Lhasa Apso 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.
Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lhasa Apso Overview
Lhasa Apsos feature a long, dense double coat flowing to the ground, with a distinctive beard and fall of hair over the eyes. Their compact, sturdy build belies their agile nature. Distinguished by an alert, lion-like expression and well-feathered tail carried over the back, these dogs combine regal bearing with a mischievous charm. Their confident yet reserved demeanor reflects their ancient heritage as Tibetan sentinels.
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: Lhasa Apsos are less energetic than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lhasa Apsos require less grooming attention compared to Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lhasa Apsos tend to be more reserved 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: Lhasa Apsos adapt better to apartment living, while Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lhasa Apso and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs 5-8 kg | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Comical | Friendly, Happy, Deeply Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lhasa Apso Temperament
The Lhasa Apso is known for being confident, smart, comical, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. 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 Lhasa Apso 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
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 2/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 4/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Lhasa Apso Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lhasa Apsos 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, Lhasa Apsos 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
Lhasa Apso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cherry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- PLN
- PLE
- RD
- Addison's
- IBD
Pros & Cons
Lhasa Apso
Pros
- Loyal and devoted
- Good apartment dog
- Long lifespan
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent watchdog
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
- Frequent barking
- Independent nature
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 Lhasa Apso and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.