Kerry Blue Terrier

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Dog Breed Group

Terrier Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Ireland, guard dog and hunting dog. 

Life Expectancy

12 - 15 Years 

Color

Any shade of blue, with or without black points 

Coat

Soft, spiky, plentiful and wavy. 

Exercise Needs

Daily exercise is essential which should consist of long walks on a leash and or games off-leash. 

Temperament

The Kerry Blue Terrier is gentle, lovable and intelligent. He is also determined, friendly and enthusiastic. 

Good with Children

Patient and protective of children. May not be advisable to keep with other male dogs as he will not back down from a fight. Soc 

Grooming Needs

Regular brushing or combing with a steel comb or a slicker brush. Bathe monthly. If shown he needs regular clipping and trimming 

Average Size - Male (in)

18 - 19.5 

Average Size - Female (in)

17.5 - 19 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

33 - 40 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

Proportionately Less 

Health Issues

Cataracts, blood disorders, hair-follicle tumors, tear deficiency.v

Living Conditions

A house with a yard is preferable but is not essential if he can receive enough exercise. 

Breed Description

The Kerry Blue Terrier is an all-round working and utility terrier. He is successfull in herding sheep and cattle. He has rich long hair on his face and a curly gray coat. Outgoing and friendly towards his family, he is known to give big slurpy kisses. Puppies are born black and their coats begin to change sometime between nine and twenty-four months to red, brown or gray and then Kerry blue. Developed in the 1700's by Irish shepherds his name comes from the county of Kerry in south-western Ireland. Crossed between the Irish terrier and Dandie Dinmont, he was originally used as a companion, farm dog, guard dog and hunting dog. Known to dispatch rats and other barnyard vermin he was also a good retriever fetching prey from the water.