DogMatchUp

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Deutscher Wachtelhund

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
Small

Kerry Blue Terrier

Terrier Group

Deutscher Wachtelhund
Medium

Deutscher Wachtelhund

Foundation Stock Service

Quick Comparison

Size

Kerry Blue Terrier Small
Deutscher Wachtelhund Medium

Lifespan

Kerry Blue Terrier 12-15 years
Deutscher Wachtelhund 12-14 years

Exercise Needs

Kerry Blue Terrier 3/5
Deutscher Wachtelhund 3/5

Grooming Needs

Kerry Blue Terrier 4/5
Deutscher Wachtelhund 3/5

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.

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

Deutscher Wachtelhund Overview

Deutscher Wachtelhund is a medium-sized hunting dog with a robust build and distinctive wavy coat in brown, red, or parti-colored variations. Their muscular frame supports remarkable agility and endurance, while their intelligent expression and medium-length ears reflect their keen hunting abilities. Known for exceptional scenting capabilities and versatile hunting skills, they possess a balanced temperament combining determination with friendliness.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Friendly, Versatile, Determined

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Kerry Blue Terriers are less energetic than Deutscher Wachtelhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Kerry Blue Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Deutscher Wachtelhunds.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Kerry Blue Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Deutscher Wachtelhunds.
  • Trainability: Deutscher Wachtelhunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Deutscher Wachtelhund's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Deutscher Wachtelhunds 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 Deutscher Wachtelhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Kerry Blue Terrier Deutscher Wachtelhund
Size Small Medium
Life Expectancy 12-15 years 12-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Terrier Group Foundation Stock Service

Physical Characteristics

Feature Kerry Blue Terrier Deutscher Wachtelhund
Height
18-20 inches
44-50 cm
18-21 inches
46-53 cm
Weight
33-40 lbs
15-18 kg
40-55 lbs
18-25 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Unknown Unknown

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Kerry Blue Terrier Deutscher Wachtelhund
Temperament Smart, Alert, People-Oriented Friendly, Versatile, Determined
Energy Level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
1/5
1/5

Compatibility

Feature Kerry Blue Terrier Deutscher Wachtelhund
Good with Children
4/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
2/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament

Smart Alert People-Oriented

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.

Deutscher Wachtelhund Temperament

Friendly Versatile Determined

The Deutscher Wachtelhund is characterized by being friendly, versatile, determined, 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 Kerry Blue Terrier and Deutscher Wachtelhund, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Kerry Blue Terrier
3/5
Deutscher Wachtelhund
3/5

Good with Children

Kerry Blue Terrier
4/5
Deutscher Wachtelhund
5/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Kerry Blue Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 4/5

Deutscher Wachtelhund

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 5/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Kerry Blue Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 2/5

Deutscher Wachtelhund

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Kerry Blue Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Deutscher Wachtelhund

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Kerry Blue Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Deutscher Wachtelhund

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Kerry Blue Terrier

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Deutscher Wachtelhund

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Care & Maintenance

Kerry Blue Terrier Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

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

4/5

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.

Deutscher Wachtelhund Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Deutscher Wachtelhunds 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

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Deutscher Wachtelhunds 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

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Common Health Issues:

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

Deutscher Wachtelhund Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Ear Infections
  • Bloat
  • Allergies

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

Deutscher Wachtelhund

Pros

  • Excellent hunting companion
  • Versatile working abilities
  • Strong tracking skills
  • Good family dog
  • Intelligent and trainable

Cons

  • High exercise needs
  • Regular grooming required
  • Strong hunting instincts
  • Not suitable for apartment living
  • Requires experienced handler

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Kerry Blue Terrier and Deutscher Wachtelhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.