What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

The Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized. They differ in size (55–80 lbs, 21–25 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, Labrador Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

The Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

Labrador Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier — Breed Comparison

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

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.

Labrador Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier