Comparison: Irish Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier

Irish Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Irish Terrier
Photo: Anne Sollerud, CC BY 3.0, source
Kerry Blue Terrier
Photo: Eponimm, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Irish TerrierKerry Blue Terrier
FCI group3. Terriers3. Terriers
Country of originIrelandIreland
CategoryMediumMedium
Height at withers–44.5–49.5 cm
Weight–15–18 kg
Recognition features
  • Dense red to wheaten-red wiry coat
  • Long, flat-skulled head with beard and small V-shaped ears
  • Lean, racy outline built for speed and endurance
  • Soft, plentiful, wavy coat in any shade of blue; puppies are born black
  • Full beard and keen terrier expression
  • Upstanding, muscular body with the tail carried erect
CoatHard, wiry, close-lying and abundant; solid red, golden red or red-wheaten.Soft, plentiful and wavy; blue of any shade with or without black points (black only up to 18 months of age).
PurposeVersatile farmyard dog, guard and gundog; used as a messenger dog in the First World War.Irish all-round terrier, originally used on otter, badger and vermin around farms; today a watchdog and companion.

Breed page: Irish Terrier · Breed page: Kerry Blue Terrier

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.