Kerry Blue Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier
Breed Compatibility
87% Compatible
Energy Level
Kerry Blue Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
West Highland White Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Very Compatible
Trainability
Kerry Blue Terrier: May be Stubborn0.2
West Highland White Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Kerry Blue Terrier: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
West Highland White Terrier: Daily Brushing0.8
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Kerry Blue Terrier4/5
West Highland White Terrier5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Kerry Blue Terrier2/5
West Highland White Terrier3/5
Good with Strangers
Kerry Blue Terrier3/5
West Highland White Terrier4/5
Living Requirements
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
West Highland White Terrier
Craniomandibular Osteopathy: Jaw bone growth
Legg-Calve-Perthes: Hip joint issue
Addison's Disease: Hormone deficiency
White Shaker Syndrome: Tremor condition
Pulmonary Fibrosis: Lung tissue scarring
Skin Allergies: Dermatological issues
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
West Highland White Terrier
Pros
Adaptable to different living situations
Good with families
Low-shedding coat
Alert watchdog
Cons
Can be stubborn
Regular grooming required
May chase small animals
Can be vocal
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.
West Highland White Terrier Fun Fact
Their white coat was specifically bred after a farmer accidentally shot his reddish-brown terrier, mistaking it for a fox!
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.
West Highland White Terrier
Origin:
Developed in Scotland during the 1800s, these terriers were bred to hunt rats, foxes, and other vermin in the Scottish Highlands, with their white coat making them easily distinguishable from prey.
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.
West Highland White Terrier
Regular grooming is essential for their double coat. They need consistent training to manage terrier stubbornness and require proper socialization to prevent small animal chasing.
Shedding
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