What is a Kerry Blue Terrier?
The Kerry Blue Terrier originated from the County of Kerry in Ireland in the 1700's. This is where the name "Kerry" was derived and "Blue" came from the colour of their coat. The Kerry Blue Terrier is the national terrier of Ireland and they are also known as the Irish Blue Terrier. The Kerry Blue Terrier has had many jobs throughout their years. They have been used as small game hunters, retrievers and livestock herders. They have even been used for police work. They are adaptable and animated family companions and their stunning coats will turn heads wherever you go. The Kerry’s undeniable terrier temperament – alert, quick-witted, intelligent, scrappy – is leveled by a sentimental attachment to those he holds dear, a sensitivity to the moods of those around him, and an impish sense of humor. To own a Kerry means you have to be open to their loving attachment. Invariably they will lie at your feet, or should I say on your feet, or will curl up beside you with the maximum amount of their body touching you as they can.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a well-developed, muscular terrier, with a soft, dense, wavy coat without an under-layer. Their head is long but is in proportion to their body, their nose is black with wide nostrils. They have V-shaped ears that are small in size. Their eyes are dark and small. Their limbs have a powerful bone structure. The Kerry Blue Terrier is born black and should start transiting to the blue mature colour by 18 months old. Their blue-shade colours are from very dark blue (darker than deep slate), shades or tinges of brown to different shades of blue-grey. Kerrys do not shed, so their coat must be thoroughly brushed and combed once a week to avoid matting. Combined regular brushing and full grooming every six weeks will keep the coat manageable. The distinctive blue coat is not only beautiful but practical as well. The Kerry Blue is non-shedding and odorless, even when wet. Grooming from an early age ensures a well-adjusted patient dog. Some equipment is necessary unless you pay for someone to do this job for you, however, it is advisable to persist with the grooming yourself as it does become a nice "together" thing to do. But no matter how they are sculpted on the outside, the boisterous, blarney-loving spirit of these unique and useful terriers remains unchanged.
The Kerry Blue Terrier often has an undeserved reputation concerning his temperament. They are actually near-perfect gentlemen and ladies to have in the home. With the Kerry being an ideal family dog, their temperament should be excellent towards their human family members and also to any person introduced to them as a friend. They are very good watchdogs and will guard the family if called upon.
If you are looking for a personality-packed but relaxed family dog, a Kerry Blue Terrier will fit the bill. The Kerrys are lively and boisterous and can be self-confident, stubborn, and prone to barking without regular and consistent training. They are loving with children and can enjoy the company of other animals as long as they are well socialised from a young age. Owners need to be consistent with the rules and training.
Kerries have two speeds. They enjoy exercising through outdoor play, playing fetch, or jogging with their owners. The breed also enjoys exercising mind and body by participating with their humans in canine sports, including obedience, herding, dock diving, and barn hunting. They also love one-on-one time, sitting by their family as they watch TV or just lazing around. Most Kerries essentially want to be with their owners, engaging in whatever the activity is at the time. With Kerrys being so adaptive, they will usually fit into your environment being very active or less active. A Kerry does not like to be left alone all day without companionship, so this needs to be kept in mind if you are a working family. A bored puppy can get into mischief, no matter what breed they are, so some daily activity is recommended.