Tosa vs Kerry Blue Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Tosa
Foundation Stock Service
Kerry Blue Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Tosa Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Tosa combines impressive physical strength with a dignified bearing. Standing tall with a muscular build, broad head, and deep chest, these dogs showcase a short, dense coat in various solid colors. Their calm demeanor masks incredible strength, while their patient and vigilant nature makes them exceptional guardians. Distinguished by their noble expression and balanced proportions, Tosas move with surprising grace despite their substantial size.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Tosas are less energetic than Kerry Blue Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tosas require less grooming attention compared to Kerry Blue Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tosas tend to be more reserved with strangers than Kerry Blue Terriers.
- Trainability: Tosas may be slightly easier to train due to their Tosa's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Kerry Blue Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Tosas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Tosa and Kerry Blue Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tosa | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tosa | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-60 cm | 18-20 inches 44-50 cm |
| Weight | 100-200 lbs 45-91 kg | 33-40 lbs 15-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Tosa | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Fearless, Patient, Vigilant | Smart, Alert, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tosa | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Tosa Temperament
The Tosa is known for being fearless, patient, vigilant, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament
The Kerry Blue Terrier is characterized by being smart, alert, people-oriented, 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 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 Tosa and Kerry Blue Terrier, 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
Tosa
Rating: 3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tosa
Rating: 1/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tosa
Rating: 2/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Tosa Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tosas 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, Tosas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Kerry Blue Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Kerry Blue Terriers 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
With their short, dense coat coat, Kerry Blue Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Tosa Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Joint Issues
Kerry Blue Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Tosa
Pros
- Loyal guardian
- Patient temperament
- Calm demeanor
- Low barking tendency
Cons
- Requires experienced owner
- Size management challenges
- High food costs
- Not suited for small spaces
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Tosa and Kerry Blue Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.