Origin

In Ireland this breed is known as the national breed. No one knows about the history of the Kerry Blue Terrier. Many people say that they are result of mixing Portuguese Water Dogs, Wheaten Terriers, and Irish Wolfhounds in the 1700 century by the Irish Breeders. This breed was used for multiple purpose like a hunter, a retriever and they were also used to look after live stock. In the year 1922 the breed was recognized.

General Description

The Kerry Blue Terrier is not very large in size. It has a stout and muscular body. Generally their coat is black in colour but as they grow up their coat bay become dark blue or greyish. When they are used as show dogs only blue and grey colours are welcomed. They may also have blue spots in their tail and muzzle. Generally terriers have a double coat but they are unique with only one smooth and furry coat. The Kerry Blue Terrier has a big and rectangular head and they also have long eyebrows and beards. The Blue terrier has triangular ears and they hang by their head. they have a docked tail and that is a bit curved at the tip. this breed has a long muscular neck and they have maximum fur around their face and limbs.

Character

The Kerry Blue Terrier have a true terrier like behaviour. They are strong, alert, proud and very confident. They are brave and smooth in nature. This breed is very energetic and loves to play. It is highly intelligent and they are very good companions. They are protective to their families, curious at learning new tricks and they also have a tendency of barking and chasing small animals. A strict training is required for these dogs as they have a bad habit to stick to their stubbornness. They are friendly to strangers. Very mild and good to other animals and children. They have a natural habit of pleasing people and the Kerry Blue Terriers are really great watch dogs.

Temperament

Though this breed is very small in size but it is no less than other breeds in bravery and courage. The Kerry Blue Terrier is extremely good to their family and is very intelligent. Sometimes they are curious about strangers but that has a limit. They get well with children, other pets and dogs. They do not have the habit of chasing other small outdoor animals like cats, squirrels etc. You should not leave them alone for a long time. Their sharp eyesight and ears make them good watchdogs. They also have a tendency of pleasing their owners and they are not at all difficult to train. They do not bark as loud as other terriers but they love barking and they are great diggers.

Training

It is very easy to train the Kerry Blue Terriers as they are very keen and fast in learning things. If same training methods are repeated they may get bored. Harsh training methods are not recommended. The Kerry Blue Terrier should be trained with patience, firmness, fairness etc.

Health

This breed may be affected by hip dysplasia, tumours, cataracts, entropion and many other problems. Their average life span is 15 years.