The Kerry Blue Terrier is a beloved breed known for its distinctive blue-gray coat and friendly, outgoing personality. They are a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming.
Kerry Blue Terriers are generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years. They can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, but responsible breeding practices can help minimize these risks.
If you're considering bringing a Kerry Blue Terrier puppy into your family, it's essential to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Look for breeders who have health clearances for their breeding dogs and who are transparent about the health of their puppies.
Additional reading: Bull Terrier Breeds
Quick Facts
Kerry Blue Terrier puppies are born black and turn blue with age, reaching a mature blue-gray color around 18 months old. This unique coat is one of the breed's defining characteristics.
They typically grow to be medium-sized, standing between 17.5-19.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 29-40 pounds.
A Kerry Blue Terrier's lifespan is relatively short, ranging from 12-15 years. With proper care and attention, they can live a happy and healthy life.
Here are some key facts about Kerry Blue Terriers at a glance:
Fun Facts
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed with a rich history, and it's no surprise they've earned a special place in Ireland. They were named after County Kerry in Ireland and are also referred to as Irish blue terriers.
Michael Collins, a key figure in the push for the breed to become the National Dog of Ireland, owned a Kerry Blue Terrier named Convict 224.
If you're considering bringing a Kerry Blue Terrier into your life, here are a few things to keep in mind:
• Intelligent and eager to please
• Non-shedding coat
• Very loyal and alert
However, be aware that they can be dog-aggressive, high energy needs, and have a strong prey drive.
Highlights
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a unique and lovable breed that's sure to capture your heart. This medium-sized dog typically stands between 17.5-19.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 29-40 pounds.
One of the standout features of the Kerry Blue Terrier is its coat, which is a beautiful shade of blue that's soft, dense, and comes in various shades. Born black, these puppies turn blue with maturity, and with regular grooming, their coat can be a stunning sight to behold.
These dogs are intelligent, playful, and loyal, making them an excellent addition to any family. However, they do require early socialization and consistent, patient training to manage their independent streak and potential reactivity towards strangers or other dogs.
Here are some key highlights of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed:
- Alert and intelligent: Eager to learn and excel in various activities like training, agility, or obedience.
- Energetic and playful: Enjoy outdoor adventures, walks, and playtime, keeping you active.
- Loyal and affectionate: Bond deeply with their families and crave attention and interaction.
- High exercise needs: Daily walks, runs, and playtime are crucial to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage these issues.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Healthy Bull Terrier
All-Around Friendliness
Kerry blue terrier puppies for sale are a great choice for families who want a loyal and loving companion. They are well-rounded dogs that thrive on attention and interaction with their family members.
These puppies need daily mental and physical activity in a safe area to keep them happy and healthy. They love to run, chase, explore, play, and dig, making them a great fit for families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Kerry blue terriers are not the best fit for every family, as they can be protective and may be aggressive towards other dogs and small animals. However, with proper training and socialization, they can become great friends.
They are highly intelligent and independent, which means they need owners who are willing to rise to their level of wits and provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If bored, they may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging.
Kerry blue terrier puppies are naturally suspicious of strangers, so it's essential to socialize them early and often to help them become confident and friendly. With proper training and socialization, they can become wonderful companions for families who are willing to put in the effort.
In fact, these puppies are so loving and loyal that they'll often follow their family members around the house, even on long walks and doggy sporting events. However, they may get bored after a while, so it's essential to keep them engaged with new and exciting activities.
Overall, kerry blue terrier puppies for sale can make wonderful pets for the right family. With their high energy, intelligence, and loyalty, they'll bring joy and excitement to your life.
Grooming Needs
The Kerry Blue terrier's coat is a beautiful, soft, and wavy thing, but it's also high maintenance. You'll need to brush it daily, or at least every other day, to prevent matting and tangling.
Their coat is non-shedding, which is a big plus for people with allergies, but it still needs regular trimming and bathing every four to six weeks. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional groomer who knows the correct Kerry trim.
Trimming their nails is also essential, ideally once or twice a month, to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you're not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.
The Kerry Blue terrier's unique coat requires special care, and you'll need to find a groomer who's certified with a national certifying agency. This will ensure that they have the necessary expertise to give your dog a great cut.
Grooming should be a positive experience for your Kerry Blue terrier, filled with praise and rewards. Start accustoming them to being brushed and examined when they're a puppy, and make it a regular part of their routine.
Their beard will need extra attention, and you'll need to get them professionally groomed around every six to eight weeks to keep their coat looking sleek and shiny. Don't forget to clean their ears and brush their teeth regularly too.
Recommended read: Shiba Inu Coin 1 Cents
Exercise and Living Needs
Exercise is key to the health and happiness of Kerry Blue terriers, and they make excellent jogging companions. They can go the distance despite their relatively compact size.
You'll want to take your Kerry Blue on several long walks a day to keep them happy and healthy. A yard is also beneficial, but be prepared to keep an eye on their digging behavior.
If you're looking for a sporty canine that excels in competition, the Kerry Blue is a great choice. They're eager to please and have plenty of energy to channel into dog sports.
Kerry Blue terriers need an owner who is willing to be just as devoted to them as they are to their family. They're ideal for active families who can provide them with intellectually and physically stimulating tasks.
A fenced-in yard will make your Kerry Blue's tail wag, and their water-resistant coat will fare just fine in areas with puddles. They're happy to lounge around with you or join you in leisure activities once they're tired out for the night.
You might enjoy: Shiba Inu $1
Living Needs
Kerry Blue terriers are devoted to their families and need an owner who is just as devoted to them. They thrive in active families who can provide them with intellectually and physically stimulating tasks.
A fenced-in yard is a must-have for Kerry Blue terriers, as they love to romp around and play. They'll fare just fine in properties with puddles, thanks to their naturally water-resistant coats.
They're usually happy to lounge around with you or join you in leisure activities once they're tired out for the night. They just want to be close to you, after all.
Kerry Blue terriers prefer to be the only fur child in the house, so families with cats and other small pets may want to think twice before welcoming one into their family.
Size
When considering the physical needs of your Kerry Blue Terrier, size is a crucial factor to keep in mind. Males stand 18 to 19.5 inches tall.
Their height requires a living space with enough headroom for them to move around comfortably. Females stand 17.5 to 19 inches tall.
As a general rule, a room with an 8-foot ceiling should be sufficient for most Kerry Blue Terriers. Males and females weigh 33 to 40 pounds.
This weight range means they need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
Breed Characteristics
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a pup that's full of personality but also knows how to chill. They're just as happy to lounge on the couch as they are to be on the go.
One thing to keep in mind is their high energy level, which means they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They're a high-energy breed that requires regular physical activity to keep them from getting bored or restless.
Here are some key characteristics of the Kerry Blue Terrier:
With their high trainability and intelligence, they're a breeze to teach new tricks and commands. This makes them a great breed for first-time dog owners or those who are looking for a loyal companion.
Breed Appearance
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a muscular body, typically weighing between 33-40 pounds.
Their distinctive appearance is characterized by a long head, flat and boxy skull, and a slight stop.
Those small, dark, and alert eyes are a standout feature of the breed.
The nose is black with wide nostrils, blending in with their overall color, which can range from deep black to dark blue and shades of blue gray or brown.
Their ears are small and V-shaped, carried forward on the head.
The Kerry Blue Terrier has a long neck that widens towards the shoulders, giving them a sense of pride and dignity.
Their coats are soft, wavy, and dense, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and knots.
In fact, brushing them every few days and having them groomed by a professional every six to eight weeks is essential to maintaining their beautiful coat.
Their tails are high-set and straight, often docked to a medium length, although this is illegal in most parts of Europe.
The correct color for a mature dog is a slate blue to light gray, with black or deep blue points on the head, muzzle, feet, and tail.
For more insights, see: Bull Terrier Head Shape
Breed History
The Kerry Blue Terrier breed has a rich history that dates back to the 1700s in County Kerry, Ireland. They were originally bred to hunt small game and vermin, and their strong instincts remain to this day.
Their name comes from the county where they originated, and they're also known as the Irish Blue Terrier. The Kerry Blue is the national Terrier of Ireland, and they've been recognized by the AKC since 1924.
These dogs were developed to be versatile working dogs, and they excel at herding sheep and cattle. They were also used as farm dogs, hunting small game and birds, and retrieving over land and water.
The Kerry Blue's coat is a distinctive feature, and it's said to have been influenced by the Portuguese Water Dog. They're born black, but their blue coloration appears between 9 months and 2 years of age.
The breed has a long history of being used for police work and trailing, and they're still used for these tasks today. Despite their versatility, the Kerry Blue Terrier remains a relatively rare breed as a pet.
The exact ancestry of the Kerry Blue is unclear, but it's believed to have been developed from a combination of terriers and possibly the Irish Wolfhound or Irish Terrier.
For another approach, see: Game Bred American Pit Bull Terrier
Family and Socialization
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a wonderful breed for families, but it's essential to understand their needs and personality traits to ensure a harmonious household.
They love kids and are good-natured, but it's crucial to teach children how to approach and touch dogs gently and to supervise interactions between dogs and young children.
As a breed, Kerry Blues are sturdy and can take a few knocks, but no dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
To ensure a smooth transition, introduce your Kerry Blue Terrier puppy to your family's existing pets slowly and under close supervision, especially if you have small animals.
Here's a quick rundown of their socialization needs:
Remember, socialization and training are key to minimizing their tendency to be grouchy with other dogs and small animals.
Family
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a great breed for families, but it's essential to understand their needs and limitations. They love kids and can take rough play, but always supervise interactions between dogs and young children.
The Kerry Blue is good-natured and isn't normally grouchy with children, but it's crucial to teach kids how to approach and touch dogs gently. This breed requires close supervision when interacting with young children.
They can be grouchy with other dogs, especially those unfamiliar to them, so socialization and training are vital. With proper training, this tendency can be minimized, but never let your guard down when introducing them to other dogs.
The Kerry Blue isn't fond of small animals due to their strong prey drive, so keep them leashed in public. To ensure they get along with cats or small mammals, raise them together and introduce them properly, then supervise closely.
Here's a quick rundown of their family dynamics:
Remember, every dog is an individual, so it's essential to consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
Adopting or Buying a Pet
If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Kerry Blue terriers are a popular breed, and they enjoy a loyal and devoted community in the United States. If you're looking for a breeder, be prepared to be put on a waiting list, but there are generally puppies available throughout the year.
The breeder should be able to answer any questions you have regarding the pedigree, health, and history of the litter and its parents. Ideally, you should meet one or both parents to have a better idea of your future pet's personality, size, and temperament.
You can expect to spend between $1,500 and $2,000 for a Kerry Blue puppy.
If you're looking for a Kerry Blue, consider checking with local or regional rescue groups – your new best friend might be waiting for you there! Here are some resources to get you started:
- United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club Rescue
- United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club Breeder Directory
- American Kennel Club Breeder Listing
Training
Training a Kerry Blue requires clear pack leadership from puppyhood. This means being consistent and firm in your commands.
These dogs have a strong prey drive, bred to hunt small vermin like mice and rabbits, so they may not be well-suited for homes with cats or other small animals.
Early socialization and training can help offset this natural tendency, but it's essential to be aware of it. With the right training, Kerry Blues can learn to coexist with other pets.
Establishing clear boundaries and rules is crucial, as Kerry Blues have a natural tendency to do things their own way. This independent streak can be challenging to manage, but with patience and consistency, you can teach your Kerry Blue to obey.
Consistent and engaging challenges are essential for this intelligent breed, so keep training sessions interesting and positive.
Discover more: Small White Dog Types
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Kerry Blue?
Kerry Blue Terrier prices range from £400 to over £900 for a well-bred pedigree puppy. Learn more about the costs and benefits of owning a Kerry Blue Terrier
Are Kerry Blue Terriers good dogs?
Kerry Blue Terriers are loyal, intelligent, and playful companions, making them a great fit for active families. However, they do require supervision, especially around young children, due to their energetic nature.
Do Kerry Blue Terriers bark a lot?
Some Kerry Blue Terriers are prone to excessive barking, which can be a consideration for potential owners
Are Kerry Blue Terriers rare?
Kerry Blue Terriers are uncommon, but not as threatened as some other terrier breeds. They remain a relatively rare breed despite their occasional show successes.
What is the life expectancy of a Kerry Blue Terrier?
A Kerry Blue Terrier's life expectancy is 12-15 years with proper care. With love and attention, they can live a long and happy life.
Sources
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- The Kerry Blue Foundation website (kerryblues.info)
- Kerry Blue Rescue (UK) (instagram.com)
- Rescue Shelter (rescueshelter.com)
- United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club (uskbtc.com)
- Kerry Blue Terrier | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- Kerry Blue Terrier Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
- AKC (akc.org)
- American Kennel Club Breeder Listing (akc.org)
- United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club Breeder Directory (wildapricot.org)
- United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club Rescue (uskbtc.com)
- United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club (uskbtc.com)
- Irish Kennel Club (ikc.ie)
Featured Images: pexels.com