Bull TerrierVSSoft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Bull Terrier is known for being playful, mischievous, exuberant, 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 Bull Terrier is a medium breed standing 53–56 cm (21–22 in) tall and weighing 22–32 kg (49–71 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 Bull 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 Bull Terrier has a short coat available in white, brindle, red, fawn, tricolor, 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 Bull 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.

When it comes to shedding, the Bull 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 Bull Terrier (1/5). The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Bull Terrier and $400 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bull Terrier has a lifespan of 11–14 years, while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier lives 12–14 years. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier generally has a longer lifespan.

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

Common health issues for the Bull Terrier include deafness, heart disease, kidney disease, patellar luxation. 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 Bull Terrier and $450 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

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.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the Bull Terrier's 3/5. This means the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Bull Terrier leans toward instinctive intelligence — naturally excelling at the tasks their breed was designed for, like guarding or herding. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

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.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 4/5 with children versus the Bull Terrier's 3/5. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's happy temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier tends to get along better with other dogs (3/5) than the Bull Terrier (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Bull Terrier tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Bull Terrier ranges from $1,200–$3,500, while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically costs $800–$2,500. The Bull Terrier has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,260 for the Bull Terrier and $1,390 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $55 for the Bull 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.