KERRY BLUE TERRIER
APPEARANCE
Some characteristics of the Kerry Blue Terrier include a long head, flat skull, deep chest, and a soft wavy to curly coat that comes in several shades of blue (the term for “gray” in dog coats). The Kerry Blue’s muzzle is rectangular and will have long tufts of fur resembling a beard and mustache. Their ears are small and slightly pricked upward and they have round deep set eyes. The Kerry Blue Terrier reaches around 17-19 inches for females, and around 18-20 inches for males. In terms of weight the female Kerry Blue Terrier weighs in at around 30-35 pounds, and the male from around 35-40 pounds.
PERSONALITY
Kerry Blue Terriers are strong-headed and highly spirited. They have always been loyal and affectionate towards their owners and very gentle towards children but were often considered downright mean toward other animals including other dogs. This energetic breed loves to play and spend time sharing activities with his family - this is not the breed for those with little time for their pets, as these dogs can otherwise get bored and destructive. This breed can be headstrong and quite manipulative, requiring a confident, assertive owner who known what they are doing in terms of training.
TRAINING
They are fast, strong, and intelligent. They do well in obedience, dog agility, sheep herding, and tracking. They have been used as police dogs in Ireland. These dogs are stubborn and will be more difficult to train, so a firm hand and fun training exercises will be the key to helping these dogs grasp the information. Sessions should be kept short and be repeated often as this encourages them to want to learn.
EXERCISE
As a long-legged breed, the activity level of the Kerry Blue Terrier ranges from moderate to high. Let your Kerry Blue Terrier explore a field or go for a long run, but keep a close eye on it and make sure it doesn’t go tearing after a rat or some other small animal.
SOCIALIZATION
It is important to make sure that your Kerry Blue Terrier is socialized from an early age to ensure that he develops a well balanced temperament and personality. These dogs get along well with children who are gentle, but do not appreciate being handled roughly. The sight of a small animal, such as cat, will awake his chasing instinct, and harassing other pets is indeed one of the breed’s favorite pastimes. Strangers and strange dogs are likewise treated with mistrust. Typically, the Kerry Blue Terrier will behave aggressively toward strange dogs and coldly toward strangers.
LIVING CONDITIONS
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.
GROOMING
Requiring grooming every six weeks, the Kerry Blue Terrier requires a lot of coat maintenance. Ear hair plucking is required as this breed is prone to ear infections and dirty ears. A very light shedder, this breed should be brushed and combed every week to keep coat silky, tangle free, and presentable. Bathing every week is required for this dog or their beard will become very dirty. As a very low shedder the Kerry Blue Terrier may suit allergy sufferers.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Kerry Blue Terrier is around 12-16 years. They are mostly healthy, however there are some genetic disorders that are prevalent in the breed. They are prone to eye problems such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), cataracts, and entropion. They sometimes get cysts or cancerous growths in their skin, but these are rarely malignant. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and cryptorchidism have also been reported.
HISTORY
The Kerry Blue terrier was first observed in the mountains of County Kerry in Ireland. These dogs were bred for a number of purposes, and proved their versatility by taking on roles ranging from herding sheep to hunting small game and birds. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1922.
