Alaskan Malamute vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Alaskan Malamute

Size
75–100 lbs, 23–25 in
Lifespan
10–14 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
No
Affectionate Strong Playful Enduring

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Size
30–40 lbs, 17–19 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Happy Friendly Devoted Lively

About the Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds, developed by the Mahlemut Inuit people of northwestern Alaska for hauling heavy loads across vast frozen landscapes. These powerful dogs stand 23–25 inches tall and weigh 75–100 pounds, with a sturdy, well-muscled frame built for endurance rather than speed. Their dense double coat — featuring colors like gray-and-white, sable-and-white, and all-white — is designed to withstand temperatures well below zero.

Temperament & Personality

Malamutes are friendly, affectionate, and pack-oriented — they thrive on human companionship and genuinely love being part of the family. Unlike their Husky cousins, Malamutes tend to be more calm and dignified, though they retain a playful streak well into adulthood. They are generally good with children but possess a strong prey drive toward smaller animals, and their pack mentality can lead to dominance challenges with other dogs.

Pros

  • Affectionate and people-oriented — they adore spending time with their family
  • Excellent hiking and outdoor adventure companion with remarkable endurance
  • Friendly disposition toward humans, including strangers
  • Strong work ethic makes them excel in weight-pulling and carting activities

Cons

  • Extreme shedding — the dense undercoat blows out twice yearly, producing massive amounts of fur
  • Not suited for warm climates and can overheat easily
  • Notorious escape artists — they can dig under or climb over fences
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and hypothyroidism

Looking for a loyal adventure partner? Check out adoptable Alaskan Malamutes on Puplister and start your journey together.

About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland over 200 years ago as an all-purpose farm dog — herding livestock, guarding property, and dispatching vermin, earning it the nickname "the poor man's wolfhound." These medium-sized dogs stand 17 to 19 inches tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds, with a sturdy, compact build beneath their distinctive coat. Their single-layer, silky, wavy coat matures from a dark puppy color to its signature warm wheaten gold by about two years of age — and unlike most terriers, it is soft rather than wiry.

Temperament & Personality

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are exuberant, affectionate, and joyful — known for their characteristic "Wheaten greeting" where they enthusiastically jump up to lick faces, which can be endearing or problematic depending on the recipient. They are deeply devoted to their families, excellent with children, and more tolerant of other dogs than many terrier breeds. Their happy, bouncy energy remains well into adulthood, and they approach life with an infectious enthusiasm that brightens any household.

Pros

  • Single coat sheds minimally — more suitable for allergy-sensitive households
  • Friendly and exuberant — loves people and gets along with children and other dogs
  • Less aggressive and territorial than many other terrier breeds
  • Versatile and athletic — enjoys agility, hiking, and active family life

Cons

  • Coat requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent matting
  • Prone to protein-losing nephropathy and protein-losing enteropathy — serious breed-specific conditions
  • Jumping and exuberant greeting behavior can be difficult to manage
  • Can be stubborn during training and requires patient, consistent methods

The Wheaten Terrier's joyful spirit and soft golden coat are hard to resist — discover available Wheatens on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Alaskan Malamutes

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Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Alaskan Malamute and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Alaskan Malamute is 75–100 lbs, 23–25 in sized while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized. They differ in size (75–100 lbs, 23–25 in vs 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in), lifespan (10–14 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Alaskan Malamute or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Alaskan Malamute is generally good with kids. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Alaskan Malamute or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Alaskan Malamute has a lifespan of 10–14 years while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

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