Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry blue terrier is a small-to-medium sized breed. They are known for their unique coat and striking appearance.

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Kerry Blue Terrier Breed overview

Kerry Blue Terriers are a medium-sized, non-shedding breed that are known for their high energy level, intelligence, and work ethic. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy, and should be socialized from a young age to help them become more accepting of new people and dogs. Although they can make wonderful family pets, they may not be the best choice for novice dog owners or those living in apartments. With proper training and attention, Kerry Blue Terriers can be loyal and loving companions.

Height:
17-19 inches
Weight:
33-40 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-15 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Kerry Blue Terrier

Grooming

Kerry blue terriers require frequent grooming to maintain their soft, wavy coat. They should be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling. They also require regular haircuts every six to eight weeks to keep their coat in top condition.

Their ears and teeth should also be cleaned regularly to prevent infections. Bathing should be done as needed and owners should use a gentle shampoo specifically formulated for dogs.

Nutrition

Kerry blue terriers should be fed a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. It's important to avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can lead to health issues such as arthritis and diabetes. Owners should also provide plenty of fresh, clean water at all times.

Health

Kerry blue terriers are generally healthy and have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. They should receive regular veterinary checkups and be fed a healthy, balanced diet to prevent these issues.

It's also important to note that Kerry blue terriers are sensitive to certain chemicals and medications, so it's important to speak with a veterinarian before administering any drugs to your pet.

Exercise

Kerry blue terriers are very active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They should be taken for daily walks and also enjoy playing in the yard or at the park. They are also very intelligent and enjoy games of fetch and other mentally stimulating activities.

Training

Kerry blue terriers are very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn at times and require a firm, consistent hand during training.

They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques such as praise and treats. Early socialization and training is important to prevent behavioral issues from developing.

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Kerry Blue Terrier Traits & Characteristics

Kerry blue terriers should be between 17.5 and 19.5 inches at the shoulder, and should weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. They should have a muscular, well-proportioned build with a distinctive wavy coat that comes in various shades of blue-gray. Their head is long and covered in soft, wavy hair, and their eyes are dark and alert.

Despite being small in size, Kerry blue terriers are very strong and athletic. They have a high energy level and need regular exercise to keep them fit and healthy. They are also very active indoors and require lots of mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Kerry Blue Terriers are generally affectionate dogs with their owners, but can be wary with strangers. They love to cuddle and be close to their owners, making them a loyal and loving breed.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Kerry Blue Terriers can be good with children, but because of their energetic nature, they may be better suited for older children who can handle their size and activity level.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Kerry Blue Terriers can be sociable with other dogs if they are well-socialized from a young age. They may be more accepting of dogs of the opposite sex and may be dominant towards dogs of the same sex.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Kerry Blue Terriers may be wary of strangers and should be socialized from a young age to help them become more accepting of new people.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Kerry Blue Terriers have a lot of energy and love to play. They enjoy fetch, tug-of-war, and any other games that involve physical activity and interaction with their owners.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Kerry Blue Terriers are highly alert and have a strong watchdog instinct. They are always aware of their surroundings and will bark to alert their owners of any potential dangers.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Kerry Blue Terriers are adaptable dogs that can do well in a variety of living situations, as long as they get enough exercise to burn off their energy.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Kerry Blue Terriers are a non-shedding breed, making them a good choice for people with allergies. However, their curly coat requires regular grooming and trimming.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Kerry Blue Terriers have a unique coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its texture and avoid matting. They need to be brushed and trimmed on a regular basis, typically every six to eight weeks.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Kerry Blue Terriers are not known for excessive drooling, making them a good choice for people who are concerned about cleanliness.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Kerry Blue Terriers are a medium-sized breed that typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds and stand 17-19 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a good size for families looking for a dog that is not too small or too large.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Kerry Blue Terriers are a high-energy breed that require vigorous exercise on a daily basis to burn off their energy. They are not recommended for apartment living or for people who are unable to provide them with enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Kerry Blue Terriers require at least an hour of vigorous exercise per day to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They enjoy running, playing, and engaging in activities that require mental stimulation and physical movement.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Kerry Blue Terriers were originally bred as working dogs and have a strong work ethic. They excel in tasks such as hunting, herding, and guarding.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Kerry Blue Terriers have a high prey drive and were originally bred as hunting dogs. They have a strong urge to chase small animals and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure fenced area.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Kerry Blue Terriers have a high level of physical stamina and endurance that allows them to engage in vigorous exercise and perform tasks such as hunting and herding. They require plenty of exercise to maintain their high energy level.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Kerry Blue Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and allergies.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Kerry Blue Terriers can be prone to obesity if they are overfed or do not receive enough exercise. Owners should monitor their dog's weight and provide them with plenty of opportunities to exercise and burn off excess energy.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Kerry Blue Terriers can tolerate colder weather, but may require a jacket or sweater when temperatures drop below freezing.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Kerry Blue Terriers can tolerate warmer weather, but owners should take precautions to prevent heat stroke by providing plenty of water and shade.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Kerry Blue Terriers are not recommended for apartment living due to their high exercise needs and activity level. They require a yard or open space to run and play.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Kerry Blue Terriers have a tendency to wander and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure fenced area to prevent escape.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Kerry Blue Terriers are sensitive dogs that do not respond well to harsh training methods or negative reinforcement. They require a gentle and patient training approach.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Kerry Blue Terriers can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time. They do best in homes where someone is around during the day to provide them with attention and exercise.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Kerry Blue Terriers are known for being vocal dogs that will bark to alert their owners of anything they perceive as a potential threat. Owners should be prepared to work on training to minimize excessive barking.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Kerry Blue Terriers are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are quick learners and can excel in activities such as agility and obedience training.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Kerry Blue Terriers may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners due to their high energy level and stubborn nature. They require an experienced owner who can provide them with consistent training and guidance.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Kerry Blue Terriers are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. However, they may be stubborn at times and require a patient and consistent training approach.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Kerry Blue Terriers are generally affectionate dogs with their owners, but can be wary with strangers. They love to cuddle and be close to their owners, making them a loyal and loving breed.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Kerry Blue Terriers can be good with children, but because of their energetic nature, they may be better suited for older children who can handle their size and activity level.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Kerry Blue Terriers can be sociable with other dogs if they are well-socialized from a young age. They may be more accepting of dogs of the opposite sex and may be dominant towards dogs of the same sex.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Kerry Blue Terriers may be wary of strangers and should be socialized from a young age to help them become more accepting of new people.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Kerry Blue Terriers have a lot of energy and love to play. They enjoy fetch, tug-of-war, and any other games that involve physical activity and interaction with their owners.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Kerry Blue Terriers are highly alert and have a strong watchdog instinct. They are always aware of their surroundings and will bark to alert their owners of any potential dangers.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Kerry Blue Terriers are adaptable dogs that can do well in a variety of living situations, as long as they get enough exercise to burn off their energy.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Kerry Blue Terriers are a non-shedding breed, making them a good choice for people with allergies. However, their curly coat requires regular grooming and trimming.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Kerry Blue Terriers have a unique coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its texture and avoid matting. They need to be brushed and trimmed on a regular basis, typically every six to eight weeks.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Kerry Blue Terriers are not known for excessive drooling, making them a good choice for people who are concerned about cleanliness.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Kerry Blue Terriers are a medium-sized breed that typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds and stand 17-19 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a good size for families looking for a dog that is not too small or too large.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Kerry Blue Terriers are a high-energy breed that require vigorous exercise on a daily basis to burn off their energy. They are not recommended for apartment living or for people who are unable to provide them with enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Kerry Blue Terriers require at least an hour of vigorous exercise per day to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They enjoy running, playing, and engaging in activities that require mental stimulation and physical movement.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Kerry Blue Terriers were originally bred as working dogs and have a strong work ethic. They excel in tasks such as hunting, herding, and guarding.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Kerry Blue Terriers have a high prey drive and were originally bred as hunting dogs. They have a strong urge to chase small animals and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure fenced area.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Kerry Blue Terriers have a high level of physical stamina and endurance that allows them to engage in vigorous exercise and perform tasks such as hunting and herding. They require plenty of exercise to maintain their high energy level.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Kerry Blue Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and allergies.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Kerry Blue Terriers can be prone to obesity if they are overfed or do not receive enough exercise. Owners should monitor their dog's weight and provide them with plenty of opportunities to exercise and burn off excess energy.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Kerry Blue Terriers can tolerate colder weather, but may require a jacket or sweater when temperatures drop below freezing.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Kerry Blue Terriers can tolerate warmer weather, but owners should take precautions to prevent heat stroke by providing plenty of water and shade.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Kerry Blue Terriers are not recommended for apartment living due to their high exercise needs and activity level. They require a yard or open space to run and play.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Kerry Blue Terriers have a tendency to wander and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure fenced area to prevent escape.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Kerry Blue Terriers are sensitive dogs that do not respond well to harsh training methods or negative reinforcement. They require a gentle and patient training approach.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Kerry Blue Terriers can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time. They do best in homes where someone is around during the day to provide them with attention and exercise.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Kerry Blue Terriers are known for being vocal dogs that will bark to alert their owners of anything they perceive as a potential threat. Owners should be prepared to work on training to minimize excessive barking.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Kerry Blue Terriers are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are quick learners and can excel in activities such as agility and obedience training.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Kerry Blue Terriers may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners due to their high energy level and stubborn nature. They require an experienced owner who can provide them with consistent training and guidance.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Kerry Blue Terriers are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. However, they may be stubborn at times and require a patient and consistent training approach.

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History of the Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry blue terrier originated in Ireland in the early 18th century and was primarily used for hunting small game such as rabbits and otters. They were also used for herding and guarding livestock. In later years, the breed's hunting instincts were honed and they were used for hunting larger game such as deer and wild boar.

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Kerry Blue Terrier Puppies

Kerry blue terrier puppies are born with a black coat that gradually fades to blue as they age. They are known for being playful and energetic, but also require lots of socialization and training from an early age. They should be fed a high-quality diet to ensure proper growth and development.

It's important to note that Kerry blue terrier puppies require lots of attention and may become destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They are best suited to families with plenty of time to devote to their care.