Breed comparison
Maltese vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
The biggest differences
- Good with young children: the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier scores 5 out of 5, the Maltese 3.
They score the same on affection with family, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, playfulness, trainability, mental stimulation needs.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Maltese if you prefer a calmer dog, you live in a smaller home or move often, you want a more protective watchdog. Pick the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier if you have young children, you want an energetic exercise partner.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.