Kerry Blue Terrier vs Chinese Crested
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Terrier Group
Chinese Crested
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Chinese Crested Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the hairless with silky hair on head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff with a full soft coat. Their fine-boned, slender body carries them with a light, flowing gait. Distinguished by their alert expression and vivacious personality, these dogs combine exotic looks with a warm, affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Kerry Blue Terriers are less energetic than Chinese Cresteds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Kerry Blue Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Chinese Cresteds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Kerry Blue Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Chinese Cresteds.
- Trainability: Chinese Cresteds may be slightly easier to train due to their Chinese Crested's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds adapt better to apartment living, while Kerry Blue Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier and Chinese Crested, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-20 inches 44-50 cm | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm |
| Weight | 33-40 lbs 15-18 kg | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Alert, People-Oriented | Affectionate, Alert, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament
The Kerry Blue Terrier is known for being smart, alert, people-oriented, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
Chinese Crested Temperament
The Chinese Crested is characterized by being affectionate, alert, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and Chinese Crested, 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
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Kerry Blue Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Kerry Blue Terriers 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, Kerry Blue Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Chinese Crested Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chinese Cresteds 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, Chinese Cresteds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Kerry Blue Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- von Willebrand's Disease
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Pros & Cons
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
Chinese Crested
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal shedding
- Good for apartment living
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Requires skin care (hairless variety)
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Can be yappy
- May be difficult to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Kerry Blue Terrier and Chinese Crested, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.