Kerry Blue Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Compatibility
80% Compatible
Energy Level
Kerry Blue Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Energetic0.8
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Kerry Blue Terrier: May be Stubborn0.2
Portuguese Water Dog: Easy Training0.8
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Kerry Blue Terrier: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Portuguese Water Dog: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Kerry Blue Terrier4/5
Portuguese Water Dog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Kerry Blue Terrier2/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Good with Strangers
Kerry Blue Terrier3/5
Portuguese Water Dog4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Kerry Blue Terrier
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Eye Problems: Entropion and cataracts
Cerebellar Abiotrophy: Brain disorder
Hypothyroidism: Hormone imbalance
von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clot
Skin Allergies: Dermatitis issues
Portuguese Water Dog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive retinal atrophy
GM1: Storage disease disorder
JDCM: Juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy
EOPRA: Early-onset eye disease
Storage Disease: Metabolic disorder
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Portuguese Water Dog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Non-shedding coat
Excellent swimming ability
Great family companion
Athletic and versatile
Cons
High grooming needs
Requires extensive exercise
Can be stubborn
Expensive maintenance
Kerry Blue Terrier Fun Fact
Their unique blue-gray coat starts black at birth and gradually changes color over the first two years of life.
Portuguese Water Dog Fun Fact
These dogs were trained to dive underwater to retrieve fishing gear and could swim for hours in cold ocean waters.
Heritage & Purpose
Kerry Blue Terrier
Origin:
Developed in County Kerry, Ireland during the 1700s as versatile farm dogs, these terriers excelled at hunting small game, controlling vermin, and herding livestock.
Portuguese Water Dog
Origin:
Maritime working dogs of Portuguese fishing vessels during the 15th century, helping retrieve gear and herd fish into nets while serving as boat guardians and messengers.
Special Considerations
Kerry Blue Terrier
Regular professional grooming needed every 4-8 weeks. Daily exercise requirements must be met. Early socialization crucial for balanced temperament.
Portuguese Water Dog
Requires professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Daily exercise essential for physical and mental well-being. Regular eye and hip examinations recommended.
Shedding
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