The Kerry Blue Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The origins of the Kerry Blue Terrier go back several centuries in what is now County Kerry, in the south-west of Ireland. First used to hunt rats, then otters and badgers, it has been the subject of detailed descriptions since the middle of the 19th century. Its breeding then developed in the rest of the island and then abroad. The first specimens were shown in exhibition in 1913 and the breed club was founded in Dublin in 1920. Having become a national symbol and a mascot of Irish patriots, it has been recognized by the FCI since 1963 and belongs to group 3 of the Terriers.

Of medium size, the Kerry Blue Terrier has a robust, harmonious and well-proportioned build, with well-developed musculature. Its back is level, its chest well let down and its ribs well sprung. Its long head, more voluminous in the male, has a black nose, strong jaws, dark or dark hazel eyes and fine medium-sized ears folded forward or to the sides. Its not very thick tail is set on and carried high. Its abundant, wavy and soft coat forms a solid blue coat in all its shades, with or without black tips. In movement, it carries the head and tail high, with good fore extension and strong rear drive.

Lively, very alert and courageous, the Kerry Blue Terrier is deeply attached to its owner and its family. It combines the qualities of a faithful companion and a vigilant guardian. Its strong character and independence require a consistent relationship, without brutality. It can be quarrelsome with other dogs, especially with those of the same sex.

Active and playful, he needs long daily walks and regular exercise to stay stimulated and balanced. He appreciates the comfort of the home, but benefits from an outdoor space where he can move freely and express his guarding instinct. His cohabitation with other animals requires careful socialization.

His taste for activity and work responds well to methods based on positive reinforcement. He can be stubborn, but is not particularly difficult to handle if the rules are consistent. Any brutality must be avoided. Early and ongoing socialization is essential in order to moderate his tendency toward conflicts with his fellow dogs.

The purchase price varies depending on the breeder, the bloodline, the pedigree, the age and the dog's conformity to the breed standard.

Rather resilient and endowed with generally robust health, the Kerry Blue Terrier must nevertheless be subject to targeted monitoring due to several hereditary conditions and predispositions associated with the breed.

The Kerry Blue Terrier needs a quality diet adapted to its age, its size and its level of physical activity.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is also known as the Irish Blue Terrier. The breed was first shown in 1913, its club was founded in Dublin in 1920 and it served as a mascot for Irish patriots. A litter usually has 4 to 8 puppies.