General Information

Dog NameKerry Blue Terrier
Other NamesKerry
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupTerrier
Breed ForHunting vermin, rats, rabbits
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginIreland

Physical And Size

SizeMedium
Min Life Span12
Max Life Span15
Min Ideal Weight for male14
Max Ideal Weight for male18
Min Ideal Weight for female14
Max Ideal Weight for male18

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentIndependent, Smart, Alert
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyLow
Dog FriendlyLow
Office FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyHigh
Senior Citizens FriendlyHigh
Service DogHigh
Search and Rescue DogHigh
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginIreland
Nicknames and Other NamesKerry
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupTerrier Group
Bred ForHunting vermin, rats, rabbits
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, UKC, KC, CKC, NZKC, ANKC, FCI
Life Span12-15 years
Ideal Weight33-40 pounds (male and female)
Ideal HeightMale: 18-19.5 inches
Female: 17.5-19 inches
Fur TypeSoft, dense, wavy
Common ColorsBlue, Black, Blue and Black,
Blue and Silver, blue and Gray,
Silver Blue
MarkingsNone
AvailabilityCommonly available
AchievementsNational Dog of Ireland
Suitable for ApartmentsVery suitable
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToIrish Terrier

Kerry Blue Terrier is an energetic and often rambunctious breed who loves to play. They were bred to be all-around dogs, who can help in the farm as well as hunt small retrieve games. Kerry Blue Terrier is very loyal and affectionate towards their family.

If you are thinking to add one in your family, then this breed may be the right choice for you. However, before adding them, here are some information in detail you must know about Kerry Blue Terrier.

Origin And History

Kerry Blue Terrier was originated in southwestern Ireland in the late 1700s or early 1800s. It is said that they were the only dogs, who would tackle Otter, single-handedly in deep water. The Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club was formed in 1920, however, the Irish Kennel Club recognized the breed only in 1922.

Dog fanciers quickly became strongly infatuated by the Kerry Blue breed which gained full recognition by the Kennel Club of England as a distinct breed. With their popularity, the Blue Terrier Club of England became the parent parent group for the breed in England.

Kerry Blue Terrier entered the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in America in 1922 and competed in the Miscellaneous Class. Then after, it was officially recognized as eligible for championship competition by the American Kennel Club in 1924. The United States Kerry Blue Terrier was formed in 1926.

Kerry Blue Terrier’s Behavior Around Children

Kerry Blue Terrier is excellent around kids. Since they are also rambunctious they will be the best breed for children. Kerries love playing and are very gentle around kids.

Kerry Blue Terrier With Its Playmate.
Happy Kerry Blue Terrier And Little Girl.
Photo Credit- kerry_blue_terrier.

They know how to handle a kid while playing. Kerry Blue Terrier are never aggressive around kids. Instead they will have saint-like patience even if they are bored or not willing to play.

Personality And Temperament

Kerry Blue Terriers are truly a family dog. They are very loyal and affectionate with their family members. Kerries are good-natured with every human of all ages. They love spending time with their loved ones and are happiest when they’re with their human pack.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfLGDK-lRx1/
Watch This And You’re In Love With Kerry Blue Terrier.

Kerries make a fantastic watchdog. They will welcome the known guest but at the same time, they will warn their family members with any potential intruders. They are not known as nuisance barkers, but when they bark, they sound intimidating.

Kerry Blue Terrier is likely to have separation anxiety when they are left alone. They will become destructive and aggressive when bored. As already discussed, they love being in the human pack.

Trainability

Kerry Blue Terrier is highly intelligent dogs which can make them difficult to train. Like all terrier breeds, they are also independent thinkers. It is very important to teach your Kerries proper canine manners.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFMUAKGg5Nn/
Kerry Blue Terrier Playing Ball.

Kerry Blues might not respond nicely or obey your commands since they think they’re the alpha and have the “don’t teach me” personality at times. But positive reinforcements and treats might help you during the training session.

They spend a lot of time observing and analyzing the behavior of their masters and will try to manipulate the situation when possible. Consistent and confident leaders are needed to train the Kerry Blue Terriers or else they will easily rise to the position.

Fun Facts About Kerry Blue Terrier

  • When Kerry Blue Terriers are puppies, their ears must be pasted or glued in order to have it in proper place or shape.
  • Kerry Blue Terrier have hairs on their face for purpose. They are likely to stick their nose in holes or places they don’t belong. So it is like a shield for them to protect their eyes from scratch from other animals.
  • The coat of Kerry Blue Terrier should be brushed on a daily basis to avoid matting or knotted up of coats.

Health Problems

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesHip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation,
Primary Lens Luxation, Cerebellar, Abiotrophy
HypoallergenicYes
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus, Canine Distemper,
Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza,
SheddingNone to Minimal
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingAdvance and Professional Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 23%
Fat: 8%
Glucosamine
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Multivitamins
Probiotics

The health problems seen in Kerry Blue Terrier are a neurological disease called, cerebellar, abiotrophy, a condition that affects puppies and go progress to paralysis.

Kerry Blue Terrier is also prone to suffer from the skin cyst problem. Which develops lumps and bumps, usually epidermal cyst or sebaceous gland cyst.

Dry eyes is another condition Kerry Blue Terrier suffer from. It is caused when the dog’s eye doesn’t produce enough tears to stay moist.

Price of Kerry Blue Terrier Puppies

If you’re planning to get a Kerry Blue Terrier puppy then it will probably cost you from $800 – $1200.

Litter Size

The Kerry Blue Terrier will give birth to an average of 4-8 puppies at a time.

Size

Height: The male Kerry Blue Terrier will stand up to 46-51 cm tall. Whereas the female Kerry Blue Terrier is slightly shorter than male, standing up to 44-48 cm tall which relatively makes them the medium-sized breed.

Weight: The average weight of the Kerry Blue Terrier is 33-40 pounds.

Color Patterns

Kerry Blue Terrier is found in four colors.

  • Black
  • Grey
  • Blue
  • Silver

Breeds Similar To Kerry Blue Terrier

To conclude, Kerry Blue Terriers are wonderful breed with well mannered with every people. However, temperament and personality depends on how you raise and take care of them.

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