The Kerry Blue Terrier is an affectionate, intelligent and protective family pet. She can live in an apartment, as long as she is afforded frequent long walks. She is a great watch dog and guard dog but she will not drive the neighbors crazy with her barking, as she is a quiet dog. She is good with older, considerate children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with any puppy or dog. She does not do well with other pets and other dogs. She generally will not back down in a fight as she is fearless.



*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Kerry Blue Terrier is 18 to 19 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 33 to 40 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Kerry Blue Terrier is no exception. Although considered to be a healthy, long lived breed, be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), cataracts, blood problems, hair follicle tumors and Entropion, (hereditary disorder where eyelid, usually lower one, rolls inward and irritates the cornea and can cause visual problems. Surgery can correct this condition but may disqualify the dog from shows). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming: The Kerry Blue Terrier has a soft, dense and wavy coat. She needs to be groomed weekly. Her beard can get dirty and will frequent cleaning. She should be professionally groomed, including her ears, on a regular basis.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Kerry Blue Terrier can live between 12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Kerry Blue Terriers come from Ireland where they are thought to be a cross of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Irish Terrier. They were used as a farm dog, vermin dog, hunting and guard dog. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1922.

Some Registries:

*United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 4 to 8 Kerry Blue Terrier puppies

Category: Terrier

Terms To Describe: Guarding, fearless, fearless, style, character, playful, alert, intelligent, good memory, protective

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Makes a good watch dog.

Makes a good guard dog.

Little or no shedding.

Almost odorless when wet.

Not a barker.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Requires a firm hand.

May be difficult to train.

Not good with other pets.

She requires professional grooming.

Needs firm obedience training.

Can be stubborn.

*Other Names Known By: Irish Blue Terrier, Silver-haired Irish Terrier

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.