Greyhound vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Greyhound

Size
60–70 lbs, 27–30 in
Lifespan
10–14 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Quiet Noble Independent

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 Greyhound

The Greyhound is one of the most ancient breeds — depicted in Egyptian tomb art dating back 5,000 years and prized by nobility throughout history for their unmatched speed and grace. Standing 27–30 inches tall and weighing 60–70 pounds, these aerodynamic athletes can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour, making them the fastest dog breed in the world. Their short, smooth coat comes in virtually every color and pattern, including black, white, fawn, red, blue, brindle, and various combinations.

Temperament & Personality

Greyhounds are gentle, quiet, and surprisingly lazy — the ultimate couch potatoes who happen to be world-class sprinters. They are sweet-natured and sensitive dogs that form deep bonds with their owners and are typically good with older children who respect their space. Many retired racing Greyhounds adapt beautifully to home life, though they may need time to learn household basics like stairs, glass doors, and slippery floors.

Pros

  • Remarkably calm and quiet indoors — content to sleep 18+ hours a day on the couch
  • Low-maintenance coat — virtually no grooming needs and minimal shedding
  • Gentle, non-aggressive temperament — rarely bark and never show hostility toward people
  • Many retired racers are available for adoption — giving these athletes a well-deserved second career

Cons

  • Strong prey drive — cannot be trusted off-leash and may chase small dogs, cats, and wildlife
  • Thin skin and minimal body fat make them susceptible to cuts, cold temperatures, and pressure sores
  • Sensitive to anesthesia and many common medications due to low body fat percentage
  • Prone to osteosarcoma, bloat, and dental disease — especially in retired racing dogs

Give a graceful Greyhound the retirement they deserve — browse adoptable Greyhounds 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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Greyhounds

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Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Greyhound and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Greyhound is 60–70 lbs, 27–30 in sized while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized. They differ in size (60–70 lbs, 27–30 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, Greyhound or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Greyhound is generally good with kids. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Greyhound or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Greyhound has a lifespan of 10–14 years while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

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