Labrador RetrieverVSSoft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Labrador Retriever is known for being friendly, outgoing, active, 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 Labrador Retriever is a large breed standing 55–62 cm (22–24 in) tall and weighing 25–36 kg (55–79 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever has a short coat available in yellow, black, chocolate, 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever's 2/5. The Labrador Retriever generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Labrador Retriever drops more fur with a shedding level of 4/5, 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 Labrador Retriever (2/5). The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $150 for the Labrador Retriever and $400 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–13 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 Labrador Retriever include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, obesity. 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 Labrador Retriever and $450 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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.

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

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

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

The initial purchase price for a Labrador Retriever ranges from $800–$2,000, 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 $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever 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 $60 for the Labrador Retriever 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.