Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Scottish Deerhound
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
Scottish Deerhound
Hound 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.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are more energetic than Scottish Deerhounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Scottish Deerhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Scottish Deerhounds.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Scottish Deerhounds 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 Scottish Deerhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 8-11 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg | 75-110 lbs 34-50 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Happy, Deeply Devoted | Gentle, Dignified, Polite |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is characterized by being gentle, dignified, polite, 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 Scottish Deerhound, 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
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
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.
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds 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, Scottish Deerhounds 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
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
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
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Scottish Deerhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.