Differences and Similarities between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki.

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Kerry Blue Terrier Versus Saluki: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki? 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 Saluki 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 Saluki.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki 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 Saluki. 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 Saluki.

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 Saluki.

Kerry Blue Terrier versus Saluki: Overview

A very important difference between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Saluki is a large-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 Saluki belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Kerry Blue Terrier versus Saluki: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kerry Blue Terrier to the Saluki 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 Saluki

Factor Kerry Blue Terrier Saluki
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Weight 33 to 40 pounds 35 to 70 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1980 $2250
Price Range $2000 – $2000 $2250 – $2250
Temperament Score 73.5 percent 68.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination
  • Factor XI Deficiency
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 128 127
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 35 43

    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 Saluki. 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 Saluki is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a better pet than the Saluki. So, you should get 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 Saluki 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 Saluki

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

  • Kerry Blue Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Salukis are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Kerry Blue Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Salukis are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki

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

  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki are very easy to train.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki are very playful.
  • Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Saluki

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

    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, Salukis weigh 35 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Salukis are 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Saluki

    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 Salukis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Salukis is 13.0 years.

    Kerry Blue Terriers live longer than Salukis.

    Temperament of the Kerry Blue Terrier Versus the Saluki

    The Kerry Blue Terrier has a better temperament than the Saluki.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kerry Blue Terrier is 73.5 percent while the temperament score for the Saluki is 68.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 73.5 percent, the Kerry Blue Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 68.7 percent, the Saluki has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki by measuring the temperaments of 49 Kerry Blue Terriers and 67 Salukis.

    Price of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Price of Saluki

    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 Saluki puppy is $2250. The price of the Saluki typically ranges from $2250 – $2250. However, the price of the Saluki can be as low as $2250 and as high as $2250. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Saluki puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Saluki is more expensive than the Kerry Blue Terrier.

    Kerry Blue Terrier Saluki
    Average Price $1980 $2250
    Price Range $2000 to $2000 $2250 to $2250

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Kerry Blue Terrier and Saluki. For different price points, the charts show how many Kerry Blue Terrier puppies or how many Saluki 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 Salukis

    A breakdown of the prices of Salukis

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Kerry Blue Terrier puppy or the Saluki 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 Saluki

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Kerry Blue Terriers and many Salukis 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, Salukis are also available for adoption. For example, Archie is a Male Saluki that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Salukis like Archie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

    Also, Ollie is an adorable Male Saluki on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

    The Intelligence of the Kerry Blue Terrier versus the Intelligence of the Saluki

    Kerry Blue Terrier Saluki
    Intelligence Rank 35 out of 130 dog breeds 43 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Kerry Blue Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 35 out of 130 dog breeds. The Kerry Blue Terrier belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Kerry Blue Terriers tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Saluki has an obedience intelligence rank of 43 out of 130 dog breeds. The Saluki belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Salukis tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is more intelligent than the Saluki.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Kerry Blue Terrier versus Popularity of Saluki

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Saluki over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Saluki is more popular with dog owners than the Kerry Blue Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Saluki is 127 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Kerry Blue Terrier is 128 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Kerry Blue Terrier

    Popularity of Kerry Blue Terrier

    Popularity of Saluki

    Popularity of Saluki

    Year Kerry Blue Terrier Popularity Rank Saluki Popularity Rank
    2013 126 115
    2014 128 134
    2015 124 132
    2016 127 125
    2017 129 123
    2018 129 120
    2019 133 125
    2020 133 144

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kerry Blue Terrier versus Saluki

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

    Salukis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kerry Blue Terriers shed more than Salukis?

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

    Salukis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kerry Blue Terrier or the Saluki

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

    Salukis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    Salukis are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Salukis have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Kerry Blue Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Salukis?

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

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

    Can Kerry Blue Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Salukis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kerry Blue Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Salukis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kerry Blue Terrier vs. Saluki

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

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

    Can Kerry Blue Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Salukis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Salukis 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 Saluki?

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

    Salukis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kerry Blue Terriers good family dogs? What about Salukis?

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

    Salukis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kerry Blue Terriers and Salukis?

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

    Salukis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier Easier to Train than the Saluki?

    Kerry Blue Terriers are very easy to train.

    Salukis are very easy to train.

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Saluki?

    Kerry Blue Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Salukis do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saluki 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 Saluki:

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (77 percent match with Saluki). Here is our comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (75 percent match with Saluki). Here is our comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback (75 percent match with Saluki). Here is our comparison of the Kerry Blue Terrier vs Rhodesian Ridgeback.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Kerry Blue Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kerry Blue Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Vizsla     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Morkie     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Schipperke     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Kerry Blue Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Golden Retriever     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Tibetan Mastiff     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Weimaraner     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren     Kerry Blue Terrier versus Goldendoodle     

    Saluki Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saluki versus Border Collie     Saluki versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Saluki versus Vizsla     Saluki versus Italian Greyhound     Saluki versus Shih Tzu     Saluki versus Lhasa Apso     Saluki versus German Pinscher     Saluki versus Fila Brasileiro     Saluki versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Saluki versus Brittany     Saluki versus Shetland Sheepdog     Saluki versus Clumber Spaniel     Saluki versus Standard Schnauzer     Saluki versus Briard     Saluki versus Kai Ken     Saluki versus Spinone Italiano     Saluki versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Saluki versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Saluki versus Giant Schnauzer     Saluki versus American Hairless Terrier     Saluki versus Miniature Pinscher     Saluki versus Pomapoo     Saluki versus Scottish Deerhound     Saluki versus Tibetan Terrier     Saluki versus Morkie     

    Conclusion: Kerry Blue Terrier versus Saluki. 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 Saluki better suits you and your family.