Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed ComparisonBoth Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Norwich Terrier are originated from United Kingdom. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may grow 25 cm / 10 inches higher than Norwich Terrier. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Norwich Terrier. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Norwich Terrier has almost same life span. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may have more litter size than Norwich Terrier. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and Norwich Terrier requires Moderate maintenance.

History

soft coated wheaten terrier - historyThis wheaten colored terrier hails from Ireland. Although the Wheaten has been around for a long time, it was in 1937 that he was recognized as a breed in Ireland.

The British Kennel Club also recognized the Wheaten and the dog was also exported to the United States. Serious interest started being shown for the Terrier in the 1970s. It was in 1973 that they were recognised by the American Kennel Club.

norwich terrier - historyHailing from the United Kingdom and once known as the Cantab Terrier, the Norwich Terrier may be small, but he was bred to hunt rodents.

Closely related to the Norfolk Terrier, he is an old dog breed, having existed since the 19th century. Its understandable that such a dog would also be the mascot of Cambridge students.

It is believed that he was bred from Irish Terriers and some believe it came from the Trumpington Terrier, an extinct breed.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
23 - 25 cm
9 - 10 inches
Height Female:
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
23 - 25 cm
9 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
5 - 6 kg
11 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
5 - 6 kg
11 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
1 - 3
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Wheaten, Wheatie
None
Colors Available:
tan, gingerish, Fawn, wheaten
Wheaten, red, grizzle, tan, black and tan
Coat:
Soft, silky, wavy to curly
Wiry double coat, medium length
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

soft coated wheaten terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wheaten is a medium sized dog standing at between 43 and 50cm and weighing between 13 and 20kg both male and female. The coat of the dog is soft, silky and wavy to even curly and is a wheaten to ginger color.

The coat of the puppy is dark but as he grows up it changes into the wheaten color although the ears may be a dark brown color. Pet owners like that the Wheaten is a very low shedding dog.

Temperament:

Playful, social and friendly, the Wheaten has always been put to good use on the farm. These days he is pet and companion. He is energetic and playful so children love having him around.

He is slightly more hyper and energetic than other Terrier breeds so will require a good dose of exercise.

He is smart and strong willed, and training and socialization turns him into an amicable pet to have around, so much so that he is sought after as a therapy-dog.

They’re easy-going dogs with no aggression issues but they still make great watch dogs and want to do whatever it takes to look after- and protect their human family.

norwich terrier puppy - descriptionAs one of the smallest terriers, the Norwich Terrier is also quite a rare dog breed. He is such a cute little dog this, weighing just 5 to 5.5kg and standing at between 23–25cm at the withers.

He has erect ears and a double coat that can be wheaten, red, tan, black and tan and grizzle. The tail has always been docked previously, giving the dog an attractive, compact look but these days it is left long. These dogs have small litters – usually between one and three puppies.

Temperament:

The Norwich Terrier is a friendly little dog and is essentially a companion to humans. Just because he is small, doesn’t mean he is frail and helpless. He is a feisty, hardy dog with a brave heart and just loves his human family.

The Norwich Terrier is also strong willed and assertive and it can be of benefit to have him trained and socialized. He is energetic too, so he’ll expect a walk each day, a run in the park and ball games. They also make excellent little watchdogs, at least warning you of approaching strangers.

They are good with kids if the children have been taught to be kind and gentle with animals, and they get on well with other pets in the home too.

Characteristics

soft coated wheaten terrier dog - characteristicsThe Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has always made an excellent farm dog, but today he is more suited as pet and companion.

He adapts easily to life in the city or the countryside. Wherever he is, he will need his exercise. He also longs to be an active part of his human family, and then he’s happy, lively, social and friendly and is a great playmate for children.

He also gets on well with other dogs and will make you a fantastic family pet.

norwich terrier dog - characteristicsThe Norwich Terrier is guaranteed to make you a splendid pet as he is active, friendly, social and intelligent, as well as being loving and loyal.

You can rely on this little canine friend to want to be with you and take part in all your activities. He won’t do well if you put him in the back yard and forget about him, as he craves human company.

When you do whatever it takes to ensure your Norwich Terrier is an active and treasured member of your family, you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful pet and companion for many years.

Health Problems

soft coated wheaten terrier puppies - health problemsWhen you bring a Wheaten Terrier into your home, you’re not likely to have too many vet fees as he tends to be a healthy dog breed, being able to reach 13, 14 or 15 years of age with good care.

Look out for a dog ailment known as Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). This is a condition where the dog isn’t able to properly absorb protein in the digestive tract, so that it is passed in their stools.

It can be fatal, but if caught early, some dietary changes can keep it under control.

Also, look out for inflammatory bowel disease. This disease occurs when the stomach of the dog has a large number of inflammatory cells which can change the lining of the digestive tract, preventing the normal absorption of food.

norwich terrier puppies - health problemsThe lifespan of the Norwich Terrier is between 11 and 13 years and he is considered a healthy breed. Every dog owner needs to know that there are some health issues which will require veterinary intervention.

Cataracts, an eye disease may be inherited and it is where the eye gets a cloudy look. Other illnesses to look out for include Patellar Luxation, a problem where the dog's kneecap is dislocated from its normal anatomic position. The condition is fairly common in small dog breeds.

Check problems with the teeth - more specifically incorrect bites because of how the teeth meet.

Sometimes these dogs can battle with breathing problems. Upper Airway Syndrome is when the dogs breathing is raspy.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

soft coated wheaten terrier dogs - caringBrush your pet’s silky coat twice a week. Such a silky coat can get all tangled and matted. If you prefer, many people opt to rather have the Wheaten’s coat professionally clipped as then it is easier to handle. They like to have the hair clipped that hangs over the dog’s eyes.

Other grooming tasks require you to check inside his ears for redness which could indicate an infection. Trim his nails and check him over for ticks and fleas.

Training:

Have your Wheatie trained and socialized as he is a stubborn dog breed and you want him to be well mannered and obedient.

Exercise:

Terriers like this are energetic dogs and he is going to need exercise every day. A walk for a dog is always a welcome experience as it gives him the opportunity to sniff around and pick up new smells. Play ball- or frisbee games with him as this can tire him out a bit.

Veterinary Care:

If your dog shows signs of illness, get him to the vet. He is such a feisty dog that it can be unbearable to see him out of sorts.

Diet:

Terriers are energetic dogs so if you feed your dog one of the commercial dog foods, make sure the label indicates what food it is. This is because the foods are manufactured according to the type of dog it is, its age, size and energy levels.

Always try and go for the high quality foods which don’t have all those unhealthy ingredients in them. Try to include some home-made food – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain, wholesome food that won’t upset his stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. You can chop it up and add it to your pet’s kibble twice a week.

Try and include a little bit of raw meat to his diet occasionally as this can go towards ensuring he doesn’t get skin diseases. Always ensure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water available.

norwich terrier dogs - caringNorwich Terriers are active little dogs and were bred to be working dogs – hunting vermin but also accompanying their owners on horseback. You can see that he has been used to an active lifestyle and will require a daily walk and games. He will also want toys which can keep him occupied in between his active sessions.

His size allows him to adapt easily to life in the city or the countryside but wherever he is, he will need a good dose of exercise.

Grooming:

The double coated Norwich Terrier, with his wiry topcoat and soft undercoat will need to be brushed twice a week to avoid matting. This is a dog that will require stripping of the old hairs from the coat. This is a process which ensures the coat retaining its texture and appearance.

If you’re in any kind of doubt, speak to a professional groomer. As it is, many owners of this dog who don’t show their dogs, have them professionally groomed.

Diet:

Always choose a high-quality dry food. Try and avoid those commercially manufactured foods which contain wheat and gluten and lots of preservatives and colorants. These can affect your pet’s health negatively.

Choose quality foods where protein is at the top of the list of ingredients. Give your pet some homemade food too, keeping his diet as simple and nutritious as possible. Some boiled chicken chopped up together with brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach will do him the world of good.

A tiny bit of raw meat every once and again will be a good thing. Avoid foods such as chocolates, ice-cream, popcorn, onions and spicy foods as these will upset your pet’s digestive system.

Make sure he always as fresh, cool water available.

General Care:

Provide him with a warm, dry, soft bed. If he is outside for any length of time, make sure he has a sheltered area away from the sun and rain.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  4. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  10. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Lakeland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Old English Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Scoland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Skye Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Rat Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Scottish Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Patterdale Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Norwich Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwich Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwich Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Norwich Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  33. Norwich Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Norwich Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwich Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwich Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwich Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  38. Norwich Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwich Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Norwich Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  41. Norwich Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Norwich Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Norwich Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Norwich Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Norwich Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Norwich Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Norwich Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Norwich Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Norwich Terrier vs Fell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Norwich Terrier vs Lucas Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds