Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

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

Yorkshire Terrier

Size
4–7 lbs, 7–8 in
Lifespan
11–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Confident Spirited Affectionate

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.

About the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture.

Temperament & Personality

Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world.

Pros

  • Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than fur
  • Tiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban living
  • Bold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activity
  • Long lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care

Cons

  • Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handling
  • Long coat demands daily brushing or regular professional grooming
  • Prone to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental disease
  • Can be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged

Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 30–40 lbs, 17–19 in sized while the Yorkshire Terrier is 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in sized. They differ in size (30–40 lbs, 17–19 in vs 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in), lifespan (12–14 years vs 11–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier or Yorkshire Terrier?
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is generally good with kids. Yorkshire Terrier is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier or Yorkshire Terrier?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a lifespan of 12–14 years while the Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years.

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