Kerry Blue Terrier vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonKerry Blue Terrier is originated from Ireland but Estrela Mountain Dog is originated from Portugal. Kerry Blue Terrier may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Estrela Mountain Dog. Kerry Blue Terrier may weigh 32 kg / 70 pounds lesser than Estrela Mountain Dog. Kerry Blue Terrier may live 3 years more than Estrela Mountain Dog. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Estrela Mountain Dog has same litter size. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Estrela Mountain Dog 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.

estrela mountain dog - historyAlso known as the Cao da Serra de Estrela, the large Estrela Mountain Dog from Portugal is an ancient breed, having been used for centuries to guard homesteads and livestock.

The Estrela, as a herding dog, has been developed over a long period of time because shepherds particularly wanted a dog that could survive in the mountains and be strong enough to guard livestock from predators.

The first official recorded breed standard was published in 1933, with an attempt to make the Estrela a distinct breed with a hooked tail and double dew claws.

Today the Estrela is a dog which can be found in other countries beyond Portugal, and in fact in 1973 pairs of the dogs were imported to the United States.

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.

estrela mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe large Estrela Mountain Dog stands between 62 and 72cm and weighs between 30kg and 50kg.

The dog has 2 coat types – short and long but always coarse and thick. The coat is available in a number of colors, from fawn to gray to yellow and brindle and there can be white and black mixed throughout the coat.

The head of the dog is large and long, the neck fairly short and thick, he has dark brown eyes, a bright, intelligent expression with small, floppy ears which are set high on the skull, falling backwards against the side of the head. The tail is long and thick and the dog has a deep chest.

Temperament:

A large, athletic dog, the Estrela Mountain Dog is actually a calm dog, while still being protective towards his human family.

He is an intelligent dog who responds well to training and socialization. He is an independent dog, so this training and socialization is important - will be good for him, turning him into an obedient, relaxed pet who gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

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.

estrela mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Estrela Mountain Dog loves his human family and takes guarding them and protecting them seriously. He is a strong willed, independent dog that will require training and socialization. He makes an excellent pet, and is calm and gentle with children.

The Estrela Mountain Dog has so much going for him – he is beautiful to look at, he is loyal and protective with his human family, he is intelligent, loving and a healthy type of breed, and he is just waiting to become a member of your family.

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.

estrela mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe Estrela Mountain Dog can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age, but as with any large dog, he will have a tendency to suffer from hip- and elbow dysplasia.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is another common heart failure disease found particularly in large-breed dogs. The Estrela is prone to this disease and you’ll notice he has shortness of breath, abdominal swelling and coughing. The disease may not be curable, but there are certainly treatments for it.

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.

Diet:

estrela mountain dog dogs - caringThe Estrela Mountain Dog is a large dog and thankfully, when it comes to feeding him, experts in dog feeding have come up with commercially manufactured dog feeds that particularly cater for a dog’s age, his size and any illnesses he may have.

As a large dog, your Estrela Mountain Dog can suffer with joint problems such as hip dysplasia. For hip dysplasia you want to be looking at a dog food for large dogs which contains joint-health ingredients. An ingredient in the dog food such as glucosamine can work to reduce the damage brought about by hip dysplasia.

Mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken into his kibble from time to time. You want your pet to live a long, healthy life and raw meat added in occasionally can increase your pets energy levels, reduce the risk of joint disease and ensure a shiny, soft coat. Raw meat can provide iron, zinc, vitamins, minerals and potassium.

Grooming:

The Estrela isn’t a huge shedder, but his beautiful, thick coat will require brushing twice a week. It’s your chance to check him over for fleas and ticks as well, and the entire grooming process – checking his ears, nails and teeth – is an excellent bonding experience for you and your canine friend.

Exercise:

The Estrela may be large, but he is fairly calm. He’ll love to join you on your daily walks or for a ball game in the garden. He can adapt to life in the city or the country, but his big size will mean he isn’t suited to a tiny property.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Ireland
Portugal
Height Male:
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
62 - 70 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
2 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Irish Blue Terrier
Cao da Serra de Estrela
Colors Available:
blackish, grey, Blue
Fawn, gray, yellow, brindle
Coat:
Soft, wavy to curly, dense
Short or long - coarse and thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
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, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Old English Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Rough Collie vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Saarlooswolfhond vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Estrela Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  7. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  8. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  9. Estrela Mountain Dog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  11. Huntaway vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. South Russian Ovcharka vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Samoyed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Labradoodle vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Mixed vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Great Pyrenees vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Labrador Husky vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Perro de Presa Canario vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Setter vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Schnauzer vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Kerry Blue Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  34. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  35. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Jagdterrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Indian Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Japanese Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Lakeland Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Scoland Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Skye Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Welsh Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds