Is the Bedlington Terrier or the Kerry Blue Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bedlington Terrier or the Kerry Blue Terrier?

The Bedlington Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier shed a similar amount (very low).

Which is easier to train, the Bedlington Terrier or the Kerry Blue Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Bedlington Terrier or Kerry Blue Terrier bigger?

Bedlington Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Bedlington Terrier or Kerry Blue Terrier?

Kerry Blue Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bedlington Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Bedlington Terrier or Kerry Blue Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Bedlington Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bedlington Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier: Which Is Calmer?

Bedlington Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Bedlington Terrier	Kerry Blue Terrier
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Medium	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	Very Low
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Bedlington Terrier is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bedlington Terrier wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Kerry Blue Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Bedlington Terrier demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Kerry Blue Terrier demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bedlington Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Kerry Blue Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Bedlington Terrier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Kerry Blue Terrier is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bedlington Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Bedlington Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Bedlington Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Bedlington Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Bedlington Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bedlington Terrier if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Kerry Blue Terrier if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bedlington Terrier or the Kerry Blue Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Bedlington Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bedlington Terrier or the Kerry Blue Terrier?: The Bedlington Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier shed a similar amount (very low).
Which is easier to train, the Bedlington Terrier or the Kerry Blue Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bedlington Terrier or Kerry Blue Terrier bigger?: Bedlington Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Bedlington Terrier or Kerry Blue Terrier?: Kerry Blue Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bedlington Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Bedlington Terrier or Kerry Blue Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Bedlington Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bedlington Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier