Plott Hound vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Plott Hound

Size
40–60 lbs, 20–25 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Loyal Athletic Determined

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 Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is the official state dog of North Carolina, descended from Hanoverian Schweisshunds brought to the Appalachian Mountains by German immigrant Johannes Plott in 1750. These athletic, muscular hounds stand 20 to 25 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds, built for endurance and tenacity on the trail. Their short to medium-length, glossy coat is most commonly brindle — ranging from yellow to chocolate to black brindle — though solid colors also occur.

Temperament & Personality

Plott Hounds are courageous, loyal, and determined — originally bred to track and tree bears, they possess a tenacious drive that can be both impressive and challenging. With their families, they are affectionate, eager to please, and surprisingly gentle, often forming deep bonds with their primary caretaker. They generally do well with children and other dogs, especially when raised together, though their strong prey drive means caution around cats and small animals.

Pros

  • Exceptional stamina and athleticism for hiking and outdoor adventures
  • Loyal and protective without being overly aggressive toward people
  • Low-maintenance coat that requires only occasional brushing
  • Healthier than many purebreds with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years

Cons

  • Loud, baying voice that carries long distances — not suited for noise-sensitive neighborhoods
  • Strong prey drive makes reliable off-leash recall very difficult
  • Can be stubborn and single-minded when tracking a scent
  • Requires substantial daily exercise — at least 60 minutes of vigorous activity

The Plott Hound is a hidden gem among sporting breeds — discover one looking for a forever home 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 Plott Hound and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Plott Hound is 40–60 lbs, 20–25 in sized while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized. They differ in size (40–60 lbs, 20–25 in vs 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in), lifespan (12–14 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Plott Hound or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Plott Hound is generally good with kids. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Plott Hound or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Plott Hound has a lifespan of 12–14 years while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

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