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Bluetick Coonhound vs Kerry Blue Terrier

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Bluetick Coonhound vs Kerry Blue Terrier

You’re not going to find these two dogs hanging out at the same park often, but people compare Bluetick Coonhounds and Kerry Blue Terriers when they want a smart, active dog with personality. and are trying to decide between raw energy and refined mischief. On paper, both are high-energy, bark-prone, and need work to stay balanced. But living with one versus the other? Totally different adventures. The Bluetick is a hound with a mission. He’s built for wide-open spaces and long nights following a cold trail. You’ll love his loyalty and deep, resonant bay. until 2 a.m. on a Tuesday. He's devoted but independent, and while he’ll learn fast, he’ll only obey if the squirrel in question hasn’t caught his eye. Kids aren’t his priority. he’s too busy listening for wildlife. If you hunt or live on acreage with other dogs, he’s magic. If you’re in an apartment or want a calm evening, run. The Kerry Blue is a charmer with opinions. He’s smaller, softer in temperament with families, and bonds tightly to his people. That silky blue coat doesn’t shed, making him a favorite for allergy sufferers, but it demands grooming. like, weekly. He’s more affectionate and better with older kids than the Bluetick, but don’t be fooled by the grin. He’s a terrier. Small animals are suspect. Other dogs? Maybe not. Training is harder because he’s always negotiating. Here’s the real talk: the Bluetick lives to follow his nose no matter what you say. The Kerry Blue lives to win your attention no matter what you say. Pick based on whose stubbornness matches your lifestyle.

Bluetick Coonhound
Kerry Blue Terrier
21–27 in
Height
17.5–19.5 in
45–80 lb
Weight
33–40 lb
11–12 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$0.8–2.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#130
AKC popularity
#129

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bluetick Coonhound Kerry Blue Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Bluetick Coonhound is better with other dogs (3-point difference)
Bluetick
Watchdog / Protective
Kerry Blue Terrier is more protective (3-point difference)
Kerry
Affectionate w/ Family
Kerry Blue Terrier is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Kerry
Shedding Level
Kerry Blue Terrier sheds less (2-point difference)
Kerry
Good with Young Children
Kerry Blue Terrier is better with kids (1-point difference)
Kerry
The verdict

Choose the Bluetick Coonhound if…

  • Active people
  • Hunters
  • Rural homes
  • You value good with other dogsBluetick Coonhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Kerry Blue Terrier if…

  • Experienced terrier owners
  • Active families
  • Allergy sufferers
  • You value watchdog / protectiveKerry Blue Terrier scores higher here.
Bluetick Coonhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bluetick Coonhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Kerry Blue Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Kerry Blue Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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