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

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

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

The Welsh Terrier sheds more than the Kerry Blue Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Kerry Blue Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.

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

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

Is Kerry Blue Terrier or Welsh Terrier bigger?

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

Which barks more, Kerry Blue Terrier or Welsh Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Welsh Terrier: Which Sheds Less?

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Welsh Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Kerry Blue Terrier	Welsh Terrier
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Very High	High
Shedding	Very Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Size and living space

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Welsh Terrier is a mid-sized breed 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 demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Welsh Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. 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 barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Welsh Terrier needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds very little. 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 Kerry Blue Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Welsh Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, 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 Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Kerry Blue Terrier and Welsh Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh 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 Kerry Blue Terrier if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Welsh Terrier if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Welsh Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Welsh Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Welsh Terrier?: The Welsh Terrier sheds more than the Kerry Blue Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Kerry Blue Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Welsh Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Kerry Blue Terrier or Welsh Terrier bigger?: Kerry Blue Terrier and Welsh Terrier are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Kerry Blue Terrier or Welsh Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Kerry Blue Terrier or Welsh Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Kerry Blue Terrier and Welsh Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Welsh Terrier