Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hawaiian Poi Dog - Breed Comparison

Hawaiian Poi Dog is originated from Indonesia but Kerry Blue Terrier is originated from Ireland. Hawaiian Poi Dog may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Kerry Blue Terrier. Both Hawaiian Poi Dog and Kerry Blue Terrier are having almost same weight. Hawaiian Poi Dog may live 7 years less than Kerry Blue Terrier. Hawaiian Poi Dog may have less litter size than Kerry Blue Terrier. Hawaiian Poi Dog requires Low Maintenance. But Kerry Blue Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Terrier dog
undefined
Indonesia
Ireland
Height Male:
36 - 38 cm
14 - 15 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Height Female:
34 - 36 cm
13 - 15 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 15 kg
15 - 34 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 13 kg
13 - 29 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
5 - 8 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
5 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Native Hawaiian Dog, and Hawaiian Islanders’ Dog., Poi Dog, Ilio, Hawaiian Dog
Irish Blue Terrier
Colors Available:
any color with white markings, brown mostly
blackish, grey, Blue
Coat:
short and fine
Soft, wavy to curly, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The Hawaiian Poi Dog was a descendent of the dogs brought to the Islands by the Polynesian. These Polynesian dogs were themselves descendants of the kuri dog of New Zealand. These kuri dogs were originally from Indonesia. The Hawaiian Poi dog is now extinct but at one time was considered the spiritual protector of Hawaiian children and also used as food by hungry Native Hawaiians.

The dog was called poi which was the word for a food staple mad from the root of Taro and used to put weight on the dogs before they were eaten. Meat was not fed to the dogs because it was too scarce. There was no large mammals to hunt and so the breed was never given a standard. The Poi dog seen by European explorers were short legged, pot bellied canines that lived with the hogs in the towns. Because of what they ate, the dogs were not highly intelligent but were stubborn and hard to train. Because the dogs were not suited for much beyond food and a spiritual charm, they became extinct when the traditional religion was no longer practiced and eating dogs was no longer acceptable. The breed pretty much disappeared by the early 20th century. Very few images of the dogs remain except for ancient petroglyphs.

There was an attempt by the Honolulu Zoo in the late 1960’s to redevelop the breed using local dogs to determine a standard. Then the local dogs were bred as close to the standard as possible. In the third generation one dog was born with the traits of a Poi dog. There was not much more success with this and then the Polynesian ship travel between Tahiti and Hawaii was recreated and a dog taken along.

Today’s mixed breed dogs in Hawaii are called Poi dogs but also have the stubbornness, unique appearance and ability to eat anything it is given like the original Poi. The dogs are small, and should not be confused with the original Poi dogs.

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

As previously mentioned the Poi dog is somewhat unusual in size and shape due to what they ate. They looked somewhat like the native dogs of Polynesia and New Zealand. They have short legs, long bodies, somewhat obese and a very flat head. He had a short smooth coat, in any color or any pattern. They were however mostly brown and they might or might not have white markings.

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

Children friendliness

The Hawaiian Poi dog was very friendly and good with children

Special talents

The Poi was considered a good luck charm and a spiritual protector of children

Adaptability

Given what they faced in life, the Poi dog was very adaptable, living anywhere on the islands and eating anything it could find.

Learning ability

Due to their poor diet, the Hawaiian Poi dog was seriously lacking in intelligence and learning ability.

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

Probably due to its diet, the Poi dog had several problems to their health. Their poor diet led to a sluggishness both in movement and intelligence. Its development was hampered by a lack of protein. Malnutrition and serious over inbreeding caused a weakness and poor oral hygiene. Due to this lack of teeth and chewing the bones in the dogs heads became flat. The Poi had breathing issues and overall lethargy.

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

Feeding the puppy

With meat being rare in Hawaii, none was available for the dogs. They were fed Poi – from the Taro plant roots. Puppies were fed 2-3 times a day.

Feeding the adult

The adult dog was fed once or twice a day the same as Poi puppies were fed.

Points for Good Health

The Hawaiian Poi dog basically has not good health points.

Games and Exercises

The Poi dog did not need and did not get much exercise, leading to its demise.

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. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Hawaiian Poi Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Kerry Blue Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Kerry Blue Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Kerry Blue Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Kerry Blue Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Kerry Blue Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Kerry Blue Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison