Irish Water Spaniel vs Kerry Blue Terrier
Sporting · Large vs Terrier · Medium
Irish Water SpanielLarge
A playful, hardworking, brave water retriever — Ireland's sporting clown with a famous rat-tail.
Weight: 55–68 lbsLifespan: 12–13 years
Kerry Blue TerrierMedium
A smart, alert, people-oriented Irish farmer's all-purpose dog with a famous slate-blue coat.
Weight: 33–40 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Irish Water Spaniel is the larger breed at 55–68 lbs (males) vs 33–40 lbs for the Kerry Blue Terrier.
- • The Kerry Blue Terrier typically lives longer (12–15 years).
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Water Spaniel | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Sporting | Terrier |
Size | Large | Medium |
Origin | Ireland | Ireland |
Height (male) | 22–24" | 18–19.5" |
Height (female) | 21–23" | 17.5–19" |
Weight (male) | 55–68 lbs | 33–40 lbs |
Weight (female) | 45–58 lbs | 33–40 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | 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. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | long | wirehaired |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | Yes |
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About the Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful, hardworking, brave water retriever — Ireland's sporting clown with a famous rat-tail. Originally from Ireland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 55–68 lbs and lives 12–13 years. Breeders describe them as playful, hardworking, brave.
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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Irish Water Spaniel health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Hypothyroidism
Kerry Blue Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Cerebellar abiotrophy