Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Labrador Retriever
Discover the differences between Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Labrador Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Cheerful and affectionate, this breed thrives as a lively family companion with an unmistakably silky, wheaten-colored coat. Always eager to please, it blends playfulness with gentle loyalty.
Labrador Retriever
Eager, friendly, and intelligent, this breed loves being part of an active family. Their gentle nature and loyalty make them outstanding companions for all ages.
Quick comparison
Medium
16–18 kg
Single coat, silky
12–14 years
14–16 kg
Moderately active
Large
29–36 kg
Short double coat, water-resistant
10–12 years
25–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Outgoing and affectionate with most people and pets
Quick learner, responds well to training
High activity needs, enjoys regular exercise
Loves games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
Labrador Retriever
Warm and sociable with people and animals
Quick learner, responds well to training
High stamina, enjoys active pursuits daily
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts easily to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Protein-losing enteropathy, renal dysplasia
Labrador Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Good option
Friendly and adaptable, but needs consistent training from the start
Suitable with effort
Can adapt to apartments if exercised daily and given mental stimulation
Highly suitable
Enjoys active play and regular exercise with energetic families
Very friendly
Generally gentle and playful with young children under supervision
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if socialized early and properly
Not ideal
Dislikes long periods alone and may develop separation anxiety or destructive habits
Labrador Retriever
Great choice
Patient and eager to please, Labradors are manageable for most first-time owners.
Not ideal
Labradors need space and exercise, so apartments can limit their activity needs.
Perfect fit
High energy and stamina make them excellent for active individuals or families.
Highly suitable
Gentle temperament and playful nature make them safe and loving with young children.
Very friendly
Generally sociable and get along well with other dogs and pets.
Prone to anxiety
Extended alone time can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors in this breed.
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Friendly with children and families
- Low-shedding, allergy-friendly coat
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Generally healthy and long-lived
- Eager to please and trainable
Labrador Retriever
- Friendly and sociable with people and dogs
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Excellent with children and families
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
- Generally adaptable to various living situations
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Coat requires frequent grooming and maintenance
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Strong chasing instinct toward small animals
- Can be stubborn during training sessions
- Needs regular exercise to prevent boredom
Labrador Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- Can become destructive if under-exercised
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires regular grooming
- May develop hip or elbow dysplasia
- Needs significant daily physical activity
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