The Kerry Blue Terrier

Background
Hailing from the mountains of Kerry, Ireland the Kerry Blue Terrier was a working dog. He’s a dog of many skills including hunting, herding sheep and cattle, retrieving vermin, and tracking small game and birds.

The Kerry Blue Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1922.

Sizing up

  • Weight: 33 to 40 lbs.
  • Height: 17.5 to 19.5 inches
  • Coat: Thin, wavy and soft. Short to medium in length.
  • Color: Gray, blue, blue & gray, slate blue, silver blue, silver, blue & silver, blue & black, or black.
  • Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years


What’s the Kerry Blue Terrier like?
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a loving, smart, and fun firecracker! He is hopelessly devoted to his family. He needs plenty of exercise which could consist of many activities: A nice walk, a jog, a game of fetch, or anything else as long as it’s with you! Kerries should never be left outside alone, unless securely fenced and even then not for long periods of time. He likes to spend most of his time with the family.

Start socializing your Kerry early so that he doesn’t become aggressive towards other dogs. They’ve been known to be a little scared and hostile towards others but you can prevent this with help from a puppy kindergarten class. 

Just because the Kerry doesn’t shed much doesn’t mean grooming him will be a breeze. His coat needs to be brushed daily and you’ll need to trim and bathe him every 4-6 weeks. You’ll also need to run a comb through his coat about twice a week to remove and prevent any tangles or mats. 

Health:
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a normally healthy dog with some concerns to be aware of:

Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA)

  • A disease that occurs at a young age and may lead to paralysis

 Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

  • A disease that slowly deteriorates part of the spinal cord, and like CA, ultimately leads to paralysis

It is very important that you get all health documents relating to your pup’s bloodline from your breeder to see if he could develop either of these conditions.

Takeaway Points

  • The Kerry Blue Terrier is on the high maintenance side when it comes to grooming.
  • The Kerry Blue Terrier, with his hunting instincts, will keep your house vermin free!
  • The Kerry Blue Terrier would make a great family dog.
  • The Kerry Blue Terrier should be socialized before coming into contact with other dogs.

 

 

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

 

 

 

 

Background

Hailing from the mountains of Kerry, Ireland[T1]  the Kerry Blue Terrier was a working dog. He’s a dog of many skills including hunting, herding sheep and cattle, retrieving vermin, and tracking small game and birds.[T2] 

 

The Kerry Blue Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1922.[T3] 

 

Sizing up[T4] 

Weight: 33 to 40 lbs.

Height: 17.5 to 19.5 inches

Coat: Thin, wavy and soft. [T5] Short to medium in length.

Color: Gray, blue, blue & gray, slate blue, silver blue, silver, blue & silver, blue & black, or black.[T6] 

Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

 

What’s the Kerry Blue Terrier like?

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a loving, smart, and fun firecracker! He is hopelessly devoted to his family. He needs plenty of exercise which could consist of many activities: A nice walk, a jog, a game of fetch, or anything else as long s it’s with you! Kerries should never be left outside alone, unless securely fenced and even then not for long periods of time. He likes to spend most of his time with the family.[T7] [T8] [T9] 

 

Start socializing your Kerry early so that he doesn’t become aggressive towards other dogs. They’ve been known to be a little scared and hostile towards others but you can prevent this with help from a puppy kindergarten class. [T10] 

[T11] 

Just because the Kerry doesn’t shed much doesn’t mean grooming him will be a breeze. His coat needs to be brushed daily and you’ll need to trim and bathe him every 4-6 weeks. You’ll also need to run a comb through his coat about twice a week to remove and prevent any tangles or mats. [T12] 

 

Health:

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a normally healthy dog with some concerns to be aware of:

 

Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) 

 

A disease that occurs at a young age and may lead into paralysis

 Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)[T13] , a disease that slowly deteriorates part of the spinal cord, and like CA, ultimately leads to paralysis 

 

[T14] It is very important that you get all health documents relating to your pup’s bloodline from your breeder to see if he could develop either of these conditions.

 

 

Takeaway Points

The Kerry Blue Terrier is on the high maintenance side when it comes to grooming.

The Kerry Blue Terrier, with his hunting instinct, will keep your house vermin free!

The Kerry Blue Terrier would make a great family dog.

The Kerry Blue Terrier should be socialized before coming into contact with other dogs.


 [T1]“The Kerry Blue terrier was first observed in the mountains of Kerry in Ireland.” (WIKI)

 [T2]“The Kerry Blue Terrier originated in Ireland, having been noticed first in the mountainous regions of County Kerry….the Kerry is an all-round working and utility terrier, used in Ireland and England for hunting small game and birds, and for retrieving from land and water. He is used quite successfully, too, for herding sheep and cattle.” (AKC)

 [T3]“AKC recognized in 1922.” (AKC)

 [T4]weight, height & life span (VETSTREET)

 [T5]“It is soft and wavy with no undercoat. The texture is similar to that of fine human hair” (WIKI)

 [T6]“Black, Blue, Blue & Black, Blue & Gray, Blue & Silver, Silver, Silver Blue, Slate Blue, Gray” (AKC)

 [T7]“Kerry Blue Terriers are active and athletic, and they enjoy long walks, jogging, and hiking on leash, unless you’re in a safe, traffic-free area.” (VETSTREET)

 [T8]“She loves to run, chase, hunt, explore, play and dig.… The Kerry blue needs a good amount of exercise, but her needs can be met with either a long walk on leash, a vigorous play session or a chance to explore off leash in a safe area.” (PETFINDER)

 [T9]“While you might think of him as an outdoor dog, nothing could be farther from the truth. Kerry Blue Terriers are devoted to their people. A Kerry Blue Terrier should have access to a securely fenced yard, but when the family is home, he should be in the house with them." (VETSTREET)

 [T10]“Early, frequent socialization is essential to prevent a Kerry Blue Terrier from becoming overly suspicious or fearful of anything new or different... Continue socializing your Kerry Blue Terrier throughout his life by taking him to puppy kindergarten class... Begin training as soon as you bring your Kerry Blue Terrier puppy home"  (VETSTREET)

 [T11]"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." (WIKI)

 [T12]“Though he doesn't shed much, the Kerry Blue's coat is high maintenance. It must be brushed daily and trimmed and shampooed every four to six weeks. Plan to comb a Kerry’s coat twice a week to prevent or remove any mats or tangles.” (VETSTREET)

 [T13]“Health conditions that have been seen in Kerry Blue Terriers include a neurological disease called cerebellar abiotrophy (or cerebellar degeneration), a disease that affects puppies and can progress to paralysis. Another neurologic condition, degenerative myelopathy, also occurs in the breed.” (VETSTREET)

 [T14]“Degenerative myelopathy of dogs is a slowly progressive, non-inflammatory degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord.. Signs slowly progress to paralysis” (PETMD)