Description
The Kerry Blue Terrier has a distinctive look and unique appearance; a long snout and well-developed muscles best describe the upper body, while the dog is well-balanced and evenly proportioned. It has a definite terrier style and strong character, and the low-slung Kerry is not a typical style of breed. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a well-built, muscular, medium-sized dog with true terrier style and character. Born black at birth the coat changes color through one or more transitions. Black to very dark blue (darker than deep slate) shades or tinges of brown to different shades of blue gray. The correct mature color is from slate blue to light gray. The color should "clear" by the time they are 18 months old. Solid black after the age of 18 months is not permissible in the show ring. Black or dark blue points on the Head, muzzle, feet and tail are permissible at any age. Some adults never lighten properly. Adults may retain dark points even when the rest of the coat lightens. The long, well-balanced head sports abundant whiskers, beard and eyebrows. In show dogs, the eyebrows reach all the way to the bridge of the nose. The ears are v-shaped and crease above the skull to fall toward the outside corner of the dark, keen eye. The ears are pasted while the puppy is of teething age to create the necessary crease. The nose is black and the keen eyes are dark. Dewclaws are removed, especially those on the hind legs. The limbs are straight with a powerful bone structure. The tail is docked and carried upright - the straighter the better.
Temperament
Vivacious and playful, determined and alert, boisterous and unrepressed, this dog has a way about it that makes people laugh and have fun. They enjoy roughhousing. The Kerry is a good watchdog, but will not attack without real provocation. A loving family dog, he likes to be with his people, and is affectionate with friends of the family. The Kerry Blue generally gets along well with other pets if properly introduced and supervised, but tends to be fairly dog aggressive. This breed is protective and should be extensively socialized, especially with other dogs, or he may be quite a handful. They rarely bark unnecessarily. Kerry Blues require a confident owner and need firm obedience training. These dogs are intelligent, have a very good memory, and are somewhat willful with minds of their own. They have an aptitude for sports such as catch and agility training, but make sure the dog enjoys the challenge. If its lessons are too routine for the Kerry Blue, its stubbornness will show.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is especially well-suited for work, both indoors and outdoors. They are incredibly intelligent and work well with tracking, hunting, and of course sheep herding. Naturally obedient and very agile, these dogs will pick up new skills very easily and enjoy learning tricks. They fare well with new activities and will rarely turn down an opportunity to be active.
Height, Weight
Height: Dogs 18½-20 inches (46-51 cm.) Bitches 17½-19 inches (44-48 cm.)
Weight: 33-40 pounds (15-18 kg.)
Health Problems
This is usually a very healthy long-lived breed. Although some are prone to Hip Dysplasia, PNA, cerebellar abiotrophy. Also some minor concerns are cataracts, spiculosis, hair follicle tumors, entropion, KCS, narrow palpebral fissure distichiasisme, and CHD. Retinal folds occasionally seen.
Living Conditions
Kerry Blues are good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do.
Exercise
The Kerry Blue is a sporty dog, which needs to be taken out on a daily walk, jog or run.
Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years
Grooming
Kerries should be groomed every 6 weeks. They also need to have the hair pulled out of the ear canal, as they are prone to ear infections when the ear hair gets too long and wax and dirt have built up. Pet Kerries can be trimmed like a Soft coated Wheaten. Grooming techniques require some training. Your groomer can show you how it do it right. In addition to this, they will need grooming once a week with brush and comb. Dogs for showing will require more extensive grooming. The distinctive blue coat is not only beautiful, but practical as well. The Kerry Blue sheds little to no hair and is odorless, even when wet. Frequent bathing will not dry out the skin as it does in so many other breeds. Bathing and combing every week is a must! It keeps them clean. Without proper care their beard will get smelly and packed with food and dirt. Kerry Blues are considered good for allergy sufferers.
Origin
The Kerry Blue Terrier originated in the 1700's in the mountainous regions of County Kerry from which its name is derived. The Kerry is the national terrier of Ireland (under the name Irish Blue Terrier) and has become a symbol of Ireland. The name comes from color of the coat. No one knows for certain which breeds were used to develop the Kerry Blue, but many believe the Portuguese Water Dog contributed the silky, wavy single coat. Others think the Kerry Blue Terrier was developed from the old black terriers, Spanish (or Russian) "Blue Dog", Soft coated Wheaten Terrier and possibly Irish Wolfhounds and Irish Terriers. There is a writing on dogs in Ireland over a century ago that mentions a Harlequin Terrier that sounds like a breed description of the Kerry Blue. The Kerry Blue has been used as a small game hunter, retriever, herd and farm dog, house guardian, family companion, and even in police work. He can also be used to perform tricks. The United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, the national breed club, was found in 1922 and the breed was recognized by the AKC two years later. Today the Kerry Blue is primarily a companion and home guardian.
Group
Hound, AKC Hound
