Kerry Blue Terrier vs Spanish Water Dog

Terrier · Medium vs Herding · Medium

Quick take
  • Spanish Water Dog is the larger breed at 40–49 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

TraitKerry Blue TerrierSpanish Water Dog
Group
TerrierHerding
Size
MediumMedium
Origin
IrelandSpain
Height (male)
18–19.5"17.5–19.75"
Height (female)
17.5–19"15.75–18"
Weight (male)
33–40 lbs40–49 lbs
Weight (female)
33–40 lbs31–40 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–15 years12–14 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)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.
Moderate (3/5)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.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
wirehairedlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesYes
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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 Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is a loyal, smart, athletic Spanish all-purpose herder, hunter, and water-rescuer with a curly cord coat. Originally from Spain, this medium herding breed typically weighs 40–49 lbs and lives 12–14 years. Breeders describe them as loyal, smart, athletic.

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Kerry Blue Terrier health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Cerebellar abiotrophy

Spanish Water Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Hypothyroidism