A member of the AKC Terrier group, The Kerry Blue Terrier originated in Ireland as an all-round working and utility terrier. The Kerry is the national terrier of Ireland, by the way (there called the Irish Blue Terrier).
This dog breed was used in Ireland and England for hunting small game and birds, and for retrieving from land and water.
He started his life as a hunter of foxes and badgers.
Being an excellent, strong swimmer, he has also been used for otter hunting. This breed has also guarded livestock during his career and also saw Army service during World War II.
Typically, these dogs are very intelligent, alert, playful, determined and like to get in there and rough-house with the best of them. They can be dog aggressive as well so be forewarned.
The typical Kerry should be upstanding, well knit, and in good balance, showing a well-developed and muscular body with definite terrier style and character throughout.
Keep in mind that this dog breed does have a tendency to be aggressive toward other dogs as well as small animals and can be very suspicious of strangers. It may be difficult to keep small pets such as cats or rabbits in a home with this dog breed - remember, they are terriers.
Watch a flying Kerry
The Kerry Blue Terrier stands 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 35 and 40 pounds. These are working dogs that needs and deserves plenty of exercise - capable of a day's ground chores.
Born black, these dogs begin to change color anywhere from six to eighteen months of age. Ultimately, Kerry's may be anything from a light silver blue to dark slate blue in color.
The Kerry Blue is an affectionate, friendly and intelligent dog who is absolutely loyal to his family and who will live more than comfortably as a house or apartment dog than as an outside dog. Proper socialization is a must.
They require weekly brushing and a professional scissors-trim every few months. One big plus - they shed very little and have no doggy odor. They are also considered good dog choices for people with allergies.
The ideal home for this dog breed is a house with a securely fenced-in yard. However, they can easily adapt to apartment living as well provided he gets enough exercise. Overall, he makes an ideal house pet and lives to be an average of 15 years in age. With proper training, the Kerry Blue Terrier makes an excellent jogging partner, too.
Country of origin: Ireland Lifespan: 12-15 years Colors: Slate blue to light gray Known health problems: Hip dysplasia, PNA, cerebellar abiotrophy, cataracts, entropion
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