Kerry Blue Terrier
A compact, muscular dog, the Kerry Blue Terrier is strong and covered in a soft, silky, blue-coloured wavy coat, with or without black points. Adult males are around 46-48cm in height and 15-17kg in weight, and adult females are slightly less.
- Dog suitable for experienced owners
- Some training required
- Enjoys active walks
- Enjoys walking an hour a day
- Medium dog
- Minimum drool
- Requires grooming every other day
- Hypoallergenic breed
- Chatty and vocal dog
- Guard dog. Barks and alerts
- May require training to live with other pets
- May require training to live with kids
Origin
The Kerry Blue Terrier dog breed is an all-purpose farm dog,. The Kerry Blue guarded homesteads, kept pests under control, hunted and retrieved small game, and even herded livestock. It is said to descend from a dog that swam to Irish shores from a shipwreck – though there are variations to the tale. Some say the dog was a small blue-grey spaniel from the Spanish Armada, others that it was a Russian Black Terrier that ran aground in Tralee Bay, and others still that it was a Portuguese Water Dog from a cargo ship. The dog is said to have mated with native terrier breeds to produce the Kerry Blue.
Personality
A typical terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier dog is alert, determined, and confident, and can be stubborn. He should have 'disciplined gameness' but sometimes the disciplined part can be questionable! Some can be problematic with other dogs, and so early, thorough socialisation and ongoing training is essential.
Health
Generally quite a healthy breed, the most common health problems encountered are some particular eye and skin problems.
Exercise
An hour's daily exercise is needed, though the Kerry Blue Terrier will happily accept more if you can offer it. The Kerry Blue dog is very versatile and can enjoy agility and other canine sports. After walks, do check the coat as it is a magnet for grass seeds, sticky buds etc.
Nutrition
Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and also remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.
Grooming
The soft, silky, wavy coat does not shed and needs daily brushing and a clip every six to eight weeks.
Best Dog Breeds for Children
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
