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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+7
Dogs
# The Kerry Blue Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Ireland
A lively, courageous and loyal Irish terrier, recognizable by its wavy blue coat.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–15 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €1,000 – €1,200
[Find a breeder 2](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=kerry-blue-terrier)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Fair
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Very good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Attachment to the family: He is very loyal to his owner and his home.
- Courage: His vigilance and confidence make him a good guard dog.
- Liveliness: He enjoys work, play and shared activities.
- Low shedding: His coat sheds little hair despite regular grooming being necessary.
- Regular grooming: Its coat requires weekly brushing and several grooming sessions per year.
- Strong-willed temperament: It can be stubborn and requires consistent training.
- Delicate canine relations: It may come into conflict with other dogs, especially of the same sex.
- Need for activity: Long walks and daily exercise are essential.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active owners: He readily accompanies people capable of offering him daily outings and exercise.
- Households with plenty of time: He thrives with owners who are present for his activity and care.
- Experienced owners: A consistent person will know how to channel his terrier temperament and take care of his socialization.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: Its energy and need for daily exercise would be insufficiently met.
- Unavailable owners: Its care and regular activities require time.
- Households with same-sex dogs without socialization: Its tendency toward conflicts with other dogs can complicate cohabitation.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
47 cmKerry Blue Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 44–49 cm
- Weight
- 13–18 kg
- Coat
- Curly, abundant and soft
- FCI group
- 3
- Origin
- Ireland
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Kerry Blue Terrier in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
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.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
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.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
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.
Affectionate Playful Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
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.
Training
## Training and 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.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Kerry Blue Terrier
The purchase price varies depending on the breeder, the bloodline, the pedigree, the age and the dog's conformity to the breed standard.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kerry-blue-terrier/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
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.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kerry-blue-terrier/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Kerry Blue Terrier needs a quality diet adapted to its age, its size and its level of physical activity.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kerry-blue-terrier/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
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.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Kerry Blue Terrier
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Kerry Blue Terrier suitable for apartment living?
It can adapt to apartment living if its high needs for walks, exercise and stimulation are met every day. Access to an outdoor space remains desirable.
### Does the Kerry Blue Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little, but its abundant, wavy coat requires weekly brushing and regular grooming approximately every three to four months.
### Is it suitable for a first-time owner?
It is rather intended for an available and consistent owner. Its assertive temperament and tendency to confront other dogs make socialization and training particularly important.
## Find a Kerry Blue Terrier breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Kerry Blue Terrier breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Kerry Blue Terrier breeders by country
[18 breeders of Kerry Blue Terrier in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier/germany) [3 breeders of Kerry Blue Terrier in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier/italy) [2 breeders of Kerry Blue Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier) [2 breeders of Kerry Blue Terrier in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier/netherlands) [1 breeder of Kerry Blue Terrier in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier/austria) [1 breeder of Kerry Blue Terrier in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier/denmark) [1 breeder of Kerry Blue Terrier in Hungary](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier/hungary)
[All breeders of Kerry Blue Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier)
## Ready to welcome a Kerry Blue Terrier?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kerry-blue-terrier)
## Discover other breeds
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](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-glen-of-imaal-terrier)
[Irish Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-terrier)
[Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/soft-coated-irish-terrier)
[Airedale Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/airedale-terrier)
[Bedlington Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bedlington-terrier)
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