Kerry Blue Terrier

Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Availability: Rare

About Kerry blue terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is the quintessential working dog. He hails from County Kerry, Ireland, where he was bred to hunt small game and birds, kill rodents, and herd sheep and cattle. Intelligent and brave, he became a cherished pet as well, displaying fierce devotion to his family or pack.

Ireland specifically, the mountainous area of County Kerry is the birthplace of the Kerry Blue Terrier. He was originally a working terrier, hunting small game and birds, killing rodents, and guarding his homestead. He was used successfully for herding sheep and cattle. Eventually, the breed was shown in conformation and highly favored. English fanciers saw potential, too, and the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club.

Aggressiveness was originally was bred into the Kerry Blues intentionally. In early dog shows, the Irish Kennel Club required each to pass a “gameness” test before he could be judged. The tests included catching rabbits and bringing a badger to bay. From these tests, the Kerry Blue earned the nickname “Blue Devil.”

No one really knows who brought the first Kerry Blue to the United States. He was thought to have appeared at the Westminster show in 1922, and the breed was officially recognized by the Amercian Kennel Club in 1924. During the Westminster show of 1926, a group of fanciers met at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City and organized the Kerry Blue Terrier Club of America.

In the early 1900s, Irish patriot Michael Collins introduced legislation to name the Kerry Blue the National Dog of Ireland. His own Kerry Blue was named Convict 225. Collins was murdered, however, before the legislation could be passed, and after his death, interest in the initiative was lost.

Visits to Groomer-High

Drooling-No

Bath-Regular

Tolerance to heat- Basks in it

Tolerance to cold- Loves snow

Exercise Requirement-Lots

Under Coat-No

Colour-Blue, Blue & Black, Silver, Slate Blue, Black, Grey

Coat Type- Soft, Dense and Wavy

Hair Length-Short

Hair Density- Sparse

Kerry Blue are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Kerry Blue will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

Entropion

Hypothyroidism

Skin Cysts

Cancer

Keratoses

Cataracts

Dry Eye

Chronic Otitis Externa

Progressive Neuronal Abiotrophy (PNA)

Hip Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation

Plasma Thromboplastin Antecedent Deficiency

Temperament
The Kerry Blue is a hard-working, independent, and athletic dog with plenty of energy and stamina. Kerry blue terrier is like this, as we have a jealous love, love, occasionally the surface small mood, always brings happiness to our life, so we want to use the most sincere heart to treat the dog, the dog as our good friend, to build happy life together.

Training & Intelligence
Kerry Blues are highly intelligent dogs and can be easy to train. They spend a lot of time observing and reading the behavior of those around them and will use what they’ve learned to manipulate the situation whenever possible. Training should be done with confidence and consistency, as the Kerry Blue will take a mile if given an inch. Positive reinforcement and lots of treats are a must, as is mixing up the routine. Kerry Blues will become bored doing the same thing over and over.

Breeding
Litter Size- 5 to 8 puppies (approximately)

Complication in Breeding- No

Procreation
Kerry blue terrier are generally healthy breed , living on average about 12 to 15 years. Generally a dog takes around 18 months to reach his or her full height and structure. It is advisable to breed your dogs after at least two years of age. If you are a first timer at breeding then taking a vets help