Bedlington TerrierVSSoft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is known for being gentle, spirited, charming, while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is typically described as happy, friendly, devoted. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the Bedlington Terrier's 4/5. Expect the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Bedlington Terrier is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Bedlington Terrier may be the better choice.

The Bedlington Terrier is a medium breed standing 38–44 cm (15–17 in) tall and weighing 8–10 kg (18–22 lbs). In comparison, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium breed at 43–49 cm (17–19 in) and 14–20 kg (31–44 lbs).

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Bedlington Terrier has a curly coat available in blue, liver, sandy, blue and tan, liver and tan, while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier sports a long coat in wheaten. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Bedlington Terrier has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Bedlington Terrier is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the Bedlington Terrier is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 4/5, compared to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's 3/5. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (1/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 4/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $350 for the Bedlington Terrier and $400 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bedlington Terrier has a lifespan of 11–16 years, while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier lives 12–14 years. The Bedlington Terrier tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Bedlington Terrier include copper toxicosis, patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia, renal cortical hypoplasia. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is prone to protein-losing nephropathy, protein-losing enteropathy, Addison's disease, renal dysplasia. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Bedlington Terrier and $450 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Bedlington Terrier is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

The initial purchase price for a Bedlington Terrier ranges from $1,500–$2,500, while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically costs $800–$2,500. The Bedlington Terrier has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,270 for the Bedlington Terrier and $1,390 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Bedlington Terrier and $45 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.