Golden Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Golden Retriever
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy dogs.
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 Golden Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids. Choose Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Golden Retriever
Attribute
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
large
Size
medium
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
Weight
14–20 kg (31–44 lbs)
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Height
43–49 cm (17–19 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
12–14 yrsBetter
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Energy
4/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
4/5
5/5
Shedding
1/5Better
4/5
Grooming
4/5
2/5
Apartment
3/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
$800–$2,500
Price
$800–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
Grooming and Shedding: Golden Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Golden Retriever sheds more; Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is easier to maintain.
Golden Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Shedding
5/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs4/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Golden Retriever's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Family Life: Golden Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Golden Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Golden Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs3/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs4/5
The Golden Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Golden Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Training Differences: Golden Retriever and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Golden Retriever is generally easier to train.
Golden Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Trainability
Better5/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs4/5
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Golden Retriever's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Size Differences: Golden Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Golden Retriever is the larger breed; Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more compact.
Golden Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Weight (kg)
25–34
vs14–20
Height (cm)
51–61
vs43–49
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Golden Retriever stands 51–61 cm (20–24 in) tall and weighs 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier at 43–49 cm (17–19 in) and 14–20 kg (31–44 lbs).
Health and Lifespan: Golden Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Golden Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs12–14Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Life expectancy favors the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: 12–14 years versus the Golden Retriever's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Golden Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Daily Exercise Demands
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Golden Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Energy Level
4/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs3/5Better
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (4/5) and similar energy levels (Golden Retriever: 4/5, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: 4/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity.
Total Cost of Ownership: Golden Retriever and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Golden Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$540
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,390 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever and $800–$2,500 for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Golden Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Temperament Compared
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Golden Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
4/5
vs4/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Golden Retriever is typically friendly, intelligent and devoted, making them well suited for families, first-time owners, active lifestyles and houses with yards.
Golden Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Summary and Verdict
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Golden Retriever if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5) and better with children (5/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Golden Retriever and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever sheds considerably more, Golden Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Golden Retriever if...
- ✓This is your first dog — Golden Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Choose Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier if...
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers shed dramatically less (1/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
Neither may be right if...
Both the Golden Retriever and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have high energy needs (4/5 and 4/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Golden Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Golden Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's 4/5. The Golden Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Golden Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's 3/5. The Golden Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Golden Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
A Golden Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,500 while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs $800–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,420 for the Golden Retriever and $1,390 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The Golden Retriever is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Golden Retrievers or Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers live longer?
The Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier live in an apartment?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapts better to apartment living (3/5) than the Golden Retriever (2/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.