West Highland White Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier
Breed Compatibility
87% Compatible
Energy Level
West Highland White Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Kerry Blue Terrier: Regular Exercise0.6
Very Compatible
Trainability
West Highland White Terrier: Agreeable0.6
Kerry Blue Terrier: May be Stubborn0.2
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
West Highland White Terrier: Daily Brushing0.8
Kerry Blue Terrier: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
West Highland White Terrier5/5
Kerry Blue Terrier4/5
Good with Other Dogs
West Highland White Terrier3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier2/5
Good with Strangers
West Highland White Terrier4/5
Kerry Blue Terrier3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
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
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
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
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 Fun Fact
Their white coat was specifically bred after a farmer accidentally shot his reddish-brown terrier, mistaking it for a fox!
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
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.
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
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.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Regular professional grooming needed every 4-8 weeks. Daily exercise requirements must be met. Early socialization crucial for balanced temperament.