Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Kerry Blue Terrier Versus Lancashire Heeler: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Kerry Blue Terrier and for the Lancashire Heeler. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler.

Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Overview

A very important difference between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Lancashire Heeler is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Kerry Blue Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Lancashire Heeler belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kerry Blue Terrier to the Lancashire Heeler based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

Factor Kerry Blue Terrier Lancashire Heeler
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 14 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Weight 33 to 40 pounds 13 to 15 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1980 $200
Price Range $2000 – $2000 $200 – $200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination
  • Factor XI Deficiency
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kerry Blue Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Lancashire Heeler. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Kerry Blue Terrier is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lancashire Heeler is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lancashire Heeler is not better or worse than the Kerry Blue Terrier. So, you can get the Lancashire Heeler or the Kerry Blue Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

    Below is a list of where the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are most different:

  • Kerry Blue Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Lancashire Heelers are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler

    The Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are most similar:

  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler.

    Kerry Blue Terriers weigh 33 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Kerry Blue Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Lancashire Heelers weigh 13 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lancashire Heelers are 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    The lifespan of Kerry Blue Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Kerry Blue Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is between 9 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Lancashire Heelers is 11.5 years.

    Kerry Blue Terriers live longer than Lancashire Heelers.

    Price of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Price of Lancashire Heeler

    The average price of the Kerry Blue Terrier puppy is $1980. The price of the Kerry Blue Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of a Kerry Blue Terrier can be as low as $1400 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 9 Kerry Blue Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lancashire Heeler puppy is $200. The price of the Lancashire Heeler typically ranges from $200 – $200. However, the price of the Lancashire Heeler can be as low as $200 and as high as $200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Lancashire Heeler puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is more expensive than the Lancashire Heeler.

    Kerry Blue Terrier Lancashire Heeler
    Average Price $1980 $200
    Price Range $2000 to $2000 $200 to $200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Kerry Blue Terrier and Lancashire Heeler. For different price points, the charts show how many Kerry Blue Terrier puppies or how many Lancashire Heeler puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Kerry Blue Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Kerry Blue Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

    A breakdown of the prices of Lancashire Heelers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Kerry Blue Terrier puppy or the Lancashire Heeler puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Kerry Blue Terrier versus Adopting the Lancashire Heeler

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Kerry Blue Terriers and many Lancashire Heelers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Kerry Blue Terrier named Blue that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Kerry Blue Terriers like Blue on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Kerry Blue Terriers, Lancashire Heelers are also available for adoption. For example, Harvey is a Male Lancashire Heeler that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Lancashire Heelers like Harvey that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Badger is an adorable Male Lancashire Heeler on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Kerry Blue Terriers and Lancashire Heelers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Health Problems of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Health Problems of Lancashire Heeler

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Kerry Blue Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lancashire Heeler.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Kerry Blue Terrier than for the Lancashire Heeler.

    6 health tests are recommended for Kerry Blue Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Lancashire Heeler.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kerry Blue Terriers and in Lancashire Heelers.

    Kerry Blue Terrier Health Problems

    Kerry Blue Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Kerry Blue Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Kerry Blue Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Kerry Blue Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Kerry Blue Terriers for:

  • Clear By Parentage
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination
  • Factor XI Deficiency
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kerry Blue Terriers here.

    Lancashire Heeler Health Problems

    Lancashire Heelers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lancashire Heeler puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Lancashire Heeler puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lancashire Heeler breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lancashire Heelers for:

  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lancashire Heelers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler

    Kerry Blue Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Lancashire Heelers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Kerry Blue Terriers shed more than Lancashire Heelers?

    Kerry Blue Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Lancashire Heelers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler

    Kerry Blue Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lancashire Heelers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Kerry Blue Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Lancashire Heelers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Kerry Blue Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Kerry Blue Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Lancashire Heelers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Kerry Blue Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Kerry Blue Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Lancashire Heelers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Kerry Blue Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kerry Blue Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lancashire Heelers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kerry Blue Terrier vs. Lancashire Heeler

    Kerry Blue Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Lancashire Heelers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Kerry Blue Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lancashire Heelers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Kerry Blue Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Lancashire Heelers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Kerry Blue Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Kerry Blue Terriers good family dogs? What about Lancashire Heelers?

    Kerry Blue Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Lancashire Heelers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kerry Blue Terriers and Lancashire Heelers?

    Kerry Blue Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Lancashire Heelers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier Easier to Train than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Kerry Blue Terriers are very easy to train.

    Lancashire Heelers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Lancashire Heeler?

    Kerry Blue Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Lancashire Heelers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Lancashire Heeler?

    Kerry Blue Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Lancashire Heelers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kerry Blue Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kerry Blue Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Kerry Blue Terrier:

  • Irish Water Spaniel (78 percent match with Kerry Blue Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Irish Water Spaniel.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Kerry Blue Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Lancashire Heeler vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lancashire Heeler

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lancashire Heeler that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Lancashire Heeler:

  • Dalmatian (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (79 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Hovawart (77 percent match with Lancashire Heeler). Here is our comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Kerry Blue Terrier and how the Lancashire Heeler compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier and of the Lancashire Heeler to other breeds:

    Kerry Blue Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kerry Blue Terrier versus Boerboel     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Saint Bernard     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Barbet     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Boxerdoodle     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lhasapoo     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Bolognese     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Goldador     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Briard     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Cesky Terrier     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Hovawart     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Manchester Terrier     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Whippet     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Shichon     Kerry Blue Terrier versus French Bulldog     

    Lancashire Heeler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lancashire Heeler versus Basset Hound     Lancashire Heeler versus Aussiedoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Cesky Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Mastiff     Lancashire Heeler versus West Highland White Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Shetland Sheepdog     Lancashire Heeler versus Bernedoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Lhasapoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Lancashire Heeler versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Lancashire Heeler versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus English Toy Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Pomapoo     Lancashire Heeler versus Sussex Spaniel     Lancashire Heeler versus Boston Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Beagle     Lancashire Heeler versus Schnoodle     Lancashire Heeler versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Lancashire Heeler versus Afador     Lancashire Heeler versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Lancashire Heeler versus Norwegian Buhund     Lancashire Heeler versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Lancashire Heeler versus Alaskan Malamute     Lancashire Heeler versus Australian Shepherd     Lancashire Heeler versus Labrador Retriever     

    Conclusion: Kerry Blue Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Lancashire Heeler better suits you and your family.