Kerry Blue Terrier vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Chow Chow - Breed ComparisonChow Chow is originated from China but Kerry Blue Terrier is originated from Ireland. Both Chow Chow and Kerry Blue Terrier are of same height. Chow Chow may weigh 14 kg / 31 pounds more than Kerry Blue Terrier. Both Chow Chow and Kerry Blue Terrier has almost same life span. Both Chow Chow and Kerry Blue Terrier has same litter size. Chow Chow requires High Maintenance. But Kerry Blue Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Terrier dog
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China
Ireland
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Height Female:
41 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
chowhound, chow, chowdren
Irish Blue Terrier
Colors Available:
cream and blue, Red (light gold to deep red-brown) • Cinnamon (light tan to brown) • Black
blackish, grey, Blue
Coat:
double thick and coarse
Soft, wavy to curly, dense
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

chow chowNorthern China is the original home of the Chow Chow. In that region of China, the breed was known as the Songshi Quan – “the puffy-lion” dog. They have also been known in China as the “Dog of the Tang Empire” or the Tang Quan. The Chow is believed to be an ancient breed that the Foo Dog, or stone dog guardians of Buddhist palaces and temples, is modeled after. It is one of the most ancient of dog breeds that are still around today.

It is believed that they have existed for around 2000 years or perhaps even as far back as 3000 years, starting out in Mongolia and migrating to China. The ancientness of the Chow Chow has been validated through DNA testing. In China all those centuries ago, the Chow Chow was born to be a working dog. They hunted, herded, guarded and pulled carts. They went on quests with the Mongolian armies when China was invaded, as well as when the Mongolians invaded the Middle East and Europe later on.

Today’s Canadian Kennel Club has about 350 Chows registered while the AKC gets 10,000 new registrations every year.

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

chow chow puppy - descriptionThe Chow really does look like a small lion with a black tongue. The dog is sturdy and square with erect, small ears on a broad skull. They have a very dense double coat. Their eyes are deep set and look like almonds, while they all have that very distinctive purple or black tongue. Their lips are also distinctive with their blue color. The nose is black, but some Chows might have a blue nose. The tail is curly.

These are medium size dogs when it comes to height and weight, but they are powerfully built for their size. Their power is in their compact body holding the energy and strength of a much larger dog. Its hind legs are almost entirely straight, unusual for any dog. They get their lion appearance from the huge ruff that stands behind their heads. Their chest is broad and deep.

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

chow chow dog - characteristicsLoyal and true to their family and those they know; the Chow Chow is a little standoffish with strangers. They are very protective and usually attach themselves to one or two people. They are intelligent but stubborn, which can affect your training with them. They need to respect their people and Chows respect hose who take care of them. They can be aggressive toward dogs of their same sex especially if those dogs are the same breed as well.

They are known to be very clean and many have compared them to cats in that regard. They appear to be dignified and refined. They are usually very quiet but very adaptable dogs.

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

chow chow puppies - health problemsAlthough an ancient breed that obviously has survived many centuries of trials, the Cho Chow of today is prone to several different health conditions. These include:

Eyelid Entropion

This condition can require surgery to keep the turning eyelid from injuring the eye ball.

Hip Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Stomach Cancer

Ear Infections

Make sure you keep the ears clean and keep an eye on them.

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

chow chow dogs - caringDon’t overfeed a Chow Chow as they are hard workers and big eaters. Feed them at least twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues include:

Glaucoma

This eye disease can lead to blindness if not checked and treated.

Juvenile Cataracts

These can be removed from an adolescent puppy.

Lymphoma

Again, the Chow is susceptible to cancer.

Diabetes

Can lead to heart or kidney problems if left untreated.

Hot Spots/Allergies/Melanoma

Keep a close eye on your Chow Chow skin.

Exercise and games

The Chow Chow was developed as working dog, but today’s version is more laid back and doesn’t need excessive exercise. Daily walks will suffice. They live very happily in the city if walked regularly. They are not really a competitive breed outside of obedience and confirmation. They are seldom seen in sports like agility or frisbee.

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