Border Terrier vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Border Terrier

Size
12–16 lbs, 12–15 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Affectionate Happy Plucky Adaptable

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 Border Terrier

The Border Terrier hails from the border country between England and Scotland, where it was bred to bolt foxes from their dens while keeping pace with mounted hunters and their hounds. One of the smaller terrier breeds, it stands 12–15 inches tall and weighs 11.5–15.5 pounds, with a compact, narrow body designed to squeeze into fox burrows. Their distinctive otter-shaped head and wiry, weather-resistant double coat — which comes in red, grizzle-and-tan, blue-and-tan, or wheaten — give them a charmingly scruffy appearance.

Temperament & Personality

Border Terriers are affectionate, plucky, and adaptable — they have all the tenacity of a terrier but with a softer, more biddable temperament that makes them excellent family companions. They are good with children and generally get along better with other dogs than many terrier breeds. However, their strong prey drive means they cannot be trusted around small animals like hamsters, rabbits, or guinea pigs.

Pros

  • Adaptable to both country and city living — they adjust well to apartments with adequate exercise
  • More trainable and less confrontational than many terrier breeds
  • Low-shedding wiry coat that requires only periodic hand-stripping
  • Robust and healthy with a long lifespan of 12–15 years

Cons

  • Strong prey drive — they will chase squirrels, cats, and small animals relentlessly
  • Can be expert diggers and escape artists if left in a yard unsupervised
  • Hand-stripping the coat is time-consuming, and clipping changes the coat texture permanently
  • Prone to canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (Spike's disease) and heart defects

These scrappy, lovable terriers make wonderful companions — discover adoptable Border Terriers on Puplister.

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Border Terrier and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Border Terrier is 12–16 lbs, 12–15 in sized while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized. They differ in size (12–16 lbs, 12–15 in vs 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in), lifespan (12–15 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Border Terrier or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Border Terrier is generally good with kids. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Border Terrier or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Border Terrier has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

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