Kerry Blue Terrier Breed information & Pictures

Kerry Blue Terrier Breed Description

Life Expectancy
12-15 years

Learning Rate
High

Litter Size
4 to 8

Size
Medium

Weight
Dogs: 35-40 pounds
Bitches: 33-38 pounds

Height
Dogs: 18-20 inches
Bitches: 17-19 inches

Country of Origin
Ireland, in 1700.

Groups
AKC Terriers
FCI Group III.: Terriers
TKC Terrier

Other Names
Irish Blue Terrier

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.

This breed is gentle, lovable, and intelligent. It is successfully in herding sheep and cattle; an all-round working and utility terrier. It is outgoing and friendly towards its family, it is known to give big slurpy kisses. It is a loving family dog.

Temperament

The Kerry Blue Terrier is affectionate, vivacious and playful, determined and alert, boisterous and unrepressed. It needs human companionship, it likes to be with its family. The Kerry Blue tends to be fairly dog aggressive, but generally it gets along well with other pets if properly socialized.

This breed makes a good watchdog, but will not attack without real provocation. It is very protective, it makes a good watchdog and guard dog. It rarely barks unnecessarily.

This breed needs an experienced master, you can reach the best results with consistent, loving and well-balanced obedience training. This dog is intelligent, it has a very good memory.

It has an aptitude for sports such as catch and agility training, but make sure the dog enjoys the challenge, but if the lessons are too routine for the Kerry Blue its stubbornness will show. It is a sporty dog, which likes to accompany its handler on long walks, but it will accept the occasional week without such a good outing.

Colors

Any shade of blue, with or without black points, a small white patch on chest should not be penalized.

Coat

Soft, spiky, plentiful and wavy. It should be groomed every 6 weeks. It also needs to have the hair pulled out of the ear canal, as it is prone to ear infections when the ear hair gets too long and wax and dirt have built up. The Kerry Blue sheds little to no hair and is odorless, even when wet. Bathing and combing every week is a must! Frequent bathing will not dry out the skin as it does in so many other breeds. Without proper care their beard will get smelly and packed with food and dirt. The Kerry Blue is good for allergy sufferers.

Health Issues

The Kerry Blue Terrier is usually a very healthy long-lived breed, although some are prone to hip dysplasia, PNA, cerebellar abiotrophy. To help prevent the chance of hip or elbow dysplasia developing make sure your dog is on a healthy, well proportioned diet, and avoid excessive running and jumping while still a puppy as this can be hard on the developing joints. To minimize the risk of your Kerry Blue developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a puppy from a reputable breeder.

Living Environment

The Kerry Blue Terrier is excellent for indoor living for it does not have doggy odor and is easily housetrained. A small yard will help exercise its muscles.