Kerry Blue Terrier

The history of the Kerry Blue Terrier is shrouded in mystery and Irish legend. The breed’s homeland is considered to be the mountainous County Kerry in the southwest of Ireland, where these dogs have been valued for centuries as versatile farm helpers. Locals claim that blue terriers have lived in these lands since time immemorial, although the first written records of them only date back to 1847.

One of the most romantic legends tells of a miraculous blue dog that washed up on the shores of Ireland from a shipwrecked vessel. It is said to have been the ancestor of the modern Kerry, which, after making it ashore, defeated all the local terriers and became the progenitor of a new, distinguished breed. Another, more plausible version, links their origin to the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, which may have been crossbred with other breeds to improve their working qualities.

Initially, Kerry Blue Terriers were the dogs of common folk. They were used for a wide range of tasks:

• Hunting: They were excellent at hunting badgers, foxes, otters, and other small game.
• Herding: They helped herd sheep and cattle.
• Guarding: They were reliable sentinels for farms and homes.
• Retrieving: They would retrieve shot game from the water.

The breed gained true recognition at the beginning of the 20th century, when Irish patriots, including Michael Collins, chose the Kerry Blue Terrier as a symbol of the struggle for Irish independence. In 1920, the first breed club was founded in Dublin, and in 1922, the breed made its debut at the prestigious Crufts show in England. Their elegant appearance and exceptional character quickly won the hearts of dog lovers across Europe. At one of the 1928 shows, the Kerry Blue Terrier was even called “the almost perfect dog”.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a well-proportioned, sturdy, and elegant medium-sized dog. Its appearance combines the strength of a terrier with grace. The dog’s silhouette fits into a square, which indicates its proportionality.

The main feature of the breed is its coat. It is soft, silky, dense, and wavy, with no undercoat. This structure makes the Kerry hypoallergenic, as they practically don’t shed. Interestingly, puppies are born completely black, and it’s only by 18-24 months that their coat gradually changes, acquiring its final blue shade. This shade can vary from a light silvery-blue to a dark steel-blue. Thanks to this unique soft coat, the Kerry differs greatly from most terriers, for example, from the Wire Fox Terrier with its wiry coat, or from the sheep-like Bedlington Terrier.

Kerry Blue Terriers are dogs with a big heart and a vibrant temperament. They are very loyal and bond deeply with their family, becoming true companions. With their loved ones, they are affectionate, playful, and friendly dogs who adore being the centre of attention. They are very patient with children and are ready to participate in all family activities, whether it’s a hike in the mountains or an evening on the sofa.

However, like all terriers, Kerrys have a stubborn side. They can be headstrong and independent. Their hunting instinct and bravery sometimes lead to conflicts with other dogs, especially if a Kerry feels challenged. They don’t seek a fight, but they will never back down from one. Therefore, early and consistent socialisation is an absolute must for this breed. From a young age, a puppy needs to be introduced to different people, animals, sounds, and situations.

Kerries are wary and suspicious of strangers, which makes them excellent guard dogs. They will always alert you with a loud bark when guests approach. They need an owner with a firm but fair character who can be a leader for the dog. Despite their stubbornness, Kerrys are very intelligent and eager to please their owner, which makes them capable learners with the right training approach.

Before getting such an energetic and intelligent dog, it’s worth weighing up all the pros and cons.

Kerry Blue Terriers are generally a healthy and resilient breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. However, like many purebred dogs, they have a predisposition to certain genetic diseases. Responsible breeders test their dogs for hereditary conditions, so it’s important to study the pedigree of a future puppy.

The most common health problems in the breed include:

1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: An improper development of the joints that can lead to arthritis and lameness. It’s important not to over-exert a puppy with physical activity during its growth period.
2. Eye Problems: The most common are entropion (inward-rolling of the eyelids) and dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Entropion is corrected surgically. Cataracts are also possible in old age.
3. Skin Diseases: Due to their dense coat, Kerrys are prone to skin cysts and tumours. Any growths on the skin require a vet’s attention.
4. Chronic Otitis: Ear inflammation. Due to their hanging ears and dense hair in the ear canal, ventilation is impaired, creating favourable conditions for infections.
5. Cerebellar Abiotrophy (PNA): A rare but fatal neurological disease that appears in puppies at 2-4 months of age. There are DNA tests to identify carriers.

Prevention involves regular vet check-ups, proper nutrition, sufficient physical activity, and careful grooming of the coat, ears, and eyes.

Grooming is the most crucial aspect of owning a Kerry Blue Terrier. Their luxurious coat requires constant attention, otherwise, it quickly mats and loses its attractive appearance. Irish Blue Terriers will feel great even in a small flat, provided they get enough exercise. Regular walks and outdoor games are absolutely essential for them.

• Daily Brushing: The coat should be brushed with a metal comb and a brush daily or at least 3-4 times a week to prevent tangles from forming, especially in the areas of the beard, paws, and underarms.
• Professional Trimming: Every 6-8 weeks, a Kerry needs professional grooming. Show dogs are trimmed to a specific standard that accentuates their elegant physique. Pet owners can opt for a simpler, hygienic trim.
• Beard Care: After each meal, the beard must be washed and dried to avoid unpleasant odours and the multiplication of bacteria.
• Ear and Eye Care: Regularly inspect and clean the ears, removing excess hair from the ear canal. Wipe the eyes daily with a cotton pad moistened with a special lotion.
• Claws: Trim the claws every 3-4 weeks if they don’t wear down naturally.

You need to train a Kerry Blue Terrier consistently and persistently from the very first day you bring them home. These are very clever dogs who quickly grasp new information, but their innate stubbornness requires patience and leadership skills from the owner. Training should be based on positive reinforcement – praise, treats, and games. Harshness and physical punishment will only worsen the situation and can make the dog withdrawn or aggressive.

The “Come!” command is very important, as impulsive Kerrys might chase a cat or another dog, ignoring the danger. Conduct training in short, but regular sessions so the dog doesn’t get tired or lose interest. Their high intelligence and energy make Kerrys ideal candidates for various dog sports such as agility, obedience, or flyball. This is an excellent way to channel their energy into the right direction, much like how other energetic dogs are trained, for example, the hound Dunker, although the methods for terriers and hounds, of course, differ.

Socialisation is the key to successful training. From puppyhood, accustom the dog to various people, animals, sounds, and places. This will help raise a balanced and self-assured dog that won’t show aggression towards others. Remember that a Kerry is not a dog that will blindly follow commands. It will always first consider whether it’s worth doing. Your task is to become an authority figure for them that they will trust.

Proper nutrition is the key to your pet’s health and longevity. For a Kerry Blue Terrier, both high-quality premium or super-premium dry food and a natural diet are suitable. The main thing is a balanced diet.

Feeding a puppy:

• Up to 2 months: 5 times a day.
• 2-4 months: 4 times a day.
• 4-10 months: 3 times a day.
• After 10 months: 2 times a day (morning and evening).

For a natural diet, the basis of the ration (about 70%) should be lean meat (beef, turkey, chicken) and offal. You should also include in the menu:

• Sea fish without bones (1-2 times a week).
• Porridge (buckwheat, rice).
• Fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir).
• Vegetables and fruits (carrots, pumpkin, apples).
• Eggs (1-2 times a week).

It is strictly forbidden to give a Kerry: fatty meat, smoked products, sweets, pastries, tubular bones, legumes, and food with spices. It is important not to overfeed the dog, as Kerrys are prone to gaining excess weight, which negatively affects their joints and heart. The dog should always have access to clean drinking water.

• National Hero: The Kerry Blue Terrier is considered the unofficial national dog of Ireland and a symbol of Irish patriotism, alongside the Irish Terrier and the Irish Wolfhound.
• “Blue Devil”: This nickname was given to the Kerry due to its bravery, passion, and sometimes quarrelsome nature in the show ring in the past.
• Master of all Trades: In Ireland, they are called “the poor man’s dog” because a single dog performed the work of a shepherd, hunter, and guard, which was very convenient for less wealthy farmers.
• Born Black: A unique feature of the breed is that puppies are born black. The process of changing to a blue colour can last up to 3 years and is a fascinating sight for owners.

Do Kerry Blue Terriers shed a lot?
No, this is one of the main advantages of the breed. They do not have an undercoat, and their hair structure is similar to human hair. They practically don’t shed, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies.

Are they suitable for living in a flat?
Yes, a Kerry Blue Terrier can live comfortably in a flat, provided it gets enough daily physical and mental exercise. They need at least 1-1.5 hours of active walks per day.

How do Kerry Blue Terriers get along with children and other animals?
They get along wonderfully with children, especially if they grow up together, showing patience and tenderness. With other animals, problems may arise. Due to their strong hunting instinct, they can chase cats and rodents. They may get into conflicts with other dogs, so early socialisation is critically important.

Is their coat difficult to care for?
Yes, coat care requires significant effort and time. Daily brushing and regular professional trimming are mandatory to avoid matting and maintain healthy skin and coat.