Bedlington TerrierVSKerry Blue Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier is known for being gentle, spirited, charming, while the Kerry Blue Terrier is typically described as spirited, loyal, people-oriented. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Kerry Blue Terrier is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Bedlington Terrier is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Bedlington Terrier may be the better choice.

The Bedlington Terrier is a medium breed standing 38–44 cm (15–17 in) tall and weighing 8–10 kg (18–22 lbs). In comparison, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium breed at 44–49 cm (17–19 in) and 15–18 kg (33–40 lbs).

The Kerry Blue Terrier is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Bedlington Terrier has a curly coat available in blue, liver, sandy, blue and tan, liver and tan, while the Kerry Blue Terrier sports a wiry coat in blue-gray. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Bedlington Terrier has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Kerry Blue Terrier has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Kerry Blue Terrier, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Bedlington Terrier is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the Bedlington Terrier is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 4/5, compared to the Kerry Blue Terrier's 3/5. The Kerry Blue Terrier generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (1/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

Grooming-wise, the Kerry Blue Terrier needs more upkeep (5/5) than the Bedlington Terrier (4/5). The Kerry Blue Terrier's wiry coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $350 for the Bedlington Terrier and $350 for the Kerry Blue Terrier. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bedlington Terrier has a lifespan of 11–16 years, while the Kerry Blue Terrier lives 12–15 years. Both breeds have comparable lifespans.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is generally the healthier breed, scoring 4/5 for health robustness versus the Bedlington Terrier's 3/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the Bedlington Terrier include copper toxicosis, patellar luxation, retinal dysplasia, renal cortical hypoplasia. The Kerry Blue Terrier is prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, progressive neuronal abiotrophy. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Bedlington Terrier and $500 for the Kerry Blue Terrier. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Bedlington Terrier is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Kerry Blue Terrier scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both the Bedlington Terrier and Kerry Blue Terrier score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Bedlington Terrier leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Kerry Blue Terrier, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

If you have other pets, the Bedlington Terrier tends to get along better with other dogs (3/5) than the Kerry Blue Terrier (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Bedlington Terrier is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Bedlington Terrier is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Kerry Blue Terrier tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Bedlington Terrier's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Bedlington Terrier ranges from $1,500–$2,500, while a Kerry Blue Terrier typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Bedlington Terrier has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,270 for the Bedlington Terrier and $1,390 for the Kerry Blue Terrier. The Kerry Blue Terrier costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Bedlington Terrier and $45 for the Kerry Blue Terrier. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.