Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonSoft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but American Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than American Cocker Spaniel. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than American Cocker Spaniel. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and American Cocker Spaniel has same life span. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and American Cocker Spaniel 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.

american cocker spaniel - historyDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Height Female:
43 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Wheaten, Wheatie
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Colors Available:
tan, gingerish, Fawn, wheaten
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Coat:
Soft, silky, wavy to curly
Long, fine, shiney
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, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
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.

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

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.

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

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.

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

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.

Feeding puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

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. English Springer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Boykin Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Pudelpointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Barbet vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Ariege Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds