Is the Bedlington Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier better for families with children?

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Bedlington Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

The Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier shed a similar amount (very low).

Which is easier to train, the Bedlington Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Bedlington Terrier or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bigger?

Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Bedlington Terrier or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Bedlington Terrier or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Bedlington Terrier vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Compared

Bedlington Terrier vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Bedlington Terrier	Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	Very Low
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Bedlington Terrier is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bedlington Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bedlington Terrier is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and leaves virtually no hair around the house. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and leaves virtually no hair around the house. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bedlington Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Bedlington Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Bedlington Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bedlington Terrier if you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bedlington Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier better for families with children?: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Bedlington Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?: The Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier shed a similar amount (very low).
Which is easier to train, the Bedlington Terrier or the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bedlington Terrier or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bigger?: Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Bedlington Terrier or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Bedlington Terrier or Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Bedlington Terrier and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Bedlington Terrier vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier