French Bulldog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

French Bulldog

Size
16–28 lbs, 11–13 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Playful Adaptable Sociable Patient

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 French Bulldog

The French Bulldog — or "Frenchie" — descended from miniaturized English Bulldogs brought to France by lace workers during the Industrial Revolution, where they were crossed with local ratters and developed into the bat-eared companion we know today. Standing 11–13 inches tall and weighing under 28 pounds, these compact, muscular dogs have a smooth, short coat in brindle, fawn, white, cream, and various pied combinations. Their oversized bat ears, flat face, and stocky build give them an irresistibly comical appearance that has made them one of the most popular breeds worldwide.

Temperament & Personality

French Bulldogs are playful, alert, and adaptable — equally happy clowning around the living room or snoozing on their owner's lap for hours. They are affectionate without being clingy and generally get along well with children, other dogs, and strangers alike. Their easygoing nature and moderate energy level make them one of the most versatile companion breeds for urban dwellers.

Pros

  • Ideal apartment dogs — low exercise needs, rarely bark, and thrive in small spaces
  • Friendly, sociable temperament — gets along with virtually everyone
  • Minimal grooming requirements — short coat needs only occasional brushing
  • Playful and entertaining without the hyperactivity of many small breeds

Cons

  • Brachycephalic breed — prone to breathing difficulties, overheating, and exercise intolerance
  • Extremely expensive veterinary care — spinal issues, allergies, and eye problems are common
  • Cannot swim due to their top-heavy build — require constant supervision near water
  • Prone to flatulence, snoring, and skin fold infections that require regular cleaning

Fall in love with a charming Frenchie — explore French Bulldogs available 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.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a French Bulldog and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The French Bulldog is 16–28 lbs, 11–13 in sized while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized. They differ in size (16–28 lbs, 11–13 in vs 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, French Bulldog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
French Bulldog is generally good with kids. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, French Bulldog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The French Bulldog has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

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