Maltese 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.
Maltese
Toy Group
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Maltese Overview
Maltese dogs captivate with their flowing white silk coats and elegant bearing. Standing 7-9 inches tall with a compact body, these graceful companions feature dark expressive eyes, a black button nose, and a gently rounded skull. Their distinctive coat falls straight to the ground, creating a regal appearance that belies their playful, affectionate nature. Gentle yet spirited, they combine aristocratic refinement with a charming, vivacious personality.
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: Malteses are less energetic than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Malteses require more grooming attention compared to Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Malteses 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: Malteses 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 Maltese and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Maltese | 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 | Maltese | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 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 | Maltese | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Charming | Friendly, Happy, Deeply Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Maltese | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Maltese Temperament
The Maltese is known for being gentle, playful, charming, 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 Maltese 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
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Maltese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Malteses 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, Malteses 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
Maltese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Hypoglycemia
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- PLN
- PLE
- RD
- Addison's
- IBD
Pros & Cons
Maltese
Pros
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent companion dog
- Good for apartments
- Adaptable to different lifestyles
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Prone to dental issues
- Delicate physical structure
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 Maltese and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.