German ShepherdVSSoft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The German Shepherd is known for being courageous, intelligent, loyal, 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 German Shepherd's 4/5. Expect the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the German Shepherd is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier may be the better choice.

The German Shepherd is a large breed standing 55–65 cm (22–26 in) tall and weighing 22–40 kg (49–88 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 German Shepherd is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The German Shepherd has a medium coat available in black and tan, sable, all black, black and red, 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 German Shepherd has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

The German Shepherd requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 3/5, compared to the German Shepherd's 2/5. The German Shepherd generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the German Shepherd drops more fur with a shedding level of 5/5, 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 German Shepherd (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 German Shepherd and $400 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The German Shepherd has a lifespan of 9–13 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 German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat. 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 $600 for the German Shepherd and $450 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The German Shepherd is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, 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.

The German Shepherd ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), 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.

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 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the German Shepherd tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a German Shepherd ranges from $1,000–$3,000, while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically costs $800–$2,500. The German Shepherd has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,580 for the German Shepherd and $1,390 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The German Shepherd is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $65 for the German Shepherd 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.