Kerry Blue Terrier
Terrier

Group:

terrier

Size:

medium

Lifespan:

12-15 years

Exercise:

moderate

Grooming:

very high

Trainability:

very low

Watchdog ability:

very high

Protection ability:

high

Area of Origin:

Ireland

Date of Origin:

1700’s

Other Names:

Irish Blue Terrier

Original Function:

Ratting, badger and fox hunting

History

The Kerry Blue Terrier originated in the 1700's in the mountainous regions of County Kerry from which its name is derived. The Kerry is the national terrier of Ireland (under the name Irish Blue Terrier) and has become a symbol of Ireland. The name comes from colour of the coat. No one knows for certain which breeds were used to develop the Kerry Blue, but many believe the Portuguese Water Dog contributed the silky, wavy single coat. Others think the Kerry Blue Terrier was developed from the old Black Terriers, Spanish (or Russian) "Blue Dog", Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and possibly Irish Wolfhounds and Irish Terriers. There is writing on dogs in Ireland over a century ago that mentions a Harlequin Terrier that sounds like a breed description of the Kerry Blue. Once groomed, the Kerry Blue is one of the most striking of all dogs. It has the peculiarity of being born black, the blue coloration not appearing until between 9 months and 2 years of age. The Kerry Blue has been used as a small game hunter, retriever, herd and farm dog, house guardian, family companion, and even in police work. He can also be used to perform tricks. Today the Kerry Blue is primarily a companion and home guardian.

Temperament

Highly intelligent, determined and playful, Kerry Blue Terriers require firm handling as they may be dog-aggressive. It gets along splendidly with people and loves to be challenged. It can guard, hunt, herd or just be a fun-loving companion. It needs daily mental and physical activity in a safe area. It loves to run, chase, hunt, explore, play and dig. Indoors, it is well-mannered.

Upkeep

The Kerry Blue needs a good amount of exercise, but its needs can be met with a long walk on leash, a vigorous play session or a chance to explore off leash in a safe area. It can live outdoors in temperate climates, but it does better with access to the house. Its coat needs combing about twice a week, plus scissoring and coat shaping every month. Its ears may need to be taped when developing to ensure proper shape.

Official Breed Standard

CHARACTERISTICS:
Disciplined gameness. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a compact, powerful Terrier, showing gracefulness and an attitude of alert determination, with definite Terrier style and character toughout.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The typical Kerry Blue Terrier should be upstanding, well-knit and well proportioned, showing a well-developed and muscular body.

Head and Skull:
Well balanced, long, proportionately lean, with slight stop and flat over the skull. Foreface and jaw very strong, deep and punishing; nose black; nostrils of due proportion.

Eyes:
Dark as possible. Small to medium with keen Terrier expression.

Ears:
Small to medium and V-shaped, carried forward but not as high as in some Terrier breeds.

Mouth:
Teeth level with upper teeth just closing over the lower; dark gums and roof of mouth.

Neck:
Strong and reachy, running into sloping shoulders.

Forequarters:
Shoulders flat as possible with elbows carried close to the body while the dog is standing or in action. Legs straight, bone powerful. Front straight, neither too wide nor too narrow.

Body:
Short coupled with good depth of brisket and well sprung ribs. Chest to be deep. Topline level.

Hindquarters:
Large and well developed, stifle bent and hocks close to the ground giving perfect freedom of hind action.

Feet:
Round and small. Toe-nails black.

Tail:
Set on high to complete a perfectly straight back and carried erect.

Coat:
Soft and silky, plentiful and wavy.

Colour:
Any shade of blue, with or without black points. A shade of tan is permissible in puppies, as is also a dark colour up to the age of 18 months. A small white patch on chest should not be penalised.

Weight and Size:
The most desirable weight for a fully-developed dog is from 14.9 to 16.7 kg (33 to 37 lb), and bitches should weigh proportionately less, but 15.8 kg (35 lb) is the most desirable weight to aim for. Ideal height: dogs 45.7-48.2 cm (18-19 in) at shoulder; bitches slightly less.

Faults:
Hard or woolly coat. Solid black after 18 months. In excess of 48.2 cm (19 in) in height. Bumpy cheek bones, teeth undershot or very overshot. Rose ears. snipy foreface. Light-coloured or full eyes. Roach or hollowback. Close, stilted or cow-hocked hind action.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.