Brussels Griffon vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Brussels Griffon
Toy Group
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Brussels Griffon Overview
Brussels Griffons captivate with their distinctive bearded faces and expressive, human-like eyes. These compact, sturdy dogs possess a domed head, short nose, and proud carriage that gives them an almost comic self-importance. Their coat comes in smooth or rough varieties, featuring rich red, black, or black and tan coloring. Despite their small size, they carry themselves with remarkable dignity and confidence.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Overview
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers feature a distinctive silky, wheat-colored coat that flows gracefully as they move. Their square-proportioned body combines strength with agility, while their soft, wavy coat requires regular maintenance. These medium-sized terriers display a happy, alert expression through their dark eyes and well-proportioned head, embodying their friendly and devoted nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Brussels Griffons are less energetic than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Brussels Griffons require less grooming attention compared to Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Brussels Griffons tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
- Trainability: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Brussels Griffons typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Brussels Griffon and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-10 inches 18-25 cm | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm |
| Weight | 8-10 lbs 4-5 kg | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Curious | Friendly, Happy, Deeply Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Brussels Griffon | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Brussels Griffon Temperament
The Brussels Griffon is known for being loyal, alert, curious, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Temperament
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is characterized by being friendly, happy, deeply devoted, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Brussels Griffon and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 2/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 4/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Brussels Griffon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Brussels Griffons require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Brussels Griffons require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Brussels Griffon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Syringomyelia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Heart defects
- Hip dysplasia
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- PLN
- PLE
- RD
- Addison's
- IBD
Pros & Cons
Brussels Griffon
Pros
- Affectionate with family
- Good apartment dog
- Low exercise needs
- Intelligent
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Sensitive to harsh correction
- May be vocal
- Not ideal with young children
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Pros
- Minimal shedding coat
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different homes
- Friendly personality
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
- Health issues common
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Brussels Griffon and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.