Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Irish Wolfhound
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
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
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a giant breed known for its impressive size, gentle demeanor, and rich history as a hunting companion in Ireland. Renowned for their loyalty and calm temperament, these dogs are both majestic and affectionate, making them great family pets.
Extra Large
High
6-8 years yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Grooming | High | Medium |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate |
| Barking Level | Medium | Low |
| Shedding Level | Low | Medium |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Hard |
| Housing | Apartment | Acreage |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | 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. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Irish Wolfhound. |
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)
Irish Wolfhound Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | 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 | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | Low |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
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.
Irish Wolfhound Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly
Training
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 Wolfhound
- ** They are sensitive and shut down with harsh correction. Positive reinforcement is the only viable method.
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.
Irish Wolfhound Considerations
Despite their calm demeanor indoors, these are powerful hunters. Their prey drive is triggered by movement. A squirrel, cat, or small dog running across a field can trigger an explosive chase response that is nearly impossible to stop with verbal commands once engaged. They are generally with small running animals unless raised with them, and even then, instinct can override training.
Wolfhounds are deeply bonding "velcro" dogs. They do not thrive in isolation and can suffer severe separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. This can manifest in destructive chewing, which, given their jaw size, can destroy drywall, furniture, and doors in minutes.
Between 6 and 18 months, a Wolfhound is essentially a 100lb+ puppy with poor coordination and high energy. They can be mouthy and destructive. Their counter-surfing ability is unmatched; they can reach the back of kitchen counters without lifting their paws off the floor.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Only if raised together from puppyhood. Running cat will trigger chase response. Outdoor cats viewed as prey. | Caution - may chase |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs are viewed as prey | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - terrier instinct causes fixation on cages | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested to Full | Medium |
| Biddability | Medium | Low |
| 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Medium | Challenging |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
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.
Irish Wolfhound: Irish Wolfhound puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 12-36 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 3-8 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 43-48 cm | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years | 6–8 years |
| Litter Size | 5-6 | 4-8 |
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Coat
Irish Wolfhound Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | All-purpose farm dog: herding sheep, guarding homestead, hunting vermin (badgers, otters, rats) | The Irish Wolfhound is an ancient breed, originally used in Ireland to hunt wolves and the giant Iri |
| Origin | Ireland, 200+ years ago | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | High | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Issues
Irish Wolfhound Health Issues
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Suggested Tests
- PLN Variant Gene Test
- Annual urine test (urinalysis/UPC ratio)
- OFA hips/eyes
Irish Wolfhound Suggested Tests
- Prophylactic gastropexy
- Annual cardiologist screening (DCM)
- Bile acid test (PSS)
- Heart disease (echo)
- Eye clearances
- Hip/Elbow clearances
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | High | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | High | Low |
| Food Allergies | High-fat diets (PLE risk), Novel proteins (may trigger IBD-like symptoms) |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
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.
Irish Wolfhound Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
high maintenanceIrish Wolfhound
medium maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Daily Life
Irish Wolfhound Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | 25-50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500-3,000 | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,500–$3,000 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $200–$350 | $250–$550 |
| Yearly Range | $2,400–$4,200 | $3,000–$6,600 |
| Food / Month | $50-75 | $150-300 |
| Insurance / Month | $50-80 | $100-250 |
| Grooming / Session | $100-150 | N/A |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-800 | $50-80 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifetime Cost
$30,000-55,000
Irish Wolfhound Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | None | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Occasional |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | High | Low |
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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