The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog that came from Ireland where its primary job was to control vermin on local farms. It is known by a handful of different names including the Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish Blue Terrier, Kerry, Kerry Blue and the Kerry Blue Terry. The Kerry Blue Terrier has been in existence since the 1700s and was named after Kerry, Ireland where it was commonly found. It is thought that the Kerry may have been developed by crossing such breeds as the Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Irish Wolfhound.
The average weight for a full grown Kerry Blue Terrier is between 33 and 40 pounds. It has a soft, wavy coat that grows continuously requiring regular grooming. Acceptable colors include black, dark blue, blue gray and various shades of brown. A groomed Kerry has short hair on the body, rounded hair on the legs, and a characteristic mustache and beard. The Kerry Blue’s muzzle should be wedge-shaped, and the nose should be black. The eyes are small, serious-looking and dark in color. The small triangular ears stand erect, with half of the ear falling forward towards the face. The tail is typically docked medium length. However, this practice is illegal in many parts of Europe. The Kerry Blue is a medium-sized, muscular terrier that was bred to be a working dog. It’s athletic and likes all kinds of activities and exercises, including swimming. This breed has long legs and a soft, curly coat that needs minimal attention. Its dogs have to be taped though, during development.
Personality
Just as with most other terrier breeds, Kerry Blue Terriers are highly active dogs that require a lot of play and exercise. While they get along quite well with older children, they may be too much for small children to handle. Due to their strong prey instincts, Kerry Blues may not interact well with such other household pets as cats, rodents, rabbits and birds. If you are looking for a lively dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Kerry Blue Terrier may be the perfect dog for you! These dogs are full of energy and love spending time with their human families. However, if you choose a Kerry Blue, make sure that you can provide it with a large area to run and play. The Kerry Blue is a playful, smart and jovial terrier that is active and protective. It has moderate exercise needs that can be satisfied with moderately long walks and/or vigorous play. It loves to be active, so if you can let it off the leash, even better. Like most terriers, the Kerry Blue can is stubborn and strong-willed. It can get aggressive towards other dogs and is reserved with strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Terrier |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Terriers |
| Life Span: | 12-13 Years |
| Nicknames: | Irish Blue Terrier, Kerry, Kerry Blue, Kerry Blue Terry |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Kerry Blue Terrier Build Information
The average weight for a full grown Kerry Blue Terrier is between 33 and 40 pounds. It has a soft, wavy coat that grows continuously requiring regular grooming. Acceptable colors include black, dark blue, blue gray and various shades of brown. A groomed Kerry has short hair on the body, rounded hair on the legs, and a characteristic mustache and beard. The Kerry Blue’s muzzle should be wedge-shaped, and the nose should be black. The eyes are small, serious-looking and dark in color. The small triangular ears stand erect, with half of the ear falling forward towards the face. The tail is typically docked medium length. However, this practice is illegal in many parts of Europe. The Kerry Blue is a medium-sized, muscular terrier that was bred to be a working dog. It’s athletic and likes all kinds of activities and exercises, including swimming. This breed has long legs and a soft, curly coat that needs minimal attention. Its dogs have to be taped though, during development.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
Just as with most other terrier breeds, Kerry Blue Terriers are highly active dogs that require a lot of play and exercise. While they get along quite well with older children, they may be too much for small children to handle. Due to their strong prey instincts, Kerry Blues may not interact well with such other household pets as cats, rodents, rabbits and birds. If you are looking for a lively dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Kerry Blue Terrier may be the perfect dog for you! These dogs are full of energy and love spending time with their human families. However, if you choose a Kerry Blue, make sure that you can provide it with a large area to run and play. The Kerry Blue is a playful, smart and jovial terrier that is active and protective. It has moderate exercise needs that can be satisfied with moderately long walks and/or vigorous play. It loves to be active, so if you can let it off the leash, even better. Like most terriers, the Kerry Blue can is stubborn and strong-willed. It can get aggressive towards other dogs and is reserved with strangers.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The Kerry’s hair grows continuously requiring daily brushing and regular grooming. It is recommended that you have your Kerry’s hair clipped about every six weeks to prevent the hair from becoming a tangled mess. You will also need to clean your pet’s ears and trim its nails on occasion.
| Colors: | Black, Blue, Blue Gray, Gray |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Curly |
Kerry Blue Terrier Common Health Conditions
A Kerry in perfect health can live anywhere between 12 and 13 years. This is a fairly healthy breed that typically does not suffer from any serious genetic health issues. However, there are a few conditions that the breed has been known to develop, and they are as follows: Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, Entropion, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Hypothyroidism, Cryptorchidism and Patellar Luxation.
Kerry Blue Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
Kerry Blues were once used for badger-baiting. Kerry Blue Terriers shed little to no hair making them great dogs for allergy sufferers. The Kerry Blue needs daily mental and physical stimulation to prevent it from getting bored and becoming destructive.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
