Harrier 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.
Harrier
Hound Group
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family companions.
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: Harriers are more energetic than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require less grooming attention compared to Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers 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 Harriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Harrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Friendly, Happy, Deeply Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is known for being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, making them excellent family dogs. 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Harrier 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
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Harriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- PLN
- PLE
- RD
- Addison's
- IBD
Pros & Cons
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
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 Harrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.