Kerry Blue Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Kerry Blue Terrier
An all-purpose Irish farm dog with a distinctive soft, wavy blue-gray coat that doesn't shed. Kerry Blues are spirited, people-oriented terriers that excel at everything from herding to companionship.
VS
Miniature Schnauzer
A spirited, obedient little dog with a distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows. Miniature Schnauzers are alert, spunky companions that adapt well to both city and country life.
Quick Answer
Choose Kerry Blue Terrier if you want a great companion. Choose Miniature Schnauzer if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Kerry Blue Terrier
Attribute
Miniature Schnauzer
medium
Size
small
15–18 kg (33–40 lbs)
Weight
5–9 kg (11–20 lbs)
44–49 cm (17–19 in)
Height
30–36 cm (12–14 in)
12–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
3/5
Trainability
4/5Better
4/5
Energy
4/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
1/5
Shedding
1/5
5/5
Grooming
4/5Better
3/5
Apartment
4/5Better
4/5
Health
4/5
$1,000–$2,500
Price
$600–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Kerry Blue Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer: Daily Exercise Demands
Kerry Blue Terrier needs more exercise; Miniature Schnauzer is lower-maintenance.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Energy Level
4/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
vs4/5Better
The Kerry Blue Terrier needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Miniature Schnauzer (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Kerry Blue Terrier.
Size Differences: Kerry Blue Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer
Kerry Blue Terrier is the larger breed; Miniature Schnauzer is more compact.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Weight (kg)
15–18
vs5–9
Height (cm)
44–49
vs30–36
The Kerry Blue Terrier stands 44–49 cm (17–19 in) and weighs 15–18 kg (33–40 lbs), while the Miniature Schnauzer measures 30–36 cm (12–14 in) and 5–9 kg (11–20 lbs). The Kerry Blue Terrier is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Total Cost of Ownership: Kerry Blue Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer is less expensive to own annually.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$540
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$350
Annual Total$1,390
Miniature Schnauzer
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,220 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,000–$2,500 for a Kerry Blue Terrier and $600–$2,000 for a Miniature Schnauzer. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Kerry Blue Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer: Temperament Compared
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better3/5
vs4/5
Energy
4/5
vs4/5
Kerry Blue Terriers from the Terrier group carry a spirited, loyal and people-oriented personality, shaped by their heritage as terrier dogs. Miniature Schnauzers, belonging to the Terrier group, are friendly, smart and obedient — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Grooming and Shedding: Kerry Blue Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Shedding
1/5
vs1/5
Grooming Needs
5/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds shed at the same rate (1/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Training Differences: Kerry Blue Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzer is generally easier to train.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Trainability
3/5
vs4/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs4/5
The Miniature Schnauzer has a slight training edge (4/5 vs 3/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Miniature Schnauzer tends to catch on a bit faster.
Family Life: Kerry Blue Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
2/5
vs3/5Better
Strangers
3/5
vs3/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Health and Lifespan: Kerry Blue Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Lifespan (years)
12–15
vs12–15
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Kerry Blue Terrier lives roughly 12–15 years while the Miniature Schnauzer averages 12–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Kerry Blue Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer: Summary and Verdict
On balance, the Miniature Schnauzer has the edge — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5), more apartment-friendly (4/5), lower exercise needs (3/5). For most families, the Miniature Schnauzer is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Kerry Blue Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Kerry Blue Terrier if...
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Miniature Schnauzer if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Miniature Schnauzers adapt much better to smaller spaces (4/5 vs 3/5 apartment rating).
Neither may be right if...
Both the Kerry Blue Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer have high energy needs (4/5 and 4/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Kerry Blue Terrier or Miniature Schnauzer?
The Kerry Blue Terrier scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Miniature Schnauzer at 4/5. The Kerry Blue Terrier is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Kerry Blue Terrier or Miniature Schnauzer easier to train?
The Miniature Schnauzer is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the Kerry Blue Terrier's 3/5. The Miniature Schnauzer's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Kerry Blue Terrier or Miniature Schnauzer?
A Kerry Blue Terrier puppy costs $1,000–$2,500 while a Miniature Schnauzer costs $600–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,390 for the Kerry Blue Terrier and $1,220 for the Miniature Schnauzer. The Kerry Blue Terrier is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Kerry Blue Terriers or Miniature Schnauzers live longer?
The Kerry Blue Terrier lives 12–15 years on average, while the Miniature Schnauzer lives 12–15 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Kerry Blue Terrier or Miniature Schnauzer live in an apartment?
The Miniature Schnauzer adapts better to apartment living (4/5) than the Kerry Blue Terrier (3/5). The Miniature Schnauzer ranks among our best apartment breeds.