Scottish Deerhound 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.
Scottish Deerhound
Hound Group
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
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: Scottish Deerhounds are less energetic than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Scottish Deerhounds require less grooming attention compared to Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Scottish Deerhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Scottish Deerhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Scottish Deerhound and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm |
| Weight | 75-110 lbs 34-50 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 | Scottish Deerhound | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Polite | Friendly, Happy, Deeply Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is known for being gentle, dignified, polite, 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 Scottish Deerhound 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
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds 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, Scottish Deerhounds 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
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- PLN
- PLE
- RD
- Addison's
- IBD
Pros & Cons
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
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 Scottish Deerhound and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.