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.
Various legends are told in order to explain the appearance of the Kerry blue terrier breed. Some say that the peasants bred them for hunting purposes since noblemen monopolized the use of wolfhounds. Thus, noblemen hunted with their wolfhounds while peasants poached with their Kerries.
Another legend speaks of a wrecked Russian ship that contained a blue dog. This dog swam into Irish shores and there, mated with the local terrier population. This, of course, started the genetic pool of Kerry terriers.
Whatever the case, the blue Kerry terrier sure has a colorful history. It started as a working dog, helping hunters bring in prey. It would also be trained as a police dog by the English. Today, it is considered to be one of the best breeds of dogs that one can own. This is in part of its excellent abilities as a watchdog.
One thing that is so cool about owning a Blue terrier pet dog is the fact that this breed is adaptable to every situation. It can be a hardworking hunter's dog. It can become the vigilant watchdog. If you want companionship, it can also provide that. People who are fortunate to have a Blue Kerry pet dog even say that once you are a Kerry lover, you are forever a Kerry lover.
There are some terrier characteristics which may cause a bit of trouble for your dog. Like all terriers, the Blue Kerry terrier can get into fights with other dogs. In order to prevent this, you need to make sure that the dog is properly socialized. Usually this is done by the breeder.
Most people, when they are getting a pet often ask the question of whether or not a pet can be housebroken easily. Thankfully enough, the Blue Kerry terrier has a disposition that is easily house trained. The dog is actually quite eager to learn. This means that you will be able to train it very quickly.
Although a Blue Kerry can become an excellent playmate for children, it must be taken that the children do not show any cruelty to the dog.
The Blue Kerry terrier is also one of the more hardy types of terriers. This is because the Blue Kerry has very few genetic problems. Before buying one, however, you need to ask for eye certifications and hip x-rays. These are the most commonly afflicted parts of the Blue Kerry terrier.
A Blue Kerry terrier is not really for everyone. Some people may find it a bit too playful. Some people may not really get used to the Blue Kerry terrier's curiosity. People may not really understand its habit of following everyone around. Today, the fate of the Blue Kerry terrier dog lies in the hands of the breeders who care for them, nurture them, and make sure that they have great homes to stay in.
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