Kerry Blue Terrier vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonCatalan Sheepdog is originated from Spain but Kerry Blue Terrier is originated from Ireland. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Kerry Blue Terrier are having almost same height. Catalan Sheepdog may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Kerry Blue Terrier. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Kerry Blue Terrier has almost same life span. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Kerry Blue Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Catalan Sheepdog and Kerry Blue Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Terrier dog
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Spain
Ireland
Height Male:
47 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Height Female:
45 - 53 cm
17 - 21 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Gos d'Atura Català, Catalan shepherd
Irish Blue Terrier
Colors Available:
Fawn, brownish, dark grey, black
blackish, grey, Blue
Coat:
Long coat - fairly wavy
Soft, wavy to curly, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

catalan sheepdogThe Catalan Sheepdog, known also as the Gos d’Atura, hails from Catalonia, Spain. It is believed that the dog is related to the Portuguese- and Pyrenean Sheepdogs.

The standard for this breed was formulated in 1929. The sheepdog developed during Roman Empire times between 200 and 100 BC already, being used as livestock guard dogs. With the breed dwindling in the 1970s, Catalonian Sheepdog lovers started promoting it, but it remains a rare breed.

kerry blue terrierThe Kerry Blue Terrier hails from Ireland, with the name of the dog coming from a place known as County Kerry, and Blue being the color of the dog's coat.

The Kerry Blue was originally bred to control rats, rabbits and otters and was actually a working dog for a host of different jobs.

It was in 1922 that the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club was founded and recognized by the AKC in 1924.

Description

catalan sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Catalan is a medium sized dog but gives the impression of being bigger than he actually is. He stands from 45 – 55cm in height and weighs between 20 to 25kg.

This breed also has double dew claws on the hind feet. He has a long coat which is slightly wavy and available in different shades such as fawn to brownish to dark grey to black. He has floppy, feathery ears and a fairly long, feathery tail. He has quite a bit of hair on he face too, so you’ll notice a beard, moustache as well as hair which covers the eyes somewhat.

Temperament

Brave and courageous, the Catalan Sheepdog is also intelligent, active and hardy. He has a round face with a friendly, amicable expression. He is totally pleasant and sweet natured. However, in his role as guardian of sheep he took his role seriously, forming a strong relationship with both shepherd and sheep.

He is wary of strangers. Early socialization and training is always important, and while he makes a wonderful family pet, this training and socialization makes him more relaxed and obedient and he gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. While he is a placid, docile and gentle pet, he is also looked upon as a protector, and will defend his family.

kerry blue terrier puppy - descriptionThe Kerry Blue is a small dog standing at between 44 to 51cm and weighing anything between 15 and 18kg. He has dark eyes which give him that typical alert Terrier expression.

The ears are small and are carried up before flopping down. The high-set tail has always been customarily docked, giving him a compact, jaunty appearance but these days, the tail tends to be left long, curling somewhat over the back.

He has a coat which is quite wavy or curly and comes in different shades of grey or blue, while the puppies are born black, gradually becoming more blue. The dog is considered to be hypoallergenic as it doesn't shed a lot.

Temperament:

Kerry Blue Terriers are strong willed dogs, but with training and socialization they respond well to instructions such as sit, come, lie-down and stay. As a Terrier breed he is feisty, lively, strong-willed, stubborn, independent and impulsive. They are loyal and affectionate towards their owners and are amicable with children and pets in the home.

Training and socialization develops a balanced attitude around his human family, other animals in the home and around strangers. He is an active dog too so whether he lives in the city or the countryside, he will require a lot of exercise as he is full of life.

You can’t just put him in the backyard and forget about him. He is an intelligent, social dog who will only do well when he is counted in as a family member.

Characteristics

catalan sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Catalan Sheepdog is such an amicable character – he is going to make an awesome pet. He is an intelligent and obedient dog and is easily trained.

He has been used for guarding- and herding work and as a family pet makes a excellent guard dog as well. Capable of being gentle too, he is everything his human family wants him to be and just becomes a regular member of the family.

kerry blue terrier dog - characteristicsWhen you bring a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home and your life, you’re going to have a jaunty, lively, comical pet in your home, as he certainly has the reputation of making people laugh.

He is such an intelligent dog too and has no difficulty with learning new tricks. He takes his role of watchdog seriously too, as he loves his human family and wants to be looking out for them.

When you bring a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home, you can be assured of jolly good fun from a true canine companion.

Health Problems

catalan sheepdog puppies - health problemsThe Catalan Sheepdog is a fairly healthy breed and has a life expectancy of 12, 13 or 14 years. Nonetheless you will still need to watch out with common dog ailments with him, particularly hip dysplasia.

Hyp Dysplasia:

This is a joint and hip disease which can start with symptoms from 6 months of age already. Your dog will be hesitant to play and jump, doesn’t like to go upstairs, tires easily during a walk and develops a hop-like way to walk. You’ll notice that when he lies down, he battles to- or is reluctant to get up again.

X-rays may be required to confirm the diagnosis of hip dysplasia. There are different treatment options, all with the wellbeing of your pet in mind. You don’t want him to have a life of pain and lameness.

kerry blue terrier puppies - health problemsYou aren’t going to be running to the vet often with your Kerry Blue as he is a healthy dog breed. However there are some common dog diseases that even the most healthiest of dogs can succumb to.

Always feed your dog the very best food there is so that he has a strong immune system that can fight off disease.

Entropion:

This is the inward rolling of the eyelid which can irritate the dog’s eye and even cause vision loss. Surgery can treat the problem.

Cancer:

Every dog can succumb to cancer. You may well find a lump or even detect a sore that won’t heal. Treatments for cancer can include medicines, chemotherapy and surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an inherited condition to do with the hip joint. It can result in pain for your dog and even lameness. When you discover your pet no longer wants to play and he battles to get up after lying down, he will need to go to the vet. Dogs with this debilitating disease should never be bred.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

catalan sheepdog dogs - caringThe Catalan Sheepdog is a working breed, so he is going to need plenty of exercise. While he adapts easily to city- or country life, it will be to his benefit to have a garden to romp in. You will still need to take him for walks and play ball- and rope games with him. This will prevent boredom and destructive behavior from him.

Grooming:

The Catalan Sheepdog has long hair so he will need to be brushed twice a week to avoid matting. This will help to remove loose hair too, but also distribute natural oils through his coat, keeping his hair and skin healthy and free from skin rashes and itchiness.

This brushing ensures other benefits as you can simultaneously check him for parasites such as fleas and ticks.

Diet:

If you feed him commercial dog food, make sure its a high quality one. He is an active breed so will require high protein. Give him some homemade rice, vegetables and meat, and include raw meat in his food from time to time too. Always ensure that there is fresh, cool water constantly within reach.

Grooming:

kerry blue terrier dogs - caringThe Kerry Blue’s coat doesn’t shed a lot but it’s a curly coat that will require brushing at least twice a week. He will also require clipping and trimming if you want to keep the coat manageable.

Diet:

Nutrition is a key part of a healthy Kerry Blue Terrier and instead of just plonking down a bowl of dry kibble every day, make his mealtimes something to look forward to, more sustaining and more interesting.

Top quality kibble is good every now and then but try mixing in some cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and vegetables occasionally as well as a little bit of raw meat. You will be rewarded with bright eyes, a wet nose, bushy, wagging tail and less trips to the vet.

Make sure there is always a supply of fresh, cool water for him.

Exercise:

Active and lively, your Kerry Blue will need lots of robust exercise – a daily walk as well as ball games which ensure his muscles are kept strong and toned. Not only that, this exercise is important for keeping him fit and also mentally alert.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Kerry Blue Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  5. Kerry Blue Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Kerry Blue Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  14. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  17. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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  25. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Catalan Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Catalan Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Catalan Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Catalan Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Catalan Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Catalan Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Catalan Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Catalan Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Catalan Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Catalan Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Catalan Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Catalan Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Catalan Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Catalan Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Catalan Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Catalan Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Catalan Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Catalan Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Catalan Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Catalan Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Catalan Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Catalan Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Catalan Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Catalan Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison