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Glen of Imaal Terrier 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

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Kerry Blue Terrier

You’re probably comparing these two because they’re rare Irish terriers with soft coats and strong personalities, and you want something off the beaten path. maybe you’ve had terriers before and need a dog that’s spirited but not exhausting, or you love the idea of a loyal, low-shedding companion. But here’s the thing: they’re different beasts beneath the surface. The Glen of Imaal Terrier is the quiet rebel. Stocky, low to the ground, built like a tank with a heart to match. He’s affectionate to a fault, happiest curled on the couch after a solid walk or a puzzle toy session. He’s not loud. he won’t bark at squirrels on principle. but he’s bold when he needs to be. If you live in an apartment or just want a dog that adapts to your life without demanding constant action, the Glen could be your guy. But don’t mistake his calm for easy training. He’s a terrier. He’ll make his own decisions. The Kerry Blue is flashier, taller, always on. He’s got that signature blue curl and a motor that hums at a higher pitch. He’s more vocal, more intense, and he needs a job. even if it’s just advanced obedience or dog sports. Allergy sufferers love him for his near-zero shedding, but you’ll pay for it in grooming time. He bonds deeply but can be wary of other dogs. You need to be the kind of person who doesn’t mind a little drama. The real difference? Energy rhythm. The Glen paces himself. The Kerry keeps score. If you want a companion who’s steady and quietly devoted, go Glen. If you want a dog who’s always engaged, always watching, always there, the Kerry will fill your life. but don’t expect quiet.

Glen of Imaal Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
12.5–14 in
Height
17.5–19.5 in
32–40 lb
Weight
33–40 lb
10–15 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#174
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.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Kerry Blue Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Watchdog / Protective
Kerry Blue Terrier is more protective (2-point difference)
Kerry
Barking Level
Glen of Imaal Terrier barks less (2-point difference)
Glen
Good with Young Children
Kerry Blue Terrier is better with kids (1-point difference)
Kerry
Good with Other Dogs
Glen of Imaal Terrier is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Glen
Shedding Level
Kerry Blue Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Kerry
The verdict

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if…

  • Experienced terrier owners
  • Families with older children
  • Apartment or small home living
  • You value good with other dogsGlen of Imaal Terrier 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.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Glen of Imaal 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
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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