Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison

Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed ComparisonKerry Blue Terrier is originated from Ireland but Tea Cup Chihuahua is originated from Mexico. Kerry Blue Terrier may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Tea Cup Chihuahua. Kerry Blue Terrier may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than Tea Cup Chihuahua. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Tea Cup Chihuahua has almost same life span. Kerry Blue Terrier may have more litter size than Tea Cup Chihuahua. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Tea Cup Chihuahua requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Toy dog
undefined
Ireland
Mexico
Height Male:
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
15 - 38 cm
5 - 15 inches
Height Female:
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
2 - 4
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Irish Blue Terrier
Toy Chihuahuas
Colors Available:
blackish, grey, Blue
any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, white, cream and chocolate., red, brown, white, fawn
Coat:
Soft, wavy to curly, dense
long haired and short dense coarse hair
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

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.

tea cup chihuahuaChihuahua is a state in the country of Mexico. From this state, the dog breed Chihuahua and the “teacup, or toy” chihuahua take their name. Interestingly the Chihuahua Club of America maintains that “teacup” Chihuahuas do not exist and that the size differential is normal for the breed. Chihuahuas or their ancestors have been around a very long time, sadly the exact origins of the Chihuahua are lost into the pages of history, but archaeological clues such as wheeled dog toys, art, and pottery link the Chihuahua to Mexico and to the Techichi dog. The Techichi dog at the time of the Spanish Conquistadors was sold for food (not unlike we sell beef or chicken) and also as a companion dog to death. Cortez even mentioned the Techichi dog in a letter sent back to Spain, describing them as being raised for food and sold in the marketplace.

When a death occurred a dog was chosen as a companion and cremated with the deceased. It was believed that the dog helped the soul of the decedent reach their eternal destination. The Techichi dog from which the modern-day chihuahua likely descended was very plentiful in the central American area that is now the country of Mexico and raised by the ancient Toltecs and later the Aztec people.

Chihuahuas are little dogs and come in a variety of coats, head shapes and even (within the designation small) sizes. The designation “teacup, toy or pocket” while not an official breed name is a useful descriptor, since they are the littlest of an already small breed and these minute pets, as puppies, may fit into a teacup or a pocket.

Fortunately while no longer a food source, the chihuahua is now sought after as a loyal and lively pet and companion.

Description

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.

tea cup chihuahua puppy - descriptionChihuahuas are small. Even the bigger ones are only about six pounds and a “teacup” or “toy” is often three pounds or less. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, but even the tallest are not over nine inches. Chihuahua standing under five inches in height is not uncommon in the “teacup” or smallest of these dogs. They have two different head types and a domed skull. One type of head shape is like a deer while the other is described as an apple-shaped head. The apple-shaped heads are more popular than the deer shaped heads, although sometimes in the “teacup” especially the soft spot fails to close at maturity when growth is complete and the bones should knit, therefore leaving a soft spot in their skull – this is called a molera.

Like different shaped heads chihuahua may have long hair or short-haired coats. The short-haired coats are smooth. The Chihuahua coats may be a large variety of colors ranging from black to white, with red, brown, fawn, cream and chocolate and they may be solid-colored, spotted or sabled. Personal preference is the determining factor on the type of coat a pet Chihuahua has since the breed does not have a preferred color, pattern, hair length or feel. Their muzzle (nose/mouth combination) is short and pointed. Chihuahua have have naturally erect pointed ears and large round eyes. A Chihuahuas tail is relatively long and mostly either curled up and over the back or carried up.

Characteristics

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.

tea cup chihuahua dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very interactive with family but has been known to nip at small children and bark, so no not really

2. Special talents more stamina than expected in such a small dog and barking

3. Adaptability yes but they are better off in apartments and homes not out in the country where their size makes them targets for predators.

4. Learning ability average ability to learn but Chihuahua can be but stubborn which may impact ability and willingness to learn.

Health Problems

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.

tea cup chihuahua puppies - health problemsChihuahuas live on average fourteen to eighteen years. There are some issues that may cause concern or lower life expectancy.]

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something to watch for. Low blood sugar can cause death in just a few hours but when caught is very easily treated. Some of the symptoms are being uncoordinated when walking, acting sleepy or lethargic, unfocused sight, fainting, having a seizure or having spasms in the muscles of the neck. First aid can right this condition with a sweet supplement like corn syrup, or honey. This is more common in puppies, but the teacup chihuahuas are susceptible.

• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) can affect many toy dog breeds. The puppy or dog will appear to have an oversized head, and be slow (display lethargy) and grow slower than its littermates.

• Pulmonic stenosis (a heart condition) occurs when the right ventricle is impeded. Teacup Chihuahuas are also susceptible to heart murmurs.

• Collapsed trachea this occurs when the cartilaginous rings in a Chihuahua do not form completely or weaken. This can be hereditary or an acquired condition and occurs in other small breeds of dog.

• Molera – where after finishing growth a soft spot remains in the skull and the bones do not knit. As a puppy, the owner must remain vigilant about head injuries.

• Obesity (overweight). Most of the time this is a result of the Teacup Chihuahua being overfed. Obesity can contribute to a shortened lifespan and chronic bronchitis.

• Cold susceptibility. Cold weather can cause Teacup Chihuahuas to shiver or tremble when exposed and during cold temperatures, the dogs may need to wear a sweater and boots outside and cuddle with their owners under blankets or bask in the sun to stay warm.

• Infected or injured eyes. Due to the prominent eyes, exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, or dry air can cause the dog to develop this beginning with watering eyes.

Caring The Pet

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.

tea cup chihuahua dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppies. Puppies should be fed four times a day. Underfeeding can cause the issues of low blood sugar and overfeeding can result in obesity increasing the risk of other health complications.

2. Feeding the Adult. Adult teacups are also vulnerable to hypoglycemia and obesity. Of course, the low blood sugar will be much more acute than obesity and need prompt care if it occurs. Adult teacups should be fed twice a day.

3. Points for Good Health. The chihuahua generally exhibits more vigor and endurance than pet owners expect from such a small breed of dog.

4. Games and Exercise for Teacup Chihuahua. Go ahead and run and play but remember even with the unexpected stamina and endurance this is a very small dog, small legs, using discernment, judgment, and restraint so the games and exercise is fun and builds health and is a special bonding time, without jeopardizing the sugar levels or causing exhaustion or misery.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Tea Cup Chihuahua 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