French Bulldog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
French Bulldog
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
VS
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
A happy, friendly terrier with a distinctive silky wheaten coat. Wheatens are exuberant greeters known for their 'Wheaten welcome' — jumping up to say hello with boundless enthusiasm.
Quick Answer
Choose French Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier if you want less shedding and better health.
Quick Comparison
French Bulldog
Attribute
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
small
Size
medium
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
Weight
14–20 kg (31–44 lbs)
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
Height
43–49 cm (17–19 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
12–14 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Energy
4/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better1/5
Grooming
4/5
Better5/5
Apartment
3/5
2/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$5,000
Price
$800–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
French Bulldog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Energy and Exercise Compared
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
French Bulldog
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs3/5
These breeds sit on opposite ends of the activity spectrum. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (energy: 4/5, exercise: 4/5) was built for action and thrives on physical challenges.
Which Sheds More — French Bulldog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? Grooming Compared
French Bulldog sheds more; Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is easier to maintain.
French Bulldog
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs4/5
The French Bulldog sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a slight edge.
Which Is Healthier — French Bulldog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? Health Compared
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs12–14Better
Health Robustness
2/5
vs3/5Better
Life expectancy favors the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: 12–14 years versus the French Bulldog's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
French Bulldog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380 ✓
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$540
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,390
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A French Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is $800–$2,500.
French Bulldog and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Temperament: What to Expect
French Bulldog is calmer; Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more energetic.
French Bulldog
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The French Bulldog is typically playful, adaptable and affectionate, making them well suited for apartment living, families, first-time owners, seniors and singles.
French Bulldog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Size and Coat
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the larger breed; French Bulldog is more compact.
French Bulldog
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Weight (kg)
8–13
vs14–20
Height (cm)
28–33
vs43–49
The French Bulldog stands 28–33 cm (11–13 in) and weighs 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs), while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier measures 43–49 cm (17–19 in) and 14–20 kg (31–44 lbs). The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
French Bulldog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Training and Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
French Bulldog
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Trainability
3/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
3/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds score 3/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are moderately responsive and benefit from consistent training sessions.
Family and Social Compatibility: French Bulldog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
French Bulldog
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs3/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary and Final Take: French Bulldog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the French Bulldog if you value more apartment-friendly (5/5) and lower exercise needs (2/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The French Bulldog and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: French Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — French Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 3/5 apartment rating).
Choose Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are generally more robust (3/5 health score).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, French Bulldog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The French Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier at 4/5. The French Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a French Bulldog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier easier to train?
The French Bulldog is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The French Bulldog is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a French Bulldog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs $800–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $1,390 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs more to maintain annually.
Do French Bulldogs or Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers live longer?
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier lives 12–14 years. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a French Bulldog or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (3/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.