Kerry Blue Terrier Breed Information and Buying advice

Why Kerry Blue Terriers are great

Kerry Blue Terriers are fun and enthusiastic companions. They love to be around people and to join in with family activities. They are also pretty robust so are usually healthy and tough. Kerry Blue Terrier puppies and dogs are full of personality and are often strong-willed. They can also be mischievous creatures which means that they usually make entertaining housemates. Of course, this means that they also need a fair amount of company and stimulation, to stop the mischief from getting out of hand. Some highlights:

1. Kerry Blue Terriers are full of fun.
2. The coat of a Kerry Blue is not shed so they are hypoallergenic.
3. Kerry Blue Terrier puppies and dogs love to be with humans.
4. Kerry blues are tough and friendly which means they are good with children.

 

Things to consider when looking at Kerry Blue Terriers for Sale

Some downsides to the Kerry Blue Terrier:

1. Because Kerry Blue Terriers are highly sociable, they do not like being left alone.
2. Due to their history as working dogs, Kerry Blues do not always get along with cats and small pets.
3. Kerry Blue Terriers can be strong willed which means they are not ideal for first time dog owners.

 

History of Kerry Blue Terriers

The origin of Kerry Blue Terriers is up for debate. What is known is that these lovable dogs have been around in Ireland for over a century. They were originally bred as working dogs and were intended to carry out tasks including herding, retrieving and controlling vermin. For a long time, the Kerry Blue Terrier was little known outside of Ireland. This changed in the early 20th century when these spunky dogs began to appear at dog shows in the UK and the United States. Since then, the breed has grown in popularity. It's especially popular with people who are looking for a dog with a strong personality and a sense of fun.  

Appearance

How big is the Kerry Blue Terrier?

Kerry Blue Terrier puppies and dogs are not overly large. Males usually measure  between 45 and 51 centimetres. Females usually measure between 42 and 49 centimetres.  

How heavy is a Kerry Blue Terrier?

Male Kerry Blue Terriers usually weigh around 15-18kg. Females are a little lighter. This means that they are a medium sized canine companion to have around the home.  

What Colour is the Kerry Blue Terrier?

Although blue is included in the name of this terrier, this does not mean that they are necessarily blue in colour. In fact, Kerry Blue Terrier puppies are normally black. They gradually change colour from birth to around 18 months of age. Once they reach this age, Kerry Blues will normally be one of four distinct shades.

• Black/blue.
• Slate blue.

They are glamorous looking dogs that have impressive coats.  

Temperament

Are Kerry Blue Terriers easy to train?  

Kerry Blue Terriers are strong-willed and independent by nature. This means that they need to be trained using consistent and strong leadership. For this reason, they are not normally an ideal choice for a first-time dog owner. The good news is that Kerry Blue puppies and dogs are very intelligent. This means that they can learn quickly if they are trained in the right way. The best way to do this is usually to get them to do a specific job. They especially like dog sports. Any learning should be rewarded positively with treats and praise.

 

Are Kerry Blue Terriers good with children? 

Children can be quite boisterous with dogs. Kerry Blue Terriers do not usually mind this as they are pretty tough. Even so, children should always be taught to be respectful of these loving and friendly dogs. It's also important to make sure that Kerry Blue Terriers have a space that they can get away to, where they can chill out on their own for a while.  

Are Kerry Blue Terriers good with other pets?

Although they are sociable, and love people, Kerry Blues do not always mix well with other dogs. They can be a little scrappy with them. It's also worth remembering that Kerry Blue Terriers have rodent eradication and herding in their blood, so they are not always great housemates for cats and small pets such as rabbits. Having said all of this, some Kerry Blue Terriers have been taught to socialise with other animals quite successfully. It often depends on the individual dog.  

Can I leave a Kerry Blue Terrier Alone?

Kerry Blue Terriers are not a breed that can put out in the garden and forgotten about, or left in the house all day alone. They are social creatures that relish the stimulation of human company. If they are left to their own devices for too long, they can get up to all kinds of mischief. Kerry Blues are most suited to households where there is someone home for most or all of the day. This gives them the company that they need.  

Health

How long do Kerry Blue Terriers live?  

Most Kerry Blue Terriers live for between 12 and 15 years. They are also usually healthy dogs that are boisterous and playful.  

How much exercise does a Kerry Blue Terrier need? 

Kerry Blue puppies and dogs need to be exercised every day. Ideally, they should have some time when they can run completely free. However, it's important to remember that these dogs still have the instincts of their ancestors and should be monitored while they are around other dogs and small animals.  

What are Kerry Blue Terriers' Common health issues? 

Although Kerry Blue Terriers are usually pretty healthy and robust, there are some health issues that they can be affected by including:

• Entropian (inward rolling of the eyelids)
• Cataracts and dry eye.
• Hip Dysplasia

Owners need to look out for any signs of these problems.    

Care

How much space do I need for a Kerry Blue Terrier?

Kerry Blue Terriers should have a home in a property with a garden. It's vital for the garden to be properly fenced off. Kerry Blue Terriers are seriously good at jumping, so the fence needs to be 5-6 feet high. It also needs to be completely secure as it's amazing how easily these persistent dogs can squeeze through tight spaces.  

How much grooming do Kerry Blue Terrier's need?

Kerry Blues have attractive coats that do not shed. This makes them an ideal companion for people who suffer from allergies. This does not mean that Kerry Blue Terriers do not need to be groomed. They should be brushed every day, and trimmed every month, so that they keep looking good.  

Average costs

How much does it cost to keep a Kerry Blue Terrier?

Anyone who wants to welcome a Kerry Blue Terrier puppy into their home needs to make sure they have enough money to care for their new housemate. This care is going to continue for several years so the cost can add up quite quickly.  As a rough guide in pricing: Cost to buy: roughly £500-£1,000  for a well-bred Kerry Blue Terrier puppy Other costs (Vet, Food etc): £40 per month  

Specific Buying Guide

You can read our general buying guide here (/advice-on-buying-a-puppy/), with the most important thing being going to view your Kerry Blue Terrier Puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder. More specifically, here is some Kerry Blue Terrier puppy buying advice:

1. Be prepared to be strong and consistent with training.
2. Know that a Kerry Blue puppy may not get along with other dogs and small animals.

 

Other reading, Adopting Kerry Blue Puppies and Rescue Organisations

A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article: https://www.kerryblueterrier.co.uk/breed-information/buying-a-puppy/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/the-mysterious-kerry-blue-terrier-leprechaun-of-the-dog-world/ https://www.dogtemperament.com/kerry-blue-terrier-temperament/ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=3071