Saint Bernard vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Saint Bernard

Size
120–180 lbs, 26–30 in
Lifespan
8–10 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Patient Watchful Friendly

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 Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard originated in the Swiss Alps at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, where monks bred these massive dogs for over 1,000 years to locate and rescue travelers lost in snowstorms along the treacherous mountain pass. Males typically stand 28 to 30 inches tall and weigh 140 to 180 pounds, though individuals exceeding 200 pounds are not uncommon. Their coat comes in two varieties — short-haired (smooth) and long-haired (rough) — both in white with red, mahogany, brindle, or brown markings.

Temperament & Personality

Saint Bernards are gentle, patient, and extraordinarily tolerant — their legendary devotion to humans extends to being remarkably careful and nurturing around children despite their massive size. They are friendly with strangers, other dogs, and household pets, possessing a calm, unflappable demeanor that makes them wonderful therapy dogs. While not aggressive, their sheer size and deep bark are often enough to deter unwanted visitors.

Pros

  • Exceptionally gentle and patient — one of the best giant breeds for families with children
  • Calm, low-energy indoor demeanor despite enormous size
  • Friendly and non-aggressive toward people and other animals
  • Imposing presence provides natural deterrent without guard training

Cons

  • Legendary drooling — especially the loose-lipped, heavy-jowled individuals
  • Short lifespan of 8 to 10 years, with some living even less
  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, osteosarcoma, and dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Enormous food costs and substantial space requirements for comfortable living

Few breeds embody devotion quite like the Saint Bernard — find one in need of a loving 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Saint Bernard and a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Saint Bernard is 120–180 lbs, 26–30 in sized while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized. They differ in size (120–180 lbs, 26–30 in vs 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in), lifespan (8–10 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Saint Bernard or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Saint Bernard is generally good with kids. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Saint Bernard or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Saint Bernard has a lifespan of 8–10 years while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

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