Which is Better Between the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

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American Hairless Terrier Versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Hairless Terrier and for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Hairless Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

American Hairless Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Hairless Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are Terrier Dogs. This means both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

American Hairless Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Hairless Terrier to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Factor American Hairless Terrier Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Weight 10 to 16 pounds 30 to 40 pounds
Height 12 to 16 inches 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 13 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1840 $2230
Price Range $1625 – $2000 $1675 – $2500
Temperament Score 83.3 percent 73.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Annual exams until at least Age 8 yrs (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Hairless Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Hairless Terrier is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 89 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a better pet than the American Hairless Terrier. So, you should get the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    The American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are most similar:

    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Hairless Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    American Hairless Terriers weigh 10 to 16 pounds when fully grown. American Hairless Terriers are 12 to 16 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers weigh 30 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Hairless Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    The lifespan of American Hairless Terriers is between 13 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Hairless Terriers is 14.5 years.

    The lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers is 13.5 years.

    American Hairless Terriers live longer than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

    Temperament of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Versus the American Hairless Terrier

    The American Hairless Terrier has a better temperament than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Hairless Terrier is 83.3 percent while the temperament score for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 73.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 83.3 percent, the American Hairless Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 73.0 percent, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 6 American Hairless Terriers and 37 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

    Price of American Hairless Terrier versus Price of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    The average price of the American Hairless Terrier puppy is $1840. The price of the American Hairless Terrier typically ranges from $1625 – $2000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 American Hairless Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy is $2230. The price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically ranges from $1675 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 84 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more expensive than the American Hairless Terrier.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Hairless Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many American Hairless Terrier puppies or how many Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Hairless Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Hairless Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Hairless Terrier puppy or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of American Hairless Terrier versus Health Problems of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the American Hairless Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the American Hairless Terrier than for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    9 health tests are recommended for American Hairless Terrier while 2 tests are recommended for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Hairless Terriers and in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

    American Hairless Terrier Health Problems

    American Hairless Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing American Hairless Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a American Hairless Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your American Hairless Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen American Hairless Terriers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Annual exams until at least Age 8 yrs (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Hairless Terriers here.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Health Problems

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers for:

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Hairless Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    American Hairless Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Hairless Terriers shed more than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    American Hairless Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Hairless Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    American Hairless Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Hairless Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    American Hairless Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the American Hairless Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    American Hairless Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do American Hairless Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    American Hairless Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can American Hairless Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Hairless Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Hairless Terrier vs. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    American Hairless Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Hairless Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Hairless Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Hairless Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    American Hairless Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Hairless Terriers good family dogs? What about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    American Hairless Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Hairless Terriers and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    American Hairless Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the American Hairless Terrier Easier to Train than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    American Hairless Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the American Hairless Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    American Hairless Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Hairless Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    American Hairless Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Hairless Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Hairless Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier better suits you and your family.