Kerry Blue Terrier vs Schipperke
Terrier · Medium vs Non-Sporting · Small
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
SchipperkeSmall
A confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff.
Weight: 10–16 lbsLifespan: 12–14 years
Quick take
- • Kerry Blue Terrier is the larger breed at 33–40 lbs (males) vs 10–16 lbs for the Schipperke.
- • The Kerry Blue Terrier typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Kerry Blue Terrier sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Kerry Blue Terrier | Schipperke |
|---|---|---|
Group | Terrier | Non-Sporting |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | Ireland | Belgium |
Height (male) | 18–19.5" | 11–13" |
Height (female) | 17.5–19" | 10–12" |
Weight (male) | 33–40 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Weight (female) | 33–40 lbs | 10–16 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 12–14 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) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | Yes | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
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.
About the Schipperke
The Schipperke is a confident, alert, curious Belgian barge dog — small black 'little captain' with foxy face and ruff. Originally from Belgium, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 10–16 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as confident, alert, curious.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Kerry Blue Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Cerebellar abiotrophy
Schipperke health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • MPS IIIB
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hypothyroidism