Italian Greyhound vs Kerry Blue Terrier
Toy · Small vs Terrier · Medium
Italian GreyhoundSmall
A playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility.
Weight: 7–14 lbsLifespan: 14–15 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
- • Kerry Blue Terrier is the larger breed at 33–40 lbs (males) vs 7–14 lbs for the Italian Greyhound.
- • The Italian Greyhound typically lives longer (14–15 years).
- • The Kerry Blue Terrier is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Italian Greyhound | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Terrier |
Size | Small | Medium |
Origin | Italy | Ireland |
Height (male) | 13–15" | 18–19.5" |
Height (female) | 13–15" | 17.5–19" |
Weight (male) | 7–14 lbs | 33–40 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–14 lbs | 33–40 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–15 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | 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. | Very Low (1/5) | 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 | Moderate (3/5) | 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. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | short | wirehaired |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | Yes |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility. Originally from Italy, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, alert, sensitive.
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.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Italian Greyhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Leg fractures
- • Dental issues
- • Hypothyroidism
- • PRA
Kerry Blue Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Cerebellar abiotrophy