Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is an Irish working terrier with a soft, wavy blue-grey coat — puppies are born black and the colour clears with age.

History

It comes from County Kerry in Ireland, where it was an all-purpose farm dog: vermin killer, herder, guard and hunter. It became a national symbol during the Irish independence period, and its show career began in Ireland rather than in Britain.

Temperament

The breed is known for being spirited, intelligent and devoted to its household, with the terrier's readiness to argue with other dogs. It is alert without being noisy and needs to be taught manners early.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and firm, consistent, reward-based training, particularly around other dogs. The soft coat does not shed much but grows continuously and needs clipping every few weeks along with regular brushing.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, eye conditions and a hereditary neurological disorder in some lines. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.