Kerry Blue Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

15-18 kg

Height

46-48 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

Jump To

About the Kerry Blue Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

What is the history & origin of the Kerry Blue Terrier?

The Kerry Blue terrier appeared back in the late 1800s, though its exact origin is yet unclear. Some maintain that the Irish wolfhound and the Irish terrier are part of its genealogy based on their similar appearance. It is often thought that they were bred originally to be fighting dogs.

The Kerry Blue Terrier Club was founded in 1927 while the breed gained popularity over the twenties.

They were used during the war to guard POW camps as well as workers in the wars which led to their numbers falling very low. Thankfully, a small number of breed club enthusiasts were able to save them from vanishing entirely though their numbers remain low to this day.

By the mid-1900s, the Kerry had become a popular companion and competitor at high-profile national dog shows such as Crufts.

What is a Kerry Blue Terrier breed?

Kerry blue terrier puppies are born black but will turn dark blue before they are 18 months. They are sophisticated, handsome-looking dogs with dense coats that appear more like astrakhan wool than traditional dog hair.

Their distinguishing characteristic is the long fluffy muzzles which add a tremendous dose of character to their handsome faces. They have V-shaped ears with keen eyes typical of a terrier and a strong scissor bite to their jaw.

They have strong necks and nicely proportioned lean, muscular bodies with high-set, moderately long tails adding to their pleasingly balanced appearance.

Who is a Kerry Blue Terrier best for?

Like most terriers, Kerry Blues are wilful and intelligent dogs, which can often make them tricky dogs to control. For this reason, they’re not the best option for first-time owners as they benefit from being trained by experienced terrier owners with the patience and experience to know how to handle their strong-willed, intelligent nature during obedience training.

They are enthusiastic dogs that love to play and can have a little mischievous streak which they might use to get their own way.

They are best suited to homes with older children with experience around dogs as their boisterous nature could lead them to accidentally knock down small children in play.

They are good watchdogs in that they are always alert and like to let you know as soon as they notice a change in the environment. However, their friendly nature means they aren’t suited to being good guard dogs.

They suffer from high separation anxiety and hate being left alone for any period, so are best suited to homes where there is usually someone around to keep them company and stop them from expressing their anxiety destructively.

Kerry Blue Terrier Grooming & Shedding

The Kerry Bluecoat requires a high degree of maintenance, ideally needing regular brushing daily with particularly close attention paid to its muzzle which can get a little messy after eating.

They don’t shed their dense coat like many other dog breeds but will require their coats to be cut every 6-8 weeks to keep them tidy. The hair between their foot pads should also be checked and trimmed regularly.

You should also keep an eye on their ears and ensure there’s not any wax build-up which can lead to a painful infection if it isn’t cleaned out.

Do Kerry Blue Terriers bark a lot?

The Kerry Blue is known to be a talkative dog, like most terrier breeds. This behaviour is best curbed early on in their lifetime to prevent them from being frightened.

Even if you do a good job of training them, you may find that old habits die hard and it can be very difficult to fully coach them out of this especially stubborn aspect of their personality.

What is the average weight & height of a Kerry Blue Terrier dog?

Both sexes of the Irish Blue terrier will reach up to 15-18kg in weight and grow up to 46-48 cm up to the shoulder.

Are Kerry Blue Terriers easy to train?

Kerry Blues are intelligent, charismatic, and confident dogs that benefit best from a fair, gentle, and sometimes firm hand.

The toughness that makes them so good at killing vermin can often make them difficult to train. For this reason, you must use the right degree of domination to establish that you are the one in charge, otherwise, they will soon take the reigns.

Keep training short and interesting but don’t allow their personality to domineer yours. This can be difficult with adorable Kerry Blue puppies especially but keep your head and maintain your position as the authority in your relationship.

How do Kerry Blue Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Kerry Blues, like many breeds of terriers, are outgoing, confident, and headstrong dogs with a strong sense of play.

They can be a little sensitive, being inclined towards moodiness at times so they don’t stand for being treated unfairly or roughly. This can make finding the right balance while training them difficult while you find the right way to help them learn without upsetting them.

They don’t take well to being left alone all day, their high levels of intelligence will let them know that something is up. If left alone they will become increasingly bored and they will likely turn to mischief to entertain themselves.

Their smartness while being a wonderful trait is what often makes them such difficult dogs to raise at times. Early socialisation and an understanding of the pecking order will go a long way toward conditioning their domineering spirits.

Their success in shows and dog sports demonstrates that with the right sort of training your Kerry Blue could be a model of obedience.

Does the Kerry Blue Terrier have any common health issues?

Kerry Blues are generally a healthy breed but lswdike many other purebred dogs, the Kerry tends to suffer from a handful of congenital defects that are worth being aware of –

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition affecting the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and discomfort.
Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint and may cause pain and mobility issues.
Cataracts: This eye condition can lead to vision impairment and is relatively common in the breed.
Entropion: A condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing irritation and potential damage to the eye.
Dry Eye: Insufficient tear production can lead to discomfort and vision problems in Kerry Blues.
Skin Problems: This breed can be prone to various skin issues, including allergies and irritations.
Cysts: The development of cysts under the skin can occur, requiring veterinary evaluation.

What is the lifespan of a Kerry Blue Terrier?

If Kerry Blues lead healthy a lifestyle with the proper amount of outdoor exercise with the correct nutrition they can live for up to 12-15 years.

How much does a Kerry Blue Terrier need to be fed?

When you get your Kerry Blue puppy from a breeder they will provide you with a diet plan for them that it’s important you stick to or you’ll risk upsetting their gentle digestive system. The breeder will also be able to answer any questions you may have about their diet.

While your dog is developing you will gradually change their diet to one more suited to an adult dog. Two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening of high-quality, nutritious food will do it.

Kerry Blues are known to put on weight easily so make sure you’re feeding your dog an appropriate food with the right amount of proteins, healthy fats, veggies, and ground bones.

How much can you expect to pay for a Kerry Blue Terrier in Australia?

The average price of a Kerry Blue terrier requires a budget from as low as $1100 up to $5500. The higher end will only be for dogs who are bred from champions and you’re looking at a median price of around $1300.

Kerry Blue Terrier FAQs

Is a Kerry Blue Terrier ideal for a first-time dog owner?

No. Generally, a first-time owner should pick up a dog with a little less of an independent spirit and tenacity. These dogs are highly intelligent and while that makes them great pets it can also make them very tricky to train, especially for first-timers.

Do Kerry Blue Terriers get along with cats?

If your dog has grown up alongside the cat since they were young then they will be agreeable with them, though they may still display some boisterous behaviour with them from time to time.

Adding a cat to the mix with a fully grown Kerry Blue is not a good idea as any smaller animal may be seen as fair game by them.

Are Kerry Blue Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Yes, they are. Kerry Blues basically never shed their thick, wool-like hair so they’re suited to owners with allergies.

How long can a Kerry Blue Terrier be left alone?

It’s best not to leave your Kerry Blue alone for any extended period. They are sensitive and clever dogs and this combination may lead them to behave in unacceptable, destructive ways while they try to entertain themselves until you come home.