DogMatchUp

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Rottweiler

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

Rottweiler
Large

Rottweiler

Working Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Kerry Blue Terrier Small
Rottweiler Large

Lifespan

Kerry Blue Terrier 12-15 years
Rottweiler 9-10 years

Exercise Needs

Kerry Blue Terrier 3/5
Rottweiler 3/5

Grooming Needs

Kerry Blue Terrier 4/5
Rottweiler 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

Rottweiler Overview

Powerful and muscular, Rottweilers showcase a robust, balanced build with a broad head and strong jaws. Their black coat with mahogany markings complements their confident stance and alert expression. Distinguished by their natural guarding instincts, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility, displaying a calm yet watchful demeanor that reflects their working heritage.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Size: Large
Temperament: Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Kerry Blue Terriers are less energetic than Rottweilers, requiring less daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Kerry Blue Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Rottweilers.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Kerry Blue Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Rottweilers.
  • Trainability: Rottweilers may be slightly easier to train due to their Rottweiler's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Kerry Blue Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Rottweilers typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier and Rottweiler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Kerry Blue Terrier Rottweiler
Size Small Large
Life Expectancy 12-15 years 9-10 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Terrier Group Working Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Kerry Blue Terrier Rottweiler
Height
18-20 inches
44-50 cm
22-27 inches
56-69 cm
Weight
33-40 lbs
15-18 kg
80-135 lbs
36-61 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Unknown Seasonal

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Kerry Blue Terrier Rottweiler
Temperament Smart, Alert, People-Oriented Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian
Energy Level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
1/5
2/5

Compatibility

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

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.

Rottweiler Temperament

Loyal Loving Confident Guardian

The Rottweiler is characterized by being loyal, loving, confident guardian, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Rottweiler, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Kerry Blue Terrier
3/5
Rottweiler
3/5

Good with Children

Kerry Blue Terrier
4/5
Rottweiler
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Kerry Blue Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 4/5

Rottweiler

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Kerry Blue Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 2/5

Rottweiler

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Kerry Blue Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Rottweiler

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Kerry Blue Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Rottweiler

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Kerry Blue Terrier

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Rottweiler

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.

Rottweiler Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Rottweilers 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, Rottweilers 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

Rottweiler Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 9-10 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Heart Problems
  • Eye Issues
  • Osteosarcoma

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

Rottweiler

Pros

  • Loyal and protective
  • Excellent guard dog
  • Intelligent
  • Good with family
  • Trainable
  • Strong work ethic

Cons

  • High exercise needs
  • Can be stubborn
  • Requires firm training
  • May be too powerful for novice owners

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

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