Shetland Sheepdog vs Kerry Blue Terrier
Breed Compatibility
75% Compatible
Energy Level
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Kerry Blue Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Very Compatible
Trainability
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Kerry Blue Terrier: May be Stubborn0.2
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Kerry Blue Terrier: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Kerry Blue Terrier4/5
Good with Other Dogs
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Kerry Blue Terrier2/5
Good with Strangers
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
Kerry Blue Terrier3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Shetland Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision problems
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
MDR1 Gene: Medicine sensitivity
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
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
Pros & Cons Comparison
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent family dog
Low maintenance cost
Good with children
Cons
Excessive barking tendency
Heavy shedding
Can be shy with strangers
Requires extensive grooming
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
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
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.
Heritage & Purpose
Shetland Sheepdog
Origin:
Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources.
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.
Special Considerations
Shetland Sheepdog
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Regular professional grooming needed every 4-8 weeks. Daily exercise requirements must be met. Early socialization crucial for balanced temperament.
Shedding
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