Havanese vs Kerry Blue Terrier

Toy · Small vs Terrier · Medium

Quick take
  • Kerry Blue Terrier is the larger breed at 33–40 lbs (males) vs 7–13 lbs for the Havanese.
  • The Havanese typically lives longer (14–16 years).
  • The Kerry Blue Terrier has higher daily energy needs.

Side-by-side traits

TraitHavaneseKerry Blue Terrier
Group
ToyTerrier
Size
SmallMedium
Origin
CubaIreland
Height (male)
8.5–11.5"18–19.5"
Height (female)
8.5–11.5"17.5–19"
Weight (male)
7–13 lbs33–40 lbs
Weight (female)
7–13 lbs33–40 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
14–16 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very Low (1/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
longwirehaired
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesYes
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About the Havanese

The Havanese is an intelligent, outgoing, funny lapdog — Cuba's national dog with a silky, hypoallergenic coat. Originally from Cuba, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as intelligent, outgoing, funny.

About the Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a smart, alert, people-oriented Irish farmer's all-purpose dog with a famous slate-blue coat. Originally from Ireland, this medium terrier breed typically weighs 33–40 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as smart, alert, people-oriented.

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Havanese health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Heart problems

Kerry Blue Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Cerebellar abiotrophy