Border TerrierVSSoft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Border Terrier is known for being affectionate, happy, obedient, 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.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 5/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

The Border Terrier is a small breed standing 28–40 cm (11–16 in) tall and weighing 5–7 kg (11–15 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).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Border Terrier's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Border Terrier has a wiry coat available in red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, wheaten, 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 Border Terrier has high energy (4/5) with high exercise needs (4/5). The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

For apartment dwellers, the Border 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.

When it comes to shedding, the Border Terrier drops more fur with a shedding level of 2/5, while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier needs more upkeep (4/5) than the Border Terrier (3/5). The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the Border Terrier and $400 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Border Terrier has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier lives 12–14 years. The Border Terrier tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Border Terrier scores 4/5 compared to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's 3/5. The Border Terrier is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Border Terrier include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, heart defects, seizures. 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 $400 for the Border Terrier and $450 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Border 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 Border 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.

For families with children, the Border Terrier is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's 4/5. The Border Terrier's affectionate nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Border Terrier tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Border Terrier is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The initial purchase price for a Border Terrier ranges from $800–$1,800, while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically costs $800–$2,500. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $960 for the Border 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 $30 for the Border 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.