Wire Fox Terrier vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier - Breed Comparison

Wire Fox Terrier vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier are originated from United Kingdom. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Wire Fox Terrier. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than Wire Fox Terrier. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier has almost same life span. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Wire Fox Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
undefined
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
Height Female:
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
2 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Wheaten, Wheatie
None
Colors Available:
tan, gingerish, Fawn, wheaten
black and tan, White
Coat:
Soft, silky, wavy to curly
Medium length, wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

soft coated wheaten terrierThis wheaten colored terrier hails from Ireland. Although the Wheaten has been around for a long time, it was in 1937 that he was recognized as a breed in Ireland.

The British Kennel Club also recognized the Wheaten and the dog was also exported to the United States. Serious interest started being shown for the Terrier in the 1970s. It was in 1973 that they were recognised by the American Kennel Club.

wire fox terrierThe wire fox terrier was developed in England by fox hunting enthusiasts. They wanted a feisty dog that could chase foxes down their burrows.

It is thought that the dog descended from the rough-coated black and tan working terriers of Wales.

The dog wasn’t popular as a pet until the 1930s when its appearance in certain films gave it a popularity-boost.

Description

soft coated wheaten terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wheaten is a medium sized dog standing at between 43 and 50cm and weighing between 13 and 20kg both male and female. The coat of the dog is soft, silky and wavy to even curly and is a wheaten to ginger color.

The coat of the puppy is dark but as he grows up it changes into the wheaten color although the ears may be a dark brown color. Pet owners like that the Wheaten is a very low shedding dog.

Temperament:

Playful, social and friendly, the Wheaten has always been put to good use on the farm. These days he is pet and companion. He is energetic and playful so children love having him around.

He is slightly more hyper and energetic than other Terrier breeds so will require a good dose of exercise.

He is smart and strong willed, and training and socialization turns him into an amicable pet to have around, so much so that he is sought after as a therapy-dog.

They’re easy-going dogs with no aggression issues but they still make great watch dogs and want to do whatever it takes to look after- and protect their human family.

wire fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wire Fox Terrier is a sturdy, medium-sized dog that weighs between 7 and 9kg and stands between 35 and 39cm at the withers.

The dog’s double coat is essentially white with brown or tan markings and can be medium length and wiry, tending to be curly too.

He is a light shedder. The face is long, without much shape and eyes appear to be fairly close together. The ears are fairly small and they fold forward toward the cheeks. The tail is docked and is held high.

Temperament:

This really is an intelligent dog and can’t tolerate being bored. It’s essentially a companion dog too and doesn't want to be separated from his owners for too long.

As a companion dog he is going to want a lot of attention. They’re independent and strong-willed and will benefit from training and socialization.

They are great around children but they do need to be supervised as they are inclined to nip, especially when highly excited. They also bark quite a bit and the owner might have to do something to stop this yapping, especially when the dog is bored.

Characteristics

soft coated wheaten terrier dog - characteristicsThe Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has always made an excellent farm dog, but today he is more suited as pet and companion.

He adapts easily to life in the city or the countryside. Wherever he is, he will need his exercise. He also longs to be an active part of his human family, and then he’s happy, lively, social and friendly and is a great playmate for children.

He also gets on well with other dogs and will make you a fantastic family pet.

wire fox terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wire Fox Terrier is such a canine friend, ready to be with you no matter what you’re doing. They are social dogs and love being involved with their human companions.

He is independent but still social and enthusiastic and you can describe him as the ideal family dog.

He is a bundle of energy, and when you bring him into your home, you’re going to get a family member who is playful, joyful, loving and loyal – your very best friend.

Health Problems

soft coated wheaten terrier puppies - health problemsWhen you bring a Wheaten Terrier into your home, you’re not likely to have too many vet fees as he tends to be a healthy dog breed, being able to reach 13, 14 or 15 years of age with good care.

Look out for a dog ailment known as Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). This is a condition where the dog isn’t able to properly absorb protein in the digestive tract, so that it is passed in their stools.

It can be fatal, but if caught early, some dietary changes can keep it under control.

Also, look out for inflammatory bowel disease. This disease occurs when the stomach of the dog has a large number of inflammatory cells which can change the lining of the digestive tract, preventing the normal absorption of food.

wire fox terrier puppies - health problemsThese are healthy dogs, and if you get your dog from a responsible breeder, he will have been checked for health conditions such as cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas.

Cataracts:

Cataracts are a problem with the lens of the eye. The lens focuses light and it should be crystal clear. A cataract obscures vision. Sometimes the cataract can be very small but other times it can grow to the size of the lens and then it can cause blindness.

Most times, dogs with cataracts can still see, and even though a dog may experience some confusion with a cataract, they don’t hurt the dog. They don’t go away on their own and will need to be removed surgically. If you see your dog has a cataract, consult your vet to get their opinion on the matter.

Allergies:

Your dog may be licking and scratching a lot and it may just be that your dog has a frustrating and irritating skin problem. This itching isn’t a disease but rather a cause of some disease.

There could be so many things that are causing your pet to scratch and it could be a skin disease, parasites or allergies. It can be terrible seeing the frustration it causes your pet and he will certainly need to see the vet.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

soft coated wheaten terrier dogs - caringBrush your pet’s silky coat twice a week. Such a silky coat can get all tangled and matted. If you prefer, many people opt to rather have the Wheaten’s coat professionally clipped as then it is easier to handle. They like to have the hair clipped that hangs over the dog’s eyes.

Other grooming tasks require you to check inside his ears for redness which could indicate an infection. Trim his nails and check him over for ticks and fleas.

Training:

Have your Wheatie trained and socialized as he is a stubborn dog breed and you want him to be well mannered and obedient.

Exercise:

Terriers like this are energetic dogs and he is going to need exercise every day. A walk for a dog is always a welcome experience as it gives him the opportunity to sniff around and pick up new smells. Play ball- or frisbee games with him as this can tire him out a bit.

Veterinary Care:

If your dog shows signs of illness, get him to the vet. He is such a feisty dog that it can be unbearable to see him out of sorts.

Diet:

Terriers are energetic dogs so if you feed your dog one of the commercial dog foods, make sure the label indicates what food it is. This is because the foods are manufactured according to the type of dog it is, its age, size and energy levels.

Always try and go for the high quality foods which don’t have all those unhealthy ingredients in them. Try to include some home-made food – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain, wholesome food that won’t upset his stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. You can chop it up and add it to your pet’s kibble twice a week.

Try and include a little bit of raw meat to his diet occasionally as this can go towards ensuring he doesn’t get skin diseases. Always ensure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water available.

Grooming:

wire fox terrier dogs - caringThis dog will need to be brushed regularly. Some people hand-strip their dogs. Most people prefer just to take their pets to a professional groomer to have them professionally clipped. The groomers will simultaneously clip his nails, clean the inside of his ears and also clean his teeth.

Diet:

The Wire Fox Terrier will expect you to supply him with high-quality dog food if you opt to use commercially manufactured dog food. These foods can be wonderfully convenient but you want the food to be packed with natural ingredients and be high in vitamins and minerals.

Any diet should also be appropriate to the dog’s age, his size, and his activity levels. Some homemade foods can also be a treat but this needs to be simple with no heavy spicing. Things such as boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables can be an excellent choice.

Cool, fresh water should be available at all times.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Wire Fox Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Wire Fox Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Wire Fox Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Wire Fox Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Wire Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Wire Fox Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Wire Fox Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Wire Fox Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Wire Fox Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Wire Fox Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Wire Fox Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Wire Fox Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Wire Fox Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Wire Fox Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Wire Fox Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Wire Fox Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Wire Fox Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Wire Fox Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Wire Fox Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Wire Fox Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Wire Fox Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Wire Fox Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Wire Fox Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Wire Fox Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Wire Fox Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison