Is the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?

The Kerry Blue Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog shed a similar amount (very low).

Which is easier to train, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?

The Portuguese Water Dog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Kerry Blue Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog bigger?

Kerry Blue Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Kerry Blue Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Kerry Blue Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog?

For apartment or apartment living, Kerry Blue Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog: Easier to Train?

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog: full comparison

Trait	Kerry Blue Terrier	Portuguese Water Dog
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Very High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	Very Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Portuguese Water Dog has noticeably higher trainability than the Kerry Blue Terrier.

Size and living space

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. 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 Kerry Blue Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Portuguese Water Dog needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Kerry Blue Terrier demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves virtually no hair around the house. The Portuguese Water Dog demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves virtually no hair around the house. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

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. The Portuguese Water Dog is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Kerry Blue Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Portuguese Water Dog will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Kerry Blue Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Kerry Blue Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Portuguese Water Dog has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Kerry Blue Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Kerry Blue Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Kerry Blue Terrier if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Portuguese Water Dog if you want an easier dog to train.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog better for families with children?: Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Portuguese Water Dog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?: The Kerry Blue Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog shed a similar amount (very low).
Which is easier to train, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Portuguese Water Dog?: The Portuguese Water Dog is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Kerry Blue Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog bigger?: Kerry Blue Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Kerry Blue Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Kerry Blue Terrier or Portuguese Water Dog?: For apartment or apartment living, Kerry Blue Terrier and Portuguese Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Portuguese Water Dog