DogMatchUp

Entlebucher Mountain Dog 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.

Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Medium

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Herding Group

Kerry Blue Terrier
Small

Kerry Blue Terrier

Terrier Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Entlebucher Mountain Dog Medium
Kerry Blue Terrier Small

Lifespan

Entlebucher Mountain Dog 11-13 years
Kerry Blue Terrier 12-15 years

Exercise Needs

Entlebucher Mountain Dog 5/5
Kerry Blue Terrier 3/5

Grooming Needs

Entlebucher Mountain Dog 2/5
Kerry Blue Terrier 4/5

Breed Overview

Entlebucher Mountain Dog Overview

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs possess a sturdy, compact build with distinctive tricolor markings. Their muscular frame and agile movement reflect their heritage as Swiss mountain herding dogs. Alert brown eyes and medium-sized triangular ears complement their intelligent expression. These dogs exhibit remarkable stamina and agility, with a weather-resistant double coat that's short but dense.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Loyal, Smart, Enthusiastic

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Smart, Alert, People-Oriented

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs are more energetic than Kerry Blue Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Kerry Blue Terriers.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Kerry Blue Terriers.
  • Trainability: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Entlebucher Mountain Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Kerry Blue Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Entlebucher Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Kerry Blue Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Entlebucher Mountain Dog Kerry Blue Terrier
Size Medium Small
Life Expectancy 11-13 years 12-15 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Herding Group Terrier Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Entlebucher Mountain Dog Kerry Blue Terrier
Height
16-21 inches
41-53 cm
18-20 inches
44-50 cm
Weight
40-65 lbs
18-29 kg
33-40 lbs
15-18 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Infrequent Unknown

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Entlebucher Mountain Dog Kerry Blue Terrier
Temperament Loyal, Smart, Enthusiastic Smart, Alert, People-Oriented
Energy Level
5/5
3/5
Intelligence
2/5
1/5

Compatibility

Feature Entlebucher Mountain Dog Kerry Blue Terrier
Good with Children
3/5
4/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
2/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Entlebucher Mountain Dog Temperament

Loyal Smart Enthusiastic

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is known for being loyal, smart, enthusiastic, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament

Smart Alert People-Oriented

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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Kerry Blue Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Entlebucher Mountain Dog
3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
3/5

Good with Children

Entlebucher Mountain Dog
3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
4/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Kerry Blue Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 4/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 5/5

Kerry Blue Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 2/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Low High

Rating: 5/5

Kerry Blue Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Kerry Blue Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Kerry Blue Terrier

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Care & Maintenance

Entlebucher Mountain Dog Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

5/5

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.

Grooming Requirements

2/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs 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

3/5

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

4/5

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

Entlebucher Mountain Dog Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 11-13 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • PRA
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Cataracts

Kerry Blue Terrier Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Cerebellar Abiotrophy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • von Willebrand's Disease

Pros & Cons

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Pros

  • Excellent herding instincts
  • Loyal family companion
  • Athletic and agile
  • Good watchdog

Cons

  • High exercise needs
  • Strong herding drive
  • Can be stubborn
  • Reserved with strangers

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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog and Kerry Blue Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.