Kerry Blue Terrier

Newborn Kerry blue puppies are as black as ink, but, as they mature, their coats usually fade to a charcoal gray and then become an attractive shaggy blue; the color seems to settle in at about 18 months. (Occasionally, a dog remains black, which disqualifies it from dog shows.)

This breed, once called the Irish blue terrier, derives its present name from its origins in Kerry, the southwestern province of Ireland. Because of their bravery, they were once called “blue devils,” and they make powerful friends but dreaded enemies. As one owner says, “They are loyal to their master. It seems that they have strong determination to protect the family, including both people and other dogs.”

These dogs, with their trademark luxuriant beard and curly blue hair, are intelligent and powerful and can manage almost any type of work.

They require a good deal of walking, playing, and interaction. They are amphibious, hunting otters in the water as well as rabbits and rats on land, and are excellent cattle dogs that have excelled at herding sheep and pigs as well. Recognized for their talent and good work attitude, some even work as police dogs and guard dogs in the United Kingdom.

This terrier has a topcoat but no undercoat, which is rare for breeds in this group; because of this characteristic, they have very little odor or hair loss.

The coat is easy to maintain, but it requires daily brushing, and their beards need combing.

Origin : Ireland
Size : (male) Height 18-21 inches ; weight 33-40 pounds
(female) Height 17-20 inches ; weight 29-36 pounds
Coat : Soft and somewhat long. Colors include silver blue and smoke blue.