The Kerry Blue Terrier is probably the most versatile members of the Terrier Group. These dogs are loyal guardians, focused hunters, loving companions, and will even herd when given the chance. They make fun pets to have for outside fun and exploration, yet are obedient and well-mannered inside the house.
Kerry Blue Terriers
have many sides to their personality. A fun-loving playful dog, they
are great around children and are very affectionate. At the same time
the Kerry Blue will stop at nothing to ward off intruders and protect
its family at all costs. And when it comes to other pets in the
house, it may be difficult for the Kerry Blue Terrier to share the
same space, as they are a bit territorial.
A Brief History Of
The Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue
Terrier originated from Ireland and has been around since the 1700s.
They could be found in both the northern and souther regions of the
country and were first noticed in the Ring of Kerry, making its use
as an all-around companion and trusted servant.
Here the Kerry made
an excellent farm dog and an avid hunter of small animals, birds, and
rodents. They could retrieve in water and on land, while herding
cattle and sheep. Amazingly enough, with all of the qualities that
this terrier had, it remained a quiet little secret inside Ireland
for two centuries. It wasn’t until the mid 1920s did the Kerry Blue
Terrier get noticed outside of Ireland, both in England and the
United States.
The American and
English show rings made the Kerry popular. In 1924, the AKC
officially recognized the breed. The early Kerry Blues were not quite
as attractive, but as grooming practices and standards improved, the
dog became more appealing, making it one of the most striking
terriers we see today.
Upkeep Requirements
For The Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue must
have plenty of daily exercise, but not to the extreme. A few brisk
walks on the leash and some outdoor exploring will be plenty. They
love to stay busy so having a large property is ideal for these dogs
to roam around on. And when it comes to indoor living, the Kerry
enjoys lounging around with the family.
Kerry Blue Terriers
can tolerate both hot and cold climates so long as the temperatures
are not extreme. It is not recommended that they sleep outside as
they are very closely bonded with the family. They prefer to be
inside the house at night, living up to its names as a devoted
guardian. Grooming requirements call for a heavy brushing twice each
week, with a monthly scissoring and shaping.
Health Concerns
The Kerry Blue
Terrier has an average lifespan of between twelve and fifteen years.
The only major health concern in the breed is cerebellar abiotrophy.
Minor heath issues include otitis externa, spiculosis, CHD, KCS,
entropion, and hair follicle tumors. Veterinarians suggest that the
Blue Kerry get specifically tested for hip and eye problems.
The Kerry Blue
Terrier originated in Ireland in the County Kerry area. These dogs
were bred as hunters and retrievers of small game. One story says
that in the era that the common man was restricted from hunting with
the Irish Wolfhound, the lower class developed the Kerry Blue
Terrier. Another story asserts that a blue canine swam to shore from
a wrecked Russian ship in Tralee Bay, and he was bred with local dogs
to eventually produce the Terrier in question.
This breed was
recognized by the AKC in 1924. Some famous people that have owned a
Kerry Blue Terrier are Alfred Hitchcock (movie director), Perry Como
(entertainer and singer), and three heavyweight boxers: Gene Turney,
Henry Cooper, and Jack Dempsey.
General Looks
The head of the
Kerry Blue Terrier is long and the skull is flat. The chest is deep.
It is a medium sized dog with bright eyes. It is compact with tight
muscles. It has bushy eyebrows and a beard.
Is This Your Breed?
This breed is more
compatible with active people that like the outdoors and experienced
dog handlers. It adapts well to apartment living. It needs brushing
and trimming on regular basis. The coat is hypoallergenic.
Coat
The wavy, dense,
and soft coat is black for nine months and turns blue.
Color
The color ranges
from bluish gray to a rich slate or a pale blue.
Locomotion
The movement is
free and the elbows are perpendicular to the dog’s body. When the
dog is in action the front and hind legs go straight ahead.
Personality
The Kerry Blue
Terrier is intelligent, gentle, affectionate, faithful, bold,
protective, playful, and vigorous. This breed becomes very close to
its owner. It is good with older children it has been raised with. A
Kerry Blue Terrier needs a lot of attention. It needs consistent and
positive training because it has a strong will. It may show
aggression to other animals, especially small ones. This breed makes
a good watchdog.
