Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Silky 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
Silky Terrier
Toy 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.
Silky Terrier Overview
Silky Terriers possess a striking silky blue and tan coat that flows gracefully to the ground. Their refined appearance belies their tenacious terrier spirit, featuring a wedge-shaped head, almond eyes, and small V-shaped ears. Standing 9-10 inches tall, these compact dogs combine elegant looks with alert, spirited personalities, making them both beautiful companions and capable watchdogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are more energetic than Silky Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Silky Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Silky Terriers.
- Trainability: Silky Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Silky Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Silky 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 Silky Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg | 10-10 lbs 5-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Silky Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Happy, Deeply Devoted | Friendly, Quick, Keenly Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Silky 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.
Silky Terrier Temperament
The Silky Terrier is characterized by being friendly, quick, keenly alert, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Silky 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
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Silky Terrier
Rating: 4/5
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.
Silky Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Silky 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, Silky 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
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- PLN
- PLE
- RD
- Addison's
- IBD
Silky Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
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
Silky Terrier
Pros
- Low shedding coat
- Excellent watchdog
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Intelligent and trainable
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- May chase small animals
- Stubborn streak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Silky Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.