Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Toy Fox 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
Toy Fox 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.
Toy Fox Terrier Overview
Toy Fox Terriers embody elegance and agility in a compact frame, featuring a distinctive V-shaped head, erect ears, and a sleek, muscular body. Their short, smooth coat comes primarily in tricolor or white with black and tan markings. Alert and spirited, these diminutive terriers combine the refined grace of a toy breed with the bold, fearless nature of their terrier heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are less energetic than Toy Fox Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Toy Fox Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Toy Fox 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: Toy Fox 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 Toy Fox Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Toy Fox 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 | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm |
| Weight | 30-40 lbs 14-18 kg | 3-7 lbs 2-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Happy, Deeply Devoted | Friendly, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | Toy Fox 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.
Toy Fox Terrier Temperament
The Toy Fox Terrier is characterized by being friendly, alert, intelligent, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Toy Fox 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
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Toy Fox 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.
Toy Fox Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Toy Fox 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 medium coat coat, Toy Fox 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
Toy Fox Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Heart Murmurs
- Lens Luxation
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
Toy Fox Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good for apartment living
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May be yappy
- Prone to dental issues
- Not ideal with very young children
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Toy Fox Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.