Labrador Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
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 Labrador 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
Labrador Retriever
Attribute
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
large
Size
medium
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
Weight
14–20 kg (31–44 lbs)
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Height
43–49 cm (17–19 in)
10–13 yrs
Lifespan
12–14 yrsBetter
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Energy
4/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
4/5
4/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
2/5
Apartment
3/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
Better$800–$2,000
Price
$800–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
Which Sheds More — Labrador Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? Grooming Compared
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is easier to maintain.
Labrador Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Shedding
4/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Labrador Retriever's 4/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Family and Social Compatibility: Labrador Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Labrador Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Energy and Exercise Compared
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is lower-maintenance.
Labrador Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Energy Level
5/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs3/5Better
The Labrador Retriever needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (4/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have very high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Labrador Retriever.
Labrador Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Training and Intelligence
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Labrador Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Size and Coat
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more compact.
Labrador Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Weight (kg)
25–36
vs14–20
Height (cm)
55–62
vs43–49
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Labrador Retriever tips the scales at 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs), dwarfing the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's 14–20 kg (31–44 lbs).
Which Is Healthier — Labrador Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? Health Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Labrador Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Lifespan (years)
10–13
vs12–14Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Labrador Retriever lives roughly 10–13 years while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier averages 12–14 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Labrador Retriever and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Temperament: What to Expect
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Labrador Retriever
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
5/5
vs4/5
Labrador Retrievers from the Sporting group carry a friendly, outgoing and active personality, shaped by their heritage as sporting dogs. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, belonging to the Terrier group, are happy, friendly and devoted — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Labrador Retriever vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
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–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever and $800–$2,500 for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Summary and Final Take: Labrador Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever sheds considerably more, Labrador Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador 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 4/5 shedding score).
Neither may be right if...
Both the Labrador Retriever and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have high energy needs (5/5 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, Labrador Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Labrador Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's 3/5. The Labrador Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Labrador Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
A Labrador Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs $800–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever and $1,390 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs more to maintain annually.
Do Labrador Retrievers or Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers live longer?
The Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 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 Labrador Retriever or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier live in an apartment?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapts better to apartment living (3/5) than the Labrador Retriever (2/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.