Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Cairn Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Terrier Group
Cairn Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Cairn Terrier Overview
Cairn Terriers are compact, well-muscled dogs with a shaggy, weather-resistant double coat. Their distinctive features include a broad head, pointed ears, and alert, dark-colored eyes that reflect their intelligent nature. Standing 10 inches at the shoulder, these sturdy terriers possess a bold, confident stance and move with agile determination.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are more energetic than Cairn Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Cairn Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Cairn Terriers.
- Trainability: Cairn Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Cairn Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cairn Terriers 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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Cairn Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm |
| Weight | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg | 13-14 lbs 6-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Happy, Deeply Devoted | Alert, Cheerful, Busy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Temperament
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is known for being friendly, happy, deeply devoted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Cairn Terrier Temperament
The Cairn Terrier is characterized by being alert, cheerful, busy, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Cairn 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
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 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, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Cairn Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cairn Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Cairn Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- PLN
- PLE
- RD
- Addison's
- IBD
Cairn Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
- Ocular Melanosis
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
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
Cairn Terrier
Pros
- Excellent vermin hunter
- Adaptable to various homes
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance grooming
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tends to bark
- Can be independent
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Cairn Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.