Airedale Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier

Airedale Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier: full comparison

Key differences at a glance

• The Airedale Terrier is a larger dog than the Kerry Blue Terrier, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Airedale Terrier is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Airedale Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Kerry Blue Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Airedale Terrier is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and drops very little hair. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Kerry Blue Terrier is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Airedale Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Kerry Blue Terrier trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Airedale Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Kerry Blue Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

• For apartment or apartment living, Kerry Blue Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
• For families with young children, Airedale Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For first-time dog owners, Airedale Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For being left alone during the workday, Airedale Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
• For allergy sufferers, Kerry Blue Terrier has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Airedale Terrier if you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Kerry Blue Terrier if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want a longer-lived breed, or you want less shedding around the home.

Related guides