Bloodhound vs Kerry Blue Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bloodhound
Hound Group
Kerry Blue Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bloodhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, Bloodhounds possess an unparalleled sense of smell with over 300 million scent receptors. Their distinctive features include long, pendulous ears, loose skin folds, and deep-set eyes that contribute to their noble yet gentle expression. Standing tall with a muscular build, they showcase a short, dense coat in colors ranging from black and tan to liver and red.
Kerry Blue Terrier Overview
Kerry Blue Terriers boast a distinctive blue-gray coat that starts black and gradually changes color. With a muscular, well-proportioned body and alert expression, these medium-sized terriers carry themselves with dignity. Their soft, dense coat requires regular maintenance, while their keen intelligence and strong-willed nature make them engaging companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bloodhounds are less energetic than Kerry Blue Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bloodhounds require less grooming attention compared to Kerry Blue Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bloodhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Kerry Blue Terriers.
- Trainability: Bloodhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Bloodhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Kerry Blue Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Bloodhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bloodhound and Kerry Blue Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bloodhound | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bloodhound | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 18-20 inches 44-50 cm |
| Weight | 80-110 lbs 36-50 kg | 33-40 lbs 15-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bloodhound | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive | Smart, Alert, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bloodhound | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bloodhound Temperament
The Bloodhound is known for being friendly, independent, inquisitive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament
The Kerry Blue Terrier is characterized by being smart, alert, people-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bloodhound and Kerry Blue Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bloodhound
Rating: 2/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Bloodhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bloodhounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bloodhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Kerry Blue Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Kerry Blue Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Kerry Blue Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Bloodhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Ear Infections
Kerry Blue Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Bloodhound
Pros
- Exceptional tracking abilities
- Gentle and patient with family
- Good with children
- Loyal and affectionate
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Strong tracking instincts can lead to wandering
- Stubborn during training
- High maintenance grooming needs
Kerry Blue Terrier
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Minimal shedding
- Versatile working ability
- Good watchdog
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- May be dog-aggressive
- Requires firm training
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bloodhound and Kerry Blue Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.