Irish Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Best for Apartments

Kerry Blue Terrier

5/5 · Ideal

Easiest Grooming

Irish Terrier

4/5 · High maintenance

Longest Lifespan

🤝 Tie

Easiest to Train

Kerry Blue Terrier

4/5 · Easy

Most Active

Irish Terrier

5/5 · Active

Best for First-Time Owners

🤝 Tie

4/6

67%

Irish Terrier

4/6

67%

Kerry Blue Terrier

2/6

33%

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Basic Info

Origin
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Popularity
#114
#129
#49
Common Names & Aliases
DaredevilIrish Red Terrier
Irish Blue TerrierKerry
Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten TerrierWheatie
Breed Classification
Purebred
Purebred
Purebred
Size Classification
Medium
Medium
Medium
Weight Statistics
11-12 kg
15-18 kg
Male: 16-20 kg, Female: 14-18 kg
Average Weight
11.8 kg
16.6 kg
Male: 18.1 kg, Female: 15.9 kg
Height
43 cm
Male: 46-51 cm, Female: 44-48 cm
Male: 46-51 cm, Female: 43-48 cm
Average Height
43 cm
Male: 48.5 cm, Female: 46 cm
Male: 48.5 cm, Female: 45.5 cm
Intelligence Rating
3/5
4/5
3/5
Watchdog Rating
5/5
5/5
4/5
Training Difficulty
3/5
4/5
3/5
Territorial Protection
5/5
5/5
5/5
Price Range
$600-$800
$500-$600
$800-$1000
Availability
4/5
4/5
5/5
Personality Traits
DominantLivelyRespectfulIntelligentProtectiveTrainable
AffectionateGentleSpiritedIntelligentAlertLoyalStrongWilled
AffectionateFaithfulPlayfulEnergeticIntelligentSpirited
Sensitivity Level
3/5
3/5
4/5
Impulse to Wander or Roam
3/5
3/5
4/5
Prey Drive
2/5
3/5
3/5
Affection Level
5/5
4/5
5/5
Social Needs
4/5
4/5
5/5
Barking Frequency
3/5
4/5
3/5
Playful Nature
4/5
4/5
4/5
Apartment Adaptability
3/5
5/5
4/5
Lifestyle Adaptability
5/5
5/5
5/5
Alone Time Tolerance
Low
Low
Very Low
Bite Risk Assessment
Low
Low
Low
Mouthing Tendency
1/5
4/5
2/5
Bite Strength Rating
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Average Lifespan
11-15 years
11-15 years
11-15 years
Climate Tolerance
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Health Concerns
2/5
3/5
3/5
Health Problems
Not available
Not available
Addison's DiseaseAllergiesCancerRenal Dysplasia
Vet Care Frequency
Frequent
Average
Average
Energy Rating
5/5
4/5
4/5
Sleeping Need
1/5
2/5
2/5
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
4/5
4/5
4/5
Obesity Tendency
3/5
3/5
3/5
Food Consumption
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups of a high-quality daily, divided into two meals.
Allergy Friendliness
Yes
Yes
Yes
Coat Colors
RedWheaten
SilverBlueGrayBlack
Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
4/5
5/5
5/5
Shedding Level
1/5
1/5
2/5
Drooling Tendency
1/5
1/5
1/5
Stinkiness Rating
Medium
Low
Medium
Coat Characteristics
StraightWiry
Curly
Curly
Bathing Needs
8-12 weeks
3-4 weeks
3-4 weeks
Cat Friendly
2/5
2/5
1/5
Child Compatibility
4/5
4/5
4/5
Dog Friendly
2/5
2/5
4/5
Stranger Friendly
2/5
3/5
4/5
Office Friendly
No
No
No
Senior Citizens Friendly
Recommended
Recommended
Recommended
Pet Compatibility
Below Average
Below Average
Not Good
Good For First Time Owners
Yes
Yes
Yes
Service Dog Capability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Therapy Work Suitability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Scent Detection Ability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Search & Rescue Potential
Not really
Not really
Not really
Maritime Work Ability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Draft Work Capability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Military Service Background
Not really
Yes
Not really
Puppy Litter Size
4-6 puppies
4-8 puppies
5-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
60-64 days
60-64 days
60-64 days
Breeding Frequency
Once a year.
Once a year.
Once a year.
AKC Classification
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Terrier breed.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1922 as a Terrier breed.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section.
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section.
Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Not available
Not available
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Canine RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Club Espanol De TerriersIrish Kennel Club
Winner / Best value