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Kerry Blue Terrier

General
Other Names		Kerries
Dog Group Kennel Club		Terrier
Breed Classification		The Kerry Blue is a member of the Terrier group. They were originally bred for hunting, ratting and guarding livestock. Today they are used for companions, watch dogs and to be seen in the show ring.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		It will cost around £4 per week to feed a Kerry Blue.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		Puppies will cost from £500 upwards. Additional grooming costs should also be considered.
Average Puppy Price		£500-800
Lifespan		9 - 15 years Kerries live, on average, for 13 - 15 years.
Average Litter Size		6 The average litter comprises of between 5 - 7 puppies.
General Physical Description		Kerry Blues are unmistakable due to their distinctive colouring – blue-grey. Their coats are, unlike many terrier breeds, soft, thick and wavy without an under layer. They are upstanding,well-put-together terriers with short, straight backs and a good depth of chest. They are compact, spirited dogs who move freely and powerfully.
Height Min Max Bitch 45cm (18") 45cm (18") Dog 47cm (19") 47cm (19") Weight Min Max Bitch 15kg (33lbs) 15kg (33lbs) Dog 15kg (33lbs) 17kg (37lbs)
Size Category		Medium
Weight Height Range		Dogs should measure between 46 - 48cms and weigh between 15 – 17kgs. Bitches should ideally measure between 44 – 46cms and weigh 15kgs. Dogs should measure between 46 - 48cms and weigh between 15 – 17kgs. Bitches should ideally measure between 44 – 46cms and weigh 15kgs.
Ailments		A hardy terrier, the Kerry Blue has few health problems but they can sometimes be prone to cysts.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		Whilst no references can be found to the Kerry Blue until the 19th century, this Irish Terrier does go back much further. They originally roamed the Kerry Mountains and was used by natives as a terrier, herder and sporting dog. It is surmised that the Kerry Blue is out of the same gene pool as the Irish Terrier and the Soft-Coated Wheaten. In 1922 the breed was standardised and introduced to Britain.
Intelligence		Kerries are intelligent, self-confident and can be stubborn. Therefore they do need firm handling.
Show Characteristics		Their heads are long and well-balanced with a slight stop and flat over the forehead. Their eyes should be small to medium and as dark as possible. The ears again should be small to medium and v-shaped . The gums and roof of the mouth should be dark with a perfect scissor bite. The neck should be strong and reachy running into a sloping shoulder. The front legs should be straight and powerful and the hindquarters large and well-developed with hocks that are close to the ground. The body should be short-coupled with a level topline and deep chest and well sprung ribs. The feet should be round and small and the tail, customarily docked, should be set on high and carried erect.
Country Of Origin		Ireland
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		60 - 80 minutes per day. Whilst they enjoy long, exciting walks, they will adapt to curtailed exercise for short periods of time.
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Medium
Personal Protection		High
Suitability As Guard Dog		High
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Medium
Tendency to Bark		Medium
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals		Low
Suitable For Children		Medium
General Character And Temperament		This is a lively, self-confident breed that bonds very closely with the handler and his family. They adore children and will adapt to other household pets if introduced at a young age. They can be a bit strong-willed and stubborn. In typical terrier style, they will stand their ground when confronted and can be aggressive with other dogs.
Grooming
Coat Length		Short/Medium
Grooming Requirement		Every Day
Trimming		Frequent
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		This breed is ideal for those with an aversion to dog hair, as the coat does not shed. They can be bathed regularly using mild shampoo, and the coat needs to be brushed through to prevent it from knotting up.They need to be clippered and scissored every two or three months (unlike most terrier coats that are ‘stripped’). Excess hair should be removed regularly from the ear passages. The hair between the pads of the feet should also be trimmed regularly.
Colour		Born black, the coat changes colour as they mature.The ‘blue’ will normally be through by the time they are 18 – 24 months old.The coat can carry on ‘clearing’ in colour until the age of about three.
Shedding		None
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

Breed results: K-O
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