Kerry Blue Terrier: Breed Temperament, Exercise Needs & Health

Group: Terriers

AKC Ranking: 117

Also Known As: Irish Blue Terrier

About Kerry Blue Terrier

Origin The Kerry Blue Terrier originated in the 1700's in the mountainous regions of County Kerry from which its name is derived. The Kerry is the national terrier of Ireland (under the name Irish Blue Terrier) and has become a symbol of Ireland. Description The Kerry Blue Terrier is a well-built, muscular, medium-sized dog. Born black at birth the silky, unusually dense and wavy coat changes very dark blue (darker than deep slate) shades or tinges of brown to different shades of blue gray. The long, well-balanced head sports abundant whiskers, beard and eyebrows.

In show dogs, the eyebrows reach all the way to the bridge of the nose. The ears are v-shaped and crease above the skull to fall toward the outside corner of the dark, keen eye. The ears are pasted while the puppy is of teething age to create the necessary crease. The nose is black. Dewclaws are removed, especially those on the hind legs. The limbs are straight with a powerful bone structure. The tail is docked and carried upright.

Height

Dogs 18½-20 inches (46-51 cm.);
Bitches 17½-19 inches (44-48 cm.)

Weight: 33-40 pounds (15-18 kg.)

Temperament

Vivacious and playful, determined and alert, boisterous and unrepressed, this dog has a way about it that makes people laugh and have fun. The Kerry is a good watchdog, but will not attack without real provocation. A loving, outgoing and friendly family dog, he likes to be with his people, and is affectionate with friends of the family.

The Kerry Blue generally gets along well with other pets if properly introduced and supervised, but tends to be fairly dog aggressive. This breed is protective and should be extensively socialized, especially with other dogs, or he may be quite a handful. They rarely bark unnecessarily.

Kerry Blues put up well in apartments with small yard. They are fairly active indoors.

Exercise & Training

The Kerry Blue is a sporty dog, which needs to be taken out on a daily walk, jog or run. They retain this vigor all their lives. They enjoy roughhousing. Kerry Blues require a confident owner and need firm obedience training. These dogs are intelligent, have a very good memory, and are somewhat willful with minds of their own. They have an aptitude for sports such as catch and agility training, but make sure the dog enjoys the challenge. If its lessons are too routine for the Kerry Blue, its stubbornness will show.

Grooming

Kerries should be groomed every 6 weeks professionally, plus bathing, brushing and combing once a week. They also need to have the hair pulled out of the ear canal, as they are 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. So they are considered good for allergy sufferers.

Health Issues

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, spiculosis, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism have also been reported. Progressive neuronal abiotrophy (PNA) is also seen. This condition is also referred to as Cerebellar cortical abiotrophy (CCA) or Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA). PNA is a disease of the nervous system, in which the cerebellum loses its ability to coordinate movement.

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years.

Breed Club: www.uskbtc.com

Rescue Link: www.uskbtc.com/category.php/9