Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart
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
Hovawart
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Hovawart Overview
Hovawarts are powerful, medium-sized dogs with a noble bearing and distinctive tricolor coat. Their well-proportioned build combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and strong limbs. Alert eyes and a confident stance reflect their watchful nature, while their medium-length coat provides protection in various weather conditions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Kerry Blue Terriers are less energetic than Hovawarts, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Kerry Blue Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Hovawarts.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Kerry Blue Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Hovawarts.
- Trainability: Hovawarts may be slightly easier to train due to their Hovawart's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Hovawarts 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 Hovawart, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-20 inches 44-50 cm | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm |
| Weight | 33-40 lbs 15-18 kg | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Alert, People-Oriented | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is characterized by being alert, faithful, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Hovawart, 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
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Hovawart
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.
Hovawart Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hovawarts 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, Hovawarts 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
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Bloat
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
Hovawart
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- Reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Kerry Blue Terrier and Hovawart, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.