,680–$2,640 | $2,400–$4,200 |
| Food / Month | $80-120 | $50-75 |
| Insurance / Month | $60-100 | $50-80 |
| Grooming / Session | $70-100 | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-600 | $500-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Irish Setter Lifetime Cost
N/A
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifetime Cost
$30,000-55,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Irish Setter | 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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