Kerry Blue Terrier vs Swedish Vallhund
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
Swedish Vallhund
Herding 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.
Swedish Vallhund Overview
Swedish Vallhunds are compact, sturdy herding dogs with distinctive wolf-like features and characteristic spitz-type traits. Their muscular build, alert expression, and medium-length double coat reflect their Viking heritage. Standing at 12-13 inches tall, these agile dogs possess a unique combination of strength and nimbleness, with their short legs and long body giving them a distinctive silhouette.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Kerry Blue Terriers are less energetic than Swedish Vallhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Kerry Blue Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Swedish Vallhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Kerry Blue Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Swedish Vallhunds.
- Trainability: Swedish Vallhunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Swedish Vallhund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Kerry Blue Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Swedish Vallhunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier and Swedish Vallhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-20 inches 44-50 cm | 12-14 inches 29-35 cm |
| Weight | 33-40 lbs 15-18 kg | 20-35 lbs 9-16 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Alert, People-Oriented | Friendly, Energetic, Watchful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Kerry Blue Terrier | Swedish Vallhund |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Swedish Vallhund Temperament
The Swedish Vallhund is characterized by being friendly, energetic, watchful, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Kerry Blue Terrier and Swedish Vallhund, 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
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Swedish Vallhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Swedish Vallhund
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.
Swedish Vallhund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Swedish Vallhunds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Swedish Vallhunds 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
Swedish Vallhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Swedish Vallhund Retinopathy
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
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
Swedish Vallhund
Pros
- Highly trainable
- Good with families
- Excellent watchdog
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Seasonal shedding
- Strong herding instinct
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Kerry Blue Terrier and Swedish Vallhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.