Maltese vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Maltese

Size
4–7 lbs, 7–9 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Playful Charming Devoted

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 Maltese

The Maltese is one of the most ancient toy breeds — pampered by royalty and aristocrats across the Mediterranean for at least 2,000 years, with origins possibly linked to the island of Malta, though their exact birthplace remains debated by historians. Standing 7–9 inches tall and weighing just 4–7 pounds, these delicate dogs are draped in a stunning floor-length coat of pure, silky white hair that flows like a mantle — completely lacking an undercoat, which gives the hair its signature straight, silky texture. Their dark, round eyes and black button nose set against the brilliant white coat create a face of undeniable charm.

Temperament & Personality

Maltese are lively, playful, and remarkably fearless for their tiny size — they carry themselves with an aristocratic confidence that has charmed dog lovers for millennia. They are deeply devoted to their owners and thrive on attention, often developing a charming repertoire of tricks and antics to keep the spotlight on themselves. While generally friendly, they can be suspicious of strangers and intolerant of rough handling, making them better suited to households with older children or adults.

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic coat — no undercoat means minimal shedding and reduced allergen production
  • Compact size and low exercise needs — thrives in apartments and small living spaces
  • Long lifespan of 12–15 years with many individuals living well beyond that
  • Playful and entertaining personality without the hyperactivity of many small breeds

Cons

  • Luxurious white coat requires daily brushing, frequent baths, and professional grooming to prevent tangles and staining
  • Prone to tear staining — reddish-brown streaks below the eyes require constant maintenance
  • Susceptible to dental disease, patellar luxation, and liver shunt — a congenital condition common in the breed
  • Can develop small dog syndrome with excessive barking and snappiness if overindulged and under-trained

A Maltese could bring centuries of royal companionship into your home — explore adoptable Maltese dogs 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 Maltese and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Maltese is 4–7 lbs, 7–9 in sized while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized. They differ in size (4–7 lbs, 7–9 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, Maltese or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Maltese is not typically good with kids. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Maltese or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Maltese has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

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