Is the Fila Brasileiro Better than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier as a Pet? Answer…

Fila Brasileiro versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Fila Brasileiro versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog while the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Fila Brasileiro belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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.

Factor Fila Brasileiro Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 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
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 30 to 40 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1270 $1810
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1050 – $2200
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 73.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Fila Brasileiro 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 a Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are most different:

  • Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are good for new dog owners.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs. However, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • Fila Brasileiros not very playful. However, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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.

    Temperament of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Versus the Fila Brasileiro

    The Fila Brasileiro has a better temperament than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 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 they 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 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 37 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy is $1810. The price of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier typically ranges from $1050 – $2200. However, the price of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can be as low as $500 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 170 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
    Average Price $1270 $1810
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1050 to $2200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Adopting the Fila Brasileiro versus Adopting the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Fila Brasileiros and many Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Fila Brasileiro named Maverick that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Fila Brasileiros like Maverick on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Fila Brasileiros, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Bootsie is a Male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers like Bootsie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also Manny, an adorable Male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Fila Brasileiros and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Fila Brasileiro or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

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

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Boerboel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier:

  • Cavachon (82 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Cavachon.
  • Lowchen (80 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Lowchen.
  • Cockalier (81 percent match with Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Fila Brasileiro and how the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Fila Brasileiro and of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier to other breeds:

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Papillon     Fila Brasileiro versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Fila Brasileiro versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Fila Brasileiro versus Goldador     Fila Brasileiro versus Boxer     Fila Brasileiro versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Fila Brasileiro versus Catahoula Bulldog     Fila Brasileiro versus Sheepadoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Morkie     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Field Spaniel     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus American Bulldog     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Greyhound     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Papipoo     Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier versus Chi-Poo     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier better suits you and your family.