|
The Canine Chronicles Directory
Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers have thick and wavy coats. They are soft to the touch and have
a blue-gray coloring. Puppies are usually born black with a blue hue to the skin
color. The coat color lightens as the dog develops to a mature adult. The long,
well-balanced head has a smooth forehead and a delicate stop. They should have an
abundance of whiskers and a beard. The obvious eyebrows should reach the bridge
of the nose. The triangular shaped ears should fold forward and the eyes should
be dark. The gums, roof of the mouth and nose should be black and the teeth should
meet in a scissor-like bite. The strong neck should merge into sloping shoulders.
The body should have a level topline, a deep chest and well-sprung ribs. The forelegs
should be straight and the large hindlegs should be well-developed. The hocks should
be close to the ground and the dewclaws should be removed. The feet are small and
round. The tail should be erect and carried high.
|
|
Temperament
|
Kerry Blue Terriers are boisterous, vivacious, alert, uninhibited and playful dogs.
They enjoy roughhousing and are excellent with children. They are very loyal and
affectionate with their families and visitors. They also get along with other household
pets if raised with them. However, they should also be supervised. This breed can
become aggressive towards other dogs. Because of their aggression, they should be
extensively socialized. If properly trained, they will only attack if provoked.
|
|
Height, Weight
|
Male Height: 18-20" ; Weight: 33-40 lbs.
Female Height: 17-19" ; Weight: 33-40 lbs.
|
|
Health Problems
|
They are prone to hip dysplasia, PNA, cerebellar abiotrophy, cataracts, entropion
and hair follicle tumors.
|
|
Living Conditions
|
Kerry Blues will do great living in an apartment and do fine with a small yard.
|
|
Exercise
|
This breed needs to accompany their handler for long walks often.
|
|
Life Expectancy
|
About 12-15 years
|
|
Grooming
|
This breed should be groomed about every six weeks. They need to have their ears
cleared of hair often as to prevent infections. Brush and bathe weekly. This breed
sheds little or no hair and is good for allergy sufferers. Clean their beard after
meals.
|
|
Origin
|
The Kerry Blue Terrier originated from the mountainous regions of County Kerry,
Ireland during the 1700s. They have been pure-bred in this region for over 180 years
and received the "Blue" part of their name from their skin color. They were used
as small game hunters, retrievers, and flock herders. They have also been used recently
in police work. The development of this breed is unknown; however, some believe
that Portuguese Water Dogs contributed to the Kerry Blue Terriers coat. Others believe
that they were developed from old black terriers, Spanish (or Russian) "Blue Dog",
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Irish Wolfhounds and Irish Terriers. The Kerry Blue
Terrier is the national terrier of Ireland and is a symbol of Ireland. In 1922,
the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club was founded, in 1924 the breed was recognized
by the AKC and in 1948, they were recognized by the UKC.
|
|
Group
|
AKC and UKC Terrier
|