Kerry Blue Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed ComparisonKerry Blue Terrier is originated from Ireland but Dandie Dinmont Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Kerry Blue Terrier may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Kerry Blue Terrier may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Dandie Dinmont Terrier has same life span. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Dandie Dinmont Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Dandie Dinmont Terrier requires Moderate maintenance.

History

kerry blue terrier - historyThe Kerry Blue Terrier hails from Ireland, with the name of the dog coming from a place known as County Kerry, and Blue being the color of the dog's coat.

The Kerry Blue was originally bred to control rats, rabbits and otters and was actually a working dog for a host of different jobs.

It was in 1922 that the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club was founded and recognized by the AKC in 1924.

dandie dinmont terrier - historyThe rough coated Dandie Dinmont Terrier originates from Scotland. They were used centuries ago for hunting otters and badgers.

There are theories that exist that the dog is a cross between Scottish- and Skye Terriers while others believe there must be some Dachshund in the mix because of the long body of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier was first recorded as a distinct breed in the late 1600s. The British Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club was formed in 1875 while the American Kennel Club recognized the Dandie in 1886.

Description

kerry blue terrier puppy - descriptionThe Kerry Blue is a small dog standing at between 44 to 51cm and weighing anything between 15 and 18kg. He has dark eyes which give him that typical alert Terrier expression.

The ears are small and are carried up before flopping down. The high-set tail has always been customarily docked, giving him a compact, jaunty appearance but these days, the tail tends to be left long, curling somewhat over the back.

He has a coat which is quite wavy or curly and comes in different shades of grey or blue, while the puppies are born black, gradually becoming more blue. The dog is considered to be hypoallergenic as it doesn't shed a lot.

Temperament:

Kerry Blue Terriers are strong willed dogs, but with training and socialization they respond well to instructions such as sit, come, lie-down and stay. As a Terrier breed he is feisty, lively, strong-willed, stubborn, independent and impulsive. They are loyal and affectionate towards their owners and are amicable with children and pets in the home.

Training and socialization develops a balanced attitude around his human family, other animals in the home and around strangers. He is an active dog too so whether he lives in the city or the countryside, he will require a lot of exercise as he is full of life.

You can’t just put him in the backyard and forget about him. He is an intelligent, social dog who will only do well when he is counted in as a family member.

dandie dinmont terrier puppy - descriptionThe Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a small dog who stands between 20 – 28cm at the withers and weighs between 8 and 11kg. He is recognizable by his fluffy head of hair.

He actually has quite a unique look with his long body and slightly over-sized head. He has floppy ears and a long tail. His coat is quite unusual too in that it can be silky and long around the face, legs and belly, while the topcoat is fairly shortish and crisp. His coat color is fawn to brown or reddish. He isn’t a heavy shedder.

Temperament:

Known also as the Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier, the Mustard and Pepper Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont makes an excellent family pet with his calm demeanor, being somewhat reserved around strangers.

He is an alert, intelligent little dog and will warn you of strangers coming into your space. He therefore makes a good watchdog. He is loving and loyal to his human family and will readily fit into life in the city or in the countryside.

They are good with children and pets but with his independent streak, he will require training and socialization if you want him to behave and be obedient.

Characteristics

kerry blue terrier dog - characteristicsWhen you bring a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home and your life, you’re going to have a jaunty, lively, comical pet in your home, as he certainly has the reputation of making people laugh.

He is such an intelligent dog too and has no difficulty with learning new tricks. He takes his role of watchdog seriously too, as he loves his human family and wants to be looking out for them.

When you bring a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home, you can be assured of jolly good fun from a true canine companion.

dandie dinmont terrier dog - characteristicsYour Dandie Dinmont is capable of being a wonderful companion. He loves spending time with his human family and is affectionate and loyal.

The small Dandie is able to fit into life in the city or country, just so long as he has his human family with him. Because he comes from Terrier dogs, he is no push-over though and he has an independent streak which will benefit from training and socialization.

Make sure you give this small dog of yours plenty of love and good care and you will find that you have a loyal, devoted friend in him.

Health Problems

kerry blue terrier puppies - health problemsYou aren’t going to be running to the vet often with your Kerry Blue as he is a healthy dog breed. However there are some common dog diseases that even the most healthiest of dogs can succumb to.

Always feed your dog the very best food there is so that he has a strong immune system that can fight off disease.

Entropion:

This is the inward rolling of the eyelid which can irritate the dog’s eye and even cause vision loss. Surgery can treat the problem.

Cancer:

Every dog can succumb to cancer. You may well find a lump or even detect a sore that won’t heal. Treatments for cancer can include medicines, chemotherapy and surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an inherited condition to do with the hip joint. It can result in pain for your dog and even lameness. When you discover your pet no longer wants to play and he battles to get up after lying down, he will need to go to the vet. Dogs with this debilitating disease should never be bred.

dandie dinmont terrier puppies - health problemsYour pet Dandie Dinmont is a robust little dog who, with good care, can live to be anything between 12 to 15 years of age.

With every dog breed there will be health concerns, and these can include illnesses such as epilepsy as well as hypochondroplasia. All dogs have the potential to fall prey to health problems, and getting your pet from a reputable breeder can help to ensure you eliminate some of these diseases.

This small dog has a long body which means he can be affected by spinal problems. Genetics and body shape play a large role. Intervertebral disc disease is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column herniate into the spinal cord space. The discs press on the nerves and pain and paralysis can follow.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

kerry blue terrier dogs - caringThe Kerry Blue’s coat doesn’t shed a lot but it’s a curly coat that will require brushing at least twice a week. He will also require clipping and trimming if you want to keep the coat manageable.

Diet:

Nutrition is a key part of a healthy Kerry Blue Terrier and instead of just plonking down a bowl of dry kibble every day, make his mealtimes something to look forward to, more sustaining and more interesting.

Top quality kibble is good every now and then but try mixing in some cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and vegetables occasionally as well as a little bit of raw meat. You will be rewarded with bright eyes, a wet nose, bushy, wagging tail and less trips to the vet.

Make sure there is always a supply of fresh, cool water for him.

Exercise:

Active and lively, your Kerry Blue will need lots of robust exercise – a daily walk as well as ball games which ensure his muscles are kept strong and toned. Not only that, this exercise is important for keeping him fit and also mentally alert.

Exercise:

dandie dinmont terrier dogs - caringThe Dandie doesn’t require as much exercise as some other dog breeds but you want to make sure he goes with you on your walks, or you play ball with him in the garden. You don’t want to see a small dog like this becoming obese as it can herald in a host of health problems.

Grooming:

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier doesn’t shed a hang of a lot but still, you will need to brush him twice a week to get rid of those loose hairs. Also, the coat will require stripping twice a year. Some dog owners who prefer a low maintenance breed might not like knowing this, but it is a necessary part of his grooming. There are some dog owners who cut the hair rather, but then the texture of the coat will change. This is only important to know if you want to show your Dandie. Other Dandie owners take their pets to a professional groomer for clipping.

Check the Ears and Teeth:

Because the Dandie has floppy ears and a lot of hair around the face and ears, you will need to check his ears for dirt and wax build-up as these can cause an ear infection. If you’re nervous to be going inside your dog’s ears, the vet or the dog groomer can show you how.

Also, little dogs like this are prone to tooth decay, and you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week. This is because plaque and tartar buildup can cause mouth infections which contribute to other diseases within the body.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
Ireland
United Kingdom
Height Male:
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Irish Blue Terrier
Mustard and Pepper Terrier, Dandie, Charlie’s Hope Terrier
Colors Available:
blackish, grey, Blue
reddish, Fawn, brown
Coat:
Soft, wavy to curly, dense
Short to long
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schnauzer vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Kerry Blue Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  10. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Lakeland Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Old English Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Scoland Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Skye Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Jack Russell Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Schnauzer vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Rat Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Scottish Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Patterdale Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwich Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Norfolk Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. English White Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Parson Russell Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Russell Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Feist vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Manchester Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  45. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds