Harrier 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.
Harrier
Hound Group
Kerry Blue Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family companions.
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: Harriers are more energetic than Kerry Blue Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Harriers require less grooming attention compared to Kerry Blue Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Harriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Kerry Blue Terriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Kerry Blue Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Harriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Harrier and Kerry Blue Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Harrier | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Harrier | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm | 18-20 inches 44-50 cm |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg | 33-40 lbs 15-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Harrier | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented | Smart, Alert, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Harrier | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is known for being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Harrier 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
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Harrier
Rating: 3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers 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
With their short, dense coat coat, Harriers 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
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
Kerry Blue Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
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 Harrier and Kerry Blue Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.