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

Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Schnoodle are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

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

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

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

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

Is Kerry Blue Terrier or Schnoodle bigger?

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

Which barks more, Kerry Blue Terrier or Schnoodle?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

For apartment or flat living, Kerry Blue Terrier and Schnoodle are an even match — either can work well.

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Schnoodle: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Schnoodle: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a garden makes life easier. By comparison, the Schnoodle is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a garden makes life easier. 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 Schnoodle 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 is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Schnoodle needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Kerry Blue Terrier picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Schnoodle takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Kerry Blue Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Schnoodle will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Kerry Blue Terrier and Schnoodle are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Kerry Blue Terrier and Schnoodle are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Schnoodle 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 Schnoodle are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Kerry Blue Terrier and Schnoodle 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 Schnoodle if you want an easier dog to train or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Schnoodle