Fox Terrier vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Fox Terrier

Size
15–19 lbs, 14–16 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
No
Alert Lively Fearless Quick

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 Fox Terrier

The Fox Terrier — available in Smooth and Wire varieties — was originally bred in 18th-century England to bolt foxes from their dens during hunts. Standing 14–15.5 inches tall and weighing 15–18 pounds, these compact, muscular terriers are predominantly white with black, tan, or black-and-tan markings. The Wire Fox Terrier sports a dense, wiry coat with a distinctive beard and eyebrows, while the Smooth variety has a sleek, flat coat — both share the same fearless, high-energy temperament.

Temperament & Personality

Fox Terriers are bold, curious, and endlessly entertaining — true terriers through and through with a mischievous streak that keeps their owners on their toes. They are alert, quick-witted dogs that approach life with infectious enthusiasm and a surprising amount of comedic timing. While affectionate with their families, they can be scrappy with other dogs and have an irrepressible urge to chase anything that moves.

Pros

  • Energetic and entertaining companions — never a dull moment with a Fox Terrier
  • Excellent watchdogs with a sharp, alert bark that deters intruders
  • Wire variety has a hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally when hand-stripped
  • Hardy, long-lived breed — typically 12–15 years with relatively few genetic health issues

Cons

  • Strong prey drive — will chase cats, squirrels, and small animals relentlessly
  • Tendency to bark excessively — can be problematic in apartments or close-neighbor situations
  • Can be dog-aggressive and confrontational, especially with same-sex dogs
  • Expert escape artists — will dig under or climb over fences with remarkable determination

If you love spirited, fearless dogs with boundless personality, find Fox Terriers for adoption 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Fox Terrier and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Fox Terrier is 15–19 lbs, 14–16 in sized while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized. They differ in size (15–19 lbs, 14–16 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, Fox Terrier or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Fox Terrier is generally good with kids. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Fox Terrier or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Fox 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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