Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Scottish Terrier
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
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the \\\"Scottie,\\\" is a small, sturdy breed recognized for its distinctive wiry coat, bushy eyebrows, and dignified demeanor. Known for their independence and spirited nature, Scotties are loyal companions with a rich history as tenacious hunters.
Medium
Medium
10-12 years yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Moderate | challenging |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Light |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Experienced |
| 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 Scottish Terrier. |
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)
Scottish Terrier Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 45-60 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Scottish Terrier Social Traits
Moderate
Selective
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
Scottish Terrier
- ** Positive reinforcement is the only viable path. Harsh corrections will cause a Scottie to shut down or retaliate.
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.
Scottish Terrier Considerations
Unlike the Golden Retriever or Labrador, the Scottie does not live to please you. They are famously independent thinkers. If you call a Scottie, they may consider the request, evaluate what’s in it for them, and then decide whether to comply. This is often misinterpreted as "stubbornness," but it is actually a feature of a breed designed to work alone underground without human direction.
Scotties are naturally suspicious of strangers and other dogs. They have a low tolerance for handling they deem disrespectful, which can include hugging, ear pulling, or sudden movements. This makes them a (under 8-10 years old). They are quick to correct perceived rudeness with a snap.
Many Scotties, particularly males, can be intolerant of other dogs of the same sex. This aggression often emerges at social maturity (18-24 months) and can escalate to serious fighting if not managed.
Their prey drive is not a game; it is a kill instinct. They cannot be trusted around small pets like hamsters, rabbits, or birds.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Medium | Moderate |
| 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.
Scottish Terrier: Scottish Terrier puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 43-48 cm | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Medium |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years | 10–12 years |
| Litter Size | 5-6 | 4-8 |
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Coat
Scottish Terrier Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | All-purpose farm dog: herding sheep, guarding homestead, hunting vermin (badgers, otters, rats) | Developed in the Scottish Highlands, the Scottie was bred to hunt badger, fox, and otter |
| Origin | Ireland, 200+ years ago | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Scottish Terrier Health Issues
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Suggested Tests
- PLN Variant Gene Test
- Annual urine test (urinalysis/UPC ratio)
- OFA hips/eyes
Scottish Terrier Suggested Tests
- Genetic Testing for vWD and CMO
- Annual or bi-annual ultrasound screening for bladder tumors starting at age 7-8
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Scottish Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
high maintenanceScottish Terrier
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Daily Life
Scottish Terrier Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | 25-50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $200–$350 | $80–$160 |
| Yearly Range | $2,400–$4,200 | $960–$1,920 |
| Food / Month | $50-75 | N/A |
| Insurance / Month | $50-80 | N/A |
| Grooming / Session | $100-150 | $60-120 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-800 | N/A |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifetime Cost
$30,000-55,000
Scottish Terrier Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Turn your dog into a brand deal.
Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier or Scottish Terrier, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.
No followers minimum · Free to join
Compare with Other Breeds
Compare Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier with:
Compare Scottish Terrier with:
Based on comprehensive breed research data.
View Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier profile·View Scottish Terrier profile