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Kerry Blue Terrier breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Kerry Blue Terrier one of the largest AKC terriers, famous for a show-stopping blue coat, an onetime farm dog that is today an alert, adaptable, animated watchdog and family companion.
The coat runs from deep slate to light blue-gray and is as soft to the touch as it is pleasing to the eye.
Temperament
Kerry Blue Terriers are very smart and most enjoy agility, obedience, rally, barn hunt, herding and even dock diving. Keeping mind and body engaged helps make a happy, well-adjusted member of the family.
Socialization is important, as is a beginning obedience class.
Lifespan
Kerry Blue Terriers live 12 to 15 years. They are a healthy breed. Responsible breeders keep monitoring new DNA tests that help ensure hereditary defects are absent from their programs and many do basic DNA testing as a best practice.
Care
Kerry Blue Terriers do not shed, so the coat must be thoroughly brushed and combed once a week to avoid matting. Along with regular brushing, a full grooming every six to eight weeks keeps it manageable: clippers do the head, neck, ears and abdomen and scissors trim the coat.
Kerry Blue Terriers have two speeds. They enjoy outdoor play, fetch or jogging beside their owner. They love sitting beside the owner as the family watches TV or sits by the fireplace.
History
The Kerry Blue Terrier is named for its home county. The mystery of its beginnings has produced charming blarney about leprechauns, shipwrecks and other fanciful origin tales, but Kerry Blue Terriers were hardworking all-around farm dogs cherished for their versatility.
The breed was a mascot for patriots in the struggle for Irish independence and since the early 20th century Kerry Blue Terriers have been top winners in the show ring.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 4 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 3 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 1 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 4 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 3 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 4 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 2 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 5 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |