PuppyBase

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Plott Hound

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

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Plott Hound

You don’t see many people weighing a Kerry Blue Terrier against a Plott Hound, but if you’re an active owner with a big yard and a love for quirky, high-energy dogs, the comparison makes sense. Both are loyal, loud, and built for action. But that’s where the similarities end. The Kerry Blue is the spirited, people-obsessed terrier who wants to be in your lap even if he doesn’t quite fit. He’s clever and affectionate to a fault, but he’s also stubborn, prone to barking at squirrels like they’ve wronged him personally, and likely to chase your neighbor’s cat if given the chance. He’s low-shedding, yes, so great for allergies, but that cloud-like coat needs constant upkeep. You’re not just owning a dog, you’re signing up for a grooming routine. The Plott Hound, on the other hand, is the rugged mountain hunter turned family guard. Calmer in temperament but just as energetic, he’s built for tracking and endurance. He’s more independent than the Kerry, less likely to demand constant attention, but fiercely loyal when it counts. He sheds a bit more and needs space to roam. this isn’t a dog for city living or anyone who values peace and quiet. He’ll bay. A lot. Here’s the real difference: the Kerry Blue wants to be your partner in everything, even if that means bossing you around. The Plott respects you as the leader and will follow you into the woods without question. Pick the Kerry if you want a spirited, affectionate drama queen who thrives on routine and interaction. Choose the Plott if you’re a hunter or outdoor enthusiast who needs a tough, reliable companion with serious bark and even bigger loyalty. And here’s the truth beyond the data: neither will listen to you 100% of the time. They’re not designed to. You’re not getting a follower. You’re getting a personality.

Kerry Blue Terrier
Plott Hound
17.5–19.5 in
Height
20–25 in
33–40 lb
Weight
40–60 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.0k
#129
AKC popularity
#171

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.
Kerry Blue Terrier Plott Hound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Plott Hound is better with other dogs (3-point difference)
Plott
Coat Grooming
Plott Hound needs less grooming (2-point difference)
Plott
Good with Young Children
Kerry Blue Terrier is better with kids (1-point difference)
Kerry
Shedding Level
Kerry Blue Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Kerry
Good with Strangers
Plott Hound is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
Plott
The verdict

Choose the Kerry Blue Terrier if…

  • Experienced terrier owners
  • Active families
  • Allergy sufferers
  • You value coat groomingKerry Blue Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Plott Hound if…

  • Hunters
  • Active outdoor owners
  • Rural settings
  • You value good with other dogsPlott Hound scores higher here.
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
Plott Hound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Plott Hound 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

Other comparisons people run