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Kerry Blue Terrier Puppies for Sale
Kerry Blue Terrier
Photo Courtesy of Diane Harrison
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Kerry Blue Terrier Breeder
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Pronunciation |
Kerry Blue
Terrier |
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Description |
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a well-built, muscular,
medium-sized dog with true terrier style and character. Born black at birth the coat changes color through one
or more transitions. Black to very dark blue (darker than deep slate)
shades or tinges of brown to different shades of blue gray. The
correct mature color is from slate blue to light gray. The color should
"clear" by the time they are 18 months old. Solid black after
the age of 18 months is not permissible in the show ring. Black or dark
blue points on the Head, muzzle, feet and tail are permissible at any
age. Some adults
never lighten properly. Adults may retain dark points
even when the rest of the coat lightens. 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 and the keen eyes are dark. 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 - the straighter the better. |
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Temperament |
Vivacious and playful, determined and alert,
boisterous and unrepressed, this dog has a way about it that makes people laugh
and have fun. They enjoy roughhousing. The Kerry is a good watchdog, but will
not attack without real provocation. A loving 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 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. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 18½-20 inches (46-51 cm.)
Bitches 17½-19 inches (44-48 cm.)
Weight: 33-40 pounds (15-18 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
This is usually a very healthy long-lived breed.
Although some are prone to Hip Dysplasia, PNA, cerebellar abiotrophy. Also some minor concerns
are cataracts, spiculosis, hair follicle tumors, entropion, KCS, narrow
palpebral fissure distichiasisme, and CHD. Retinal folds occasionally seen. |
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Living Conditions |
Kerry Blues are good for apartment life.
They are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do. |
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Exercise |
The Kerry Blue is a sporty dog, which
needs to be taken out on a
daily walk, jog or run.
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Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
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Grooming |
Kerries should be groomed every 6 weeks. 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.
Pet Kerries can be trimmed like a Soft
coated Wheaten. Grooming techniques require some training. Your groomer can show you
how it do it right. In addition to this, they will need grooming once a week
with brush and comb. Dogs for showing will require more extensive grooming. The
distinctive blue coat is not only beautiful, but practical as well. The Kerry
Blue sheds little to no hair and is odorless, even when wet. Frequent bathing
will not dry out the skin as it does in so many other breeds. Bathing
and combing every week is a must! It keeps them clean. Without proper
care their beard will get smelly and packed with food and dirt. Kerry Blues are
considered good for allergy sufferers. |
| 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. The name comes from color of the coat. No one knows for certain which breeds were used to develop the Kerry
Blue, but many believe the Portuguese Water Dog contributed the silky, wavy
single coat. Others think the
Kerry Blue Terrier was developed from the old black terriers, Spanish (or
Russian) "Blue Dog", Soft coated Wheaten Terrier and possibly
Irish Wolfhounds and Irish Terriers. There is a writing on dogs in
Ireland over a century ago that mentions a Harlequin Terrier that sounds like
a breed description of the Kerry Blue. The Kerry Blue has been used as a small game hunter, retriever, herd
and farm dog, house guardian, family companion, and even in police work. He can
also be used to perform tricks. The United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, the
national breed club, was found in 1922 and the breed was recognized by the AKC
two years later. Today the Kerry Blue is primarily a companion and home
guardian. |
| Group |
Terrier, AKC Terrier |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
CET, APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
CET = Club
Español de Terriers (Spanish Terrier Club)
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Kerry Blue Terrier Shirts!
Photo Courtesy of Diane Harrison
Meet Duffy!
This is Duffy.
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Kerry Blue Terrier
Pictures Page 1
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