Norwich Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison

Norwich Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed ComparisonNorwich Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Kerry Blue Terrier is originated from Ireland. Norwich Terrier may grow 26 cm / 10 inches shorter than Kerry Blue Terrier. Norwich Terrier may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Kerry Blue Terrier. Both Norwich Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier has almost same life span. Norwich Terrier may have less litter size than Kerry Blue Terrier. Both Norwich Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier requires Moderate maintenance.

History

norwich terrier - historyHailing from the United Kingdom and once known as the Cantab Terrier, the Norwich Terrier may be small, but he was bred to hunt rodents.

Closely related to the Norfolk Terrier, he is an old dog breed, having existed since the 19th century. Its understandable that such a dog would also be the mascot of Cambridge students.

It is believed that he was bred from Irish Terriers and some believe it came from the Trumpington Terrier, an extinct breed.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Ireland
Height Male:
23 - 25 cm
9 - 10 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Height Female:
23 - 25 cm
9 - 10 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 6 kg
11 - 14 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 6 kg
11 - 14 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 3
5 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
Irish Blue Terrier
Colors Available:
Wheaten, red, grizzle, tan, black and tan
blackish, grey, Blue
Coat:
Wiry double coat, medium length
Soft, wavy to curly, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

norwich terrier puppy - descriptionAs one of the smallest terriers, the Norwich Terrier is also quite a rare dog breed. He is such a cute little dog this, weighing just 5 to 5.5kg and standing at between 23–25cm at the withers.

He has erect ears and a double coat that can be wheaten, red, tan, black and tan and grizzle. The tail has always been docked previously, giving the dog an attractive, compact look but these days it is left long. These dogs have small litters – usually between one and three puppies.

Temperament:

The Norwich Terrier is a friendly little dog and is essentially a companion to humans. Just because he is small, doesn’t mean he is frail and helpless. He is a feisty, hardy dog with a brave heart and just loves his human family.

The Norwich Terrier is also strong willed and assertive and it can be of benefit to have him trained and socialized. He is energetic too, so he’ll expect a walk each day, a run in the park and ball games. They also make excellent little watchdogs, at least warning you of approaching strangers.

They are good with kids if the children have been taught to be kind and gentle with animals, and they get on well with other pets in the home too.

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.

Characteristics

norwich terrier dog - characteristicsThe Norwich Terrier is guaranteed to make you a splendid pet as he is active, friendly, social and intelligent, as well as being loving and loyal.

You can rely on this little canine friend to want to be with you and take part in all your activities. He won’t do well if you put him in the back yard and forget about him, as he craves human company.

When you do whatever it takes to ensure your Norwich Terrier is an active and treasured member of your family, you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful pet and companion for many years.

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.

Health Problems

norwich terrier puppies - health problemsThe lifespan of the Norwich Terrier is between 11 and 13 years and he is considered a healthy breed. Every dog owner needs to know that there are some health issues which will require veterinary intervention.

Cataracts, an eye disease may be inherited and it is where the eye gets a cloudy look. Other illnesses to look out for include Patellar Luxation, a problem where the dog's kneecap is dislocated from its normal anatomic position. The condition is fairly common in small dog breeds.

Check problems with the teeth - more specifically incorrect bites because of how the teeth meet.

Sometimes these dogs can battle with breathing problems. Upper Airway Syndrome is when the dogs breathing is raspy.

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.

Caring The Pet

norwich terrier dogs - caringNorwich Terriers are active little dogs and were bred to be working dogs – hunting vermin but also accompanying their owners on horseback. You can see that he has been used to an active lifestyle and will require a daily walk and games. He will also want toys which can keep him occupied in between his active sessions.

His size allows him to adapt easily to life in the city or the countryside but wherever he is, he will need a good dose of exercise.

Grooming:

The double coated Norwich Terrier, with his wiry topcoat and soft undercoat will need to be brushed twice a week to avoid matting. This is a dog that will require stripping of the old hairs from the coat. This is a process which ensures the coat retaining its texture and appearance.

If you’re in any kind of doubt, speak to a professional groomer. As it is, many owners of this dog who don’t show their dogs, have them professionally groomed.

Diet:

Always choose a high-quality dry food. Try and avoid those commercially manufactured foods which contain wheat and gluten and lots of preservatives and colorants. These can affect your pet’s health negatively.

Choose quality foods where protein is at the top of the list of ingredients. Give your pet some homemade food too, keeping his diet as simple and nutritious as possible. Some boiled chicken chopped up together with brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach will do him the world of good.

A tiny bit of raw meat every once and again will be a good thing. Avoid foods such as chocolates, ice-cream, popcorn, onions and spicy foods as these will upset your pet’s digestive system.

Make sure he always as fresh, cool water available.

General Care:

Provide him with a warm, dry, soft bed. If he is outside for any length of time, make sure he has a sheltered area away from the sun and rain.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds