Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
One of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle combines elegance with athleticism. Their hypoallergenic curly coat and keen mind make them ideal for allergy sufferers who want a trainable companion.
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 Poodle if you want easier to train and better health. Choose Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier if you want a great companion.
Poodle
Attribute
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Poodle is generally easier to train.
Poodle
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Trainability
Intelligence
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Poodle (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Poodle tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Poodle
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–15 years for the Poodle and 12–14 years for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Poodle
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,000–$3,000 for a Poodle versus $800–$2,500 for a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Poodle is the larger breed; Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more compact.
Poodle
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The Poodle (18–32 kg (40–71 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (14–20 kg (31–44 lbs)).
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Poodle
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Both breeds shed at the same rate (1/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Poodle
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Poodle
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
The Poodle and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bring very different personalities to the table. Poodles are intelligent, elegant and athletic, while Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers tend to be happy, friendly and devoted.
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Poodle
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Poodle and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier need high daily activity (4/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
The Poodle comes out ahead in most categories — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5), better health profile (4/5). If you can meet its high exercise needs and don't mind regular grooming, the Poodle is the more versatile choice for most households.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Poodle and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Poodle is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier by roughly $300/year.
Choose Poodle if...
Choose Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier if...
Neither may be right if...
Both the Poodle 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?
The Poodle scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier at 4/5. The Poodle is specifically recommended for families.
The Poodle is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier's 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
A Poodle puppy costs $1,000–$3,000 while a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier costs $800–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,650 for the Poodle and $1,390 for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The Poodle is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The Poodle lives 12–15 years on average, while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier lives 12–14 years. The Poodle generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Poodle is equally suited for apartments (3/5) as the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (3/5). The Poodle is one of our top picks for apartment living.