home Consultations Kerry Blue Terrier. Kerry Blue Terrier dog breed, photo. TopDog - International dog shows. Description of the external parameters of the Kerry Blue Terrier dog

Kerry Blue Terrier. Kerry Blue Terrier dog breed, photo. TopDog - International dog shows. Description of the external parameters of the Kerry Blue Terrier dog

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The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed of beautiful and proud dog that loves to play with children and gets along well with a variety of pets. But due to their stubbornness, these bright individuals are not suitable for a novice dog breeder without a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of training.

The origin of Kerry Blue has not yet been precisely established. There are several versions, mixed with legends and conjectures of historians.

It is believed that the Kerry's blood contains the blood of the Black and Tan English Terrier, Irish Wolfhound, Wheaten Terrier and Bedlington. These crossings made it possible to create dogs with improved sense of smell, beautiful coat of inconspicuous colors and high intellectual abilities. According to one legend, the Kerry got its luxurious coat from a poodle that escaped from a sinking ship in the Spanish Armada.

The first documentary mentions of representatives of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed were found in Southern Ireland, where they were irreplaceable animals on the farm. These dogs guarded the house, played with children, herded livestock and killed rats.

The breed first appeared at an exhibition in England in 1922, and three years later its official standard was created. Today, its representatives act as companions, nannies and watchmen, and also work in the police.

Appearance and standard

In the photo, the Kerry Blue Terrier is of medium size and stands out for its thick, beautiful fur of an unusual color. With a height of 45-50 cm, representatives of the breed weigh only 15-20 kg. The gender difference is not clearly expressed.

These dogs have a strong build, a wide chest, muscular straight legs, a long proportional neck and a thin tail, which is docked in most countries. They look impressive and intelligent, as if decorative. However, their main qualities are not at all decorative in nature - they are excellent watchmen and hunters.

Kerry Blue Terrier

FCI standard: Group 3. Section 1. Breed 3 Weight: 15-18 kg Height at withers: males 46-51 cm, females 44-48 cm Color: from dark steel to light silver, muzzle, ears and paws can be black Origin: Ireland Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Recommended as an ideal family pet. It can be kept both in a private house and in an apartment, provided that the dog is provided with sufficient physical activity and active walks. The dog is easy-going, tireless, energetic and always ready for adventure.

History of the breed

The history of the Kerry Blue Terrier goes back a long way, but it is not entirely clear, like most other breeds. In Irish folk tales and legends there are references to the blue terrier. It is believed that Irish farmers bred the Kerry using the Black and Tan Terrier as source material. Subsequently, by infusing the blood of the Irish Wolfhound, they improved the dog’s sense of smell and fixed the gray color.

It is possible that to form a typical coat, working terriers were crossed with Bedlington terriers and soft-haired wheatens. There is also a more romantic version: in 1588, the Spanish Armada of Philip II, trying to capture English warships, rounded Britain from the north. Near the coast of Ireland, the Spanish fleet was caught in a terrible storm. Long-haired dogs of amazing beauty swam from ships in distress to the coastal villages of Ireland. Later, the Irish held large exhibitions of the descendants of these elegant poodle-shaped dogs. The fact of their crossing with local terriers is historically established. It is possible that it was from the newcomers from Spain that the Kerry received such abundant wool, and that they got their blue color from the Irish Wolfhound.

For a long time, Kerry dogs were farm dogs, accustomed to living with the family in the house. Surprisingly smart and courageous, they guarded the house, herded livestock, pulled an otter or beaver out of the water for hunters, tirelessly exterminated rats, brought and handed game to them.

Kerry hunting trials were much more widely cultivated in Ireland than in England. According to a law passed in Ireland in 1926 (not currently enforced), a carry who had won in the show ring could not become an Irish champion without holding two field trial certificates.

Since 1887, Blue Terriers have been regularly shown at shows in Ireland, although they were not yet an officially recognized breed. It was not until 1920 that the first Kerry Blue Terrier club was founded in Ireland. And in 1922, the breed was legalized and registered by the English Kennel Club.

Ten kerries were exhibited at the Craft Exhibition in London that year. The dogs looked different and unkempt, behaved violently and attacked everyone entering the ring. Such a peculiar appearance of the first exhibited Kerry dogs, combined with their unrestrained temperament, clearly did not contribute to the popularity of the breed. To attract attention to the Kerry and give it the opportunity to compete on equal terms with other breeds, the British developed special trimming (hair plucking) for it. In Ireland, grooming of these dogs was prohibited by standard until the late 1930s. For exhibitions, they were only washed and combed, but over time, even the most conservative owners became convinced of the benefits. After the Second World War, interest in Kerry increased significantly in all countries, as the breed became more homogeneous and the behavior and character of the dogs improved. Half a century has passed, and the unkempt, shaggy hooligans of early exhibitions have turned into a true decoration of modern rings. The true triumph of the breed was the success of the American Kerry Blue Terrier Callaghan, recognized as the best of 10 thousand dogs of various breeds that took part in the most representative Craft exhibition, held in 1979 in London.

Old catalogs of Moscow exhibitions of the post-war years contain information about blue terriers, which were imported into our country from time to time. In 1969, four dogs were brought from the GDR. The first puppies were born in Moscow on October 13, 1971. Since then, interest in carry has not waned.

Appearance

Sturdy, compact and proportional. Developed muscular body, with a recognizable terrier appearance.

Head

With abundant hair. Males should have a larger head, with better developed muscles. The skull is strong and proportional. The stop is insignificant.

Teeth

Large, white, scissor bite (pincer bite acceptable).

Eyes

Dark or dark hazel, medium size, well set, with an interested expression.

Thin and not large, directed forward or tightly to the sides of the head, which emphasizes the interested, lively expression typical of a terrier.

Nose and lips

The nose is black, the nostrils are large and wide. Lips are dry and black.

Proportional, set correctly on the shoulders, moderate length.

Frame

The back is of medium length, horizontal. The loin is of moderate length. The chest is deep and moderately wide. The ribs are arched.

Tail

Slim, well positioned, stays upright and fun.

Limbs

The shoulder blades are correctly shaped, inclined, and fit tightly. The forearms, when viewed from the front, are straight, well boned, and firmly placed under the dog. The thighs are muscular and well developed. The hock joints are strong. The feet are compact, the pads are strong and rounded, the nails are black.

Wool

Soft, rich and wavy.

Color

Blue of any shade, with or without black tips. Black coloring is only acceptable up to 18 months, as is a shade of reddish brown.

Vices

Any deviation from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be judged should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect on the health and welfare of the dog.

Disqualifying vices include: Cowardice or aggressiveness. Pink gums. Yellow or light eyes. Humpback or sagging back. Narrow chest. Twisted elbows. Overshot or undershot. Claws white or 2 colors. Dewclaws on the hind legs or signs of their removal. Narrow or cow-like stance of the hind legs or their unnatural movement. Heavy, harsh or bristly coat. Any other color other than blue, except as stated above.

Dogs must be penalized if the exhibitor or handler supports their head or tail.

Males must have two normally developed testes, fully descended into the scrotum.

Movements

Coordinated, with parallel legs, with good reach in the front legs and strong drive in the hind legs. When the dog moves, the topline remains level and the head and tail are carried high.

Health

The most common diseases of the breed include:

Cerebellar abiotrophy;

Cryptorchidism;

Skin cyst;

Ear infections;

Epidermal gland cyst;

Eye diseases;

Hip dysplasia;

Hypothyroidism;

Knee dislocation.

Temperament and character

At the first meeting, it may seem that the Kerry Blue Terrier is the most ordinary dog with standard needs. The better you get to know your pet, the more you realize that it is something more valuable. Of course, the carry has naturally developed guard skills. You can rely on such a dog, because it will always sound the alarm when it senses someone’s approach. This breed is not an aggressor at all, it simply fiercely protects its family and everything that comes with it. The Kerry Blue Terrier is ideal for families with both toddlers and older children. If you have already purchased this dog, then you need to remember that it always loves to be the center of attention of its owners, making them laugh and insisting on joint activities. Thanks to its strong character, this breed of dog will stop at nothing, even if it comes to petty hooliganism. Kerry is friendly with all unfamiliar people and animals, provided early and proper socialization. But you should not leave your pet unattended.

Training

The Kerry Blue Terrier is known for its intelligence, good memory and, as a result, its ability to learn. But this does not mean that this breed is easy to train. If the training process is too routine, the dog will lose all interest in it. Each activity will require him to expend strength, energy and determination, because the Kerry is a hunting dog, and hunting dogs prefer training in agility and agility. And don't forget about the treats.

Owners of these dogs must be consistent and strict. You should be confident during training and be able to show who is boss, especially when you need to teach the animal to obey. For example, you should never allow your dog to lead the way during a walk, otherwise he will become manipulative and eventually become the leader. Constant socialization is more important than ever, as the Kerry Blue Terrier has a highly developed protective instinct.

The Kerry Blue Terrier requires impeccable care. Unfortunately, this process is labor-intensive, as it requires professional skills or a qualified specialist, who, in turn, is not so easy to find, because we are talking about a rather rare breed. Firstly, although not prone to active shedding, the Kerry coat should be brushed daily to avoid tangles and tangles. Bathing and grooming should be done once every four weeks. Secondly, we must not forget about basic care: check and wipe your ears with a special product, trim your nails, brush your teeth weekly, not only for the sake of a Hollywood smile, but also for the health of your gums.

Other (or outdated) breed names

Irish Blue

Irish Blue Terrier

a brief description of

Other names: Kerry Blue Terrier, Dutch Schnauzer, G. Pied Piper, G. Griffon, Smoushond, Kerry Blue Terrier, Blue Terrier;
Height: adult dog up to 51 cm at the withers;
Weight: no more than 18 kg is allowed;
Color: black, grey, Slate Blue,
Wool: short, wavy, soft and dense, no undercoat;
Lifespan: up to 15 years;
Advantages of the breed: The age of eight is the prime of life for a dog, since Kerry Blues are considered long-livers. The breed is distinguished by boundless devotion to its owner and readiness to perform any work entrusted to it.
Difficulties: Dogs of this breed are characterized by excessive curiosity and extreme alertness to everything that happens around them. In addition, they do not get along well with other representatives of the animal world due to an irrepressible feeling of jealousy towards the owner. Dogs are extremely stubborn and willful.
Price: from $400 to $1500 depending on the purpose.

Origin story

Of the many hypotheses about the origin of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed, the most plausible is the story of the illegal selection of their own terriers by local peasants in medieval Ireland.

Nicknames and names

Even at birth, puppies are assigned nicknames for a certain letter according to the breeding book of the stud with the kennel prefix. This is the official name that accompanies the dog throughout its life at exhibitions and other events.

Nobody forbids new owners to rename their dog, naming it with a pet name, which will not appear in official documentation. But it is also not forbidden to leave the original given nickname. Maybe it is the nickname given by the breeder that fully corresponds to the character and temperament of the pet.

To a greater extent, Kerry Blue Terriers - apartment dogs, although, like any breed, they need the space of private property. Caring for a dog is relatively simple, but includes several nuances characteristic of the breed.

The puppy struggles with grooming problems from childhood, developing the habit of standing on the grooming table. This requires encouragement in the form of dog treats. Due to the fact that there is no undercoat, dogs and their owners are not burdened with shedding. You should try to comb it often. Bathing is recommended for exhibition animals no more than once every 10 days. In this case, special shampoos and hair care products are used.

Since the breed is characterized by long bangs as an integral part of the modern Kerry Blue hairstyle, you should carefully monitor the condition of the eyes. If excess is observed, the eyes are washed with an ophthalmic solution as recommended by a veterinarian.

Dogs are particularly resistant to various infectious diseases. But this does not mean that there is no need for seasonal treatments against and, which can cause allergic dermatosis, which is difficult and difficult to cure.

There are only two breed predispositions to diseases:

Due to anomalies in the anatomical structure of the auricle.
The phenomena are associated both with a hereditary factor and with improper raising of the puppy. For example, paws that move apart on laminate flooring lead to hip dysplasia.

Only two diseases are hereditary - abiotrophy, or ataxia. If vision problems appear in older dogs, and can be maintained with medication, then ataxia is observed from a young age and is associated with intracellular degradation of the cerebellum, which leads to loss of coordination of the dog’s movements. Can't be treated.

Catering

For a Kerry Blue Terrier it is very It is important to get a balanced diet every day. The diet should be filled with vitamins, minerals and nutrients that provide strength to energetic dogs.

Salt, potatoes, flour products and smoked meats are classified as toxic substances for Kerry Blue Terrier.

It's important to feed your dog on a schedule and follow the standards specified by food developers, depending on the age of the dog. Reducing or increasing the daily food intake can only be recommended from a veterinary point of view.

Education and training

From the age of three months, the puppy is taught to walk. From the very first day, they methodically practice walking in, with constant praise for the dog for every puddle left. Kerry blues quickly figure out what a walk consists of, and they themselves begin to ask to go to the toilet.

With age, promenade time increases and loads increase. It is advisable to have toys with you, with the help of which you can independently teach the basics and some commands.

Here Consistency and patience on the part of the owner are important. Disobedience is “cured” with a folded newspaper. It doesn't hurt, but it's annoying. But excessive severity and assault can create anger and complete uncontrollability in the pet.

Don't forget that a little cute puppy grows into powerful and characterful dog, loving, when they do it. The best way to achieve mutual understanding is to go jogging or cycling together.

Advantages and disadvantages

In general this is brave, smart, cheerful and sociable dogs. But all this is extremely individual. There are representatives of the breed who are stubborn or aggressive towards other dogs, especially males, and it doesn’t matter what size they are.

For human children Kerry Blue Terriers irreplaceable nannies. Representatives of the breed do not experience aggression towards people, but they treat strangers with distrust, often growl and rarely bark, but nevertheless do not allow a stranger to enter the house.

Kerry Blue Terriers are better known as instigators of fights between dogs, but well-mannered and fully socialized individuals cannot afford this. But they “have a blast” digging the earth, chasing each other and tirelessly chewing whatever they can get their teeth into.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is an Irish breed of dog. There they are widely trusted to graze livestock. This is a very energetic and cheerful animal that will bring great joy to its owners. Its amazing character and pretty appearance make it truly popular as a pet. However, before buying such a dog, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the breed characteristics.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is considered the symbol of Ireland. According to dog experts, the breed originates from the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Its standard was developed and finally approved during the First World War. In the post-war years, the maximum popularity of the breed occurred in the United States of America. Since then, these dogs began to appear frequently at exhibitions.

Description of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed

Kerry is medium size. It is characterized by a strongly muscular body, straight legs and the same posture. Weight dogs range from 15 to 18 kg, and height– 45-49 cm for males and 44-48 cm for females. The dog is very similar to the Smooth Fox Terrier. The breed standard provides for the following appearance characteristics:

Signs of disqualification for a Kerry Blue Terrier:

Coat and possible colors

Thoroughbred representatives have thick, wavy and very soft fur. Puppies of this breed are born with a black color. Only by the age of 2 years does her color change slightly to gray-blue. Normally, it can vary from dark steel to light silver. Sometimes the fur of such puppies may temporarily turn brown.

Interestingly, if such a change does not occur, then the animal is not allowed to participate in exhibitions. Other color options are a deviation from the norm. Small white areas are allowed.

Character Traits of the Kerry Blue Terrier

This is a rather capricious dog. She has a friendly and friendly character. Puppies are very playful and love to frolic, so they can make for a lot of fun photos. These pets are distinguished by their noisy habits, but they can also be balanced. The main features of the dog’s behavior are as follows:

Goodwill. This is very pronounced in relation to the people around you.
Sociability. Kerry Blue Terriers cannot tolerate being alone. They always need company. Moreover, they love to be the center of attention in the family.
Terriers – good family men.
Devotion. This quality of character is manifested only in relation to the owner. They cannot forgive betrayal. A beloved pet willingly communicates with other family members.
Pride. A dog of this breed is overly sensitive to loud screams and spanking and cannot tolerate insults or vulgar communication.

Terriers need constant attention. If you do not work with an animal, then very early he will develop negative character traits, for example, aggression towards animals and people around him. Only a self-confident leader can be its owner.

Dogs of this breed are very attached to children. But if a child handles a dog ineptly, he may get hurt. Children should be explained that they should not approach the dog if it is sleeping or eating. It is even better not to leave the animal unattended at all. You should not leave your dog with other pets, because they may get hurt.

The dog is very prone to moodiness. Therefore, it is highly undesirable to raise your voice at her. The animal does not like to be teased. At the same time, the dog is distinguished by artistic behavior and a sense of humor. That's why some dog handlers have the right to consider him a person. The animal likes to spend a lot of time at work, it adapts well to life both in a country house and in an apartment.

The dog is very smart and has high intelligence. He senses danger well and fiercely protects himself and his owner. A dog's innate instincts are:

well developed and quick reaction;
developed sense;
the ability to find the difference between different types of emotions;
negative reaction to violation of personal space and peace.

Raising and training a pet

Terriers will always be loyal and wonderful friends. They are well trained in guard work and become home guards from birth. Any dog breeder will note that Kerry Blue Terriers are attentive dogs.

Carries are willing to train. They can be used for fox hunting. They can pull rodents and small predators out of holes. Dogs can hunt otters and even rats. You should go out into nature with your pet more often. There he can enjoy freedom and play to his heart's content.

Before you walk your dog, you need to follow some rules.

It is forbidden to let an animal off a leash. It can feel freedom, run around its owner, frolic until it gets tired. For walking, it is best to use a collar.
To prevent the dog from trying to get outside, it is recommended to install a fence.
You need to be able to calm your dog down because it can bark very loudly. The neighbors don't always like this.

It should be remembered that training is a labor-intensive and lengthy process. The duration of one lesson should not exceed 15 minutes. If it lasts longer, the animal will get tired and there will be no result from the exercise. Throughout the training, several techniques should be used; she will get tired of one.

There is no need to be nervous when raising a dog. If the owner is nervous, then all the efforts from the training will be nullified. It is strictly forbidden to hit an animal during training. The best option would be to show your displeasure, and since dogs are very smart, they will understand what is required of them.

If the command is learned and executed properly, then it is necessary to praise the pet. It is not recommended to use gifts in this case, because it is very easy to confuse the animal. During classes, all commands should be pronounced clearly and strictly. This is how the dog’s character will be formed.

From the first days the puppy needs to be accustomed to its place. He can lie on a rug or a special lounger. It can also be installed in the owner’s room. The puppy should not be allowed to sleep with its owner.

He should play enough. To fulfill your gaming needs, you can buy a toy. It is strictly forbidden to give things as play, as the animal may tear them. A large number of dog toys will help protect your home furniture. It is better not to buy squeakers for your dog, because they can swallow such objects.

The dog should be punished very carefully. If she is guilty of something, then it is permissible as a punishment to lightly spank her with a rolled-up newspaper. It is prohibited to restrict the dog’s movement around the apartment or house.

Care and health

Like any other breed, Kerry dogs require some care. It is recommended to bathe and brush your dog regularly. Terriers shed little and have no unpleasant dog odor at all. So even those who suffer from allergies can get such a dog. For washing, you must use a special veterinary shampoo and never use “human” hygiene products.

Sometimes, before participating in an exhibition, some owners use grooming. It can be done every day; a hair clipper is suitable for this. Before this, the animal should be washed and dried. Sometimes a haircut can hide some of the dog's body flaws. It is best to entrust your pet's haircut to an experienced professional.

You definitely need to buy a brush to care for the fur and combs. You should brush your pet 3 times a week. In this way, it is possible to get rid of dead hairs, tangles and give the fur shine and beauty.

The eyes should be washed daily as secretions may accumulate in them. It is also necessary to brush your teeth and inspect your ears for dirt. If necessary, clean the pet's ears with a cotton swab soaked in peroxide. This will help prevent the occurrence and spread of infections.

Pets need to be protected from insects, as they often get fleas, and after walking in forests, ticks can become attached. If an infestation has occurred, it is recommended to try to remove the pests from the skin yourself. If this fails, you should contact your veterinarian.

In males, puberty occurs from 7 to 9 months of life, and in females - a month earlier. The process of puberty in a bitch is accompanied by estrus. At this time, she may experience discharge and the size of her genitals may increase.

You need to carefully monitor the bitch and not let her go outside. You only need to take her for walks with a leash. This way you can avoid unwanted contact with male dogs. Accidental mating can have a negative impact on the dog's health. Sometimes puppies can be born weak.

Diseases of the breed

Usually puppies are not prone to diseases, and the breed is characterized by excellent health. If not properly cared for, terriers can develop malignant tumors and dislocate the kneecap. Older dogs may develop cataracts. They often have worms. Other pathologies characteristic of the breed:

hypothyroidism (thyroid dysfunction);
entropion of the eyelid;
chronic ear inflammation.

It is necessary to vaccinate your dog against viral enteritis, hepatitis, rabies, plague, and leptospirosis. It is necessary to regularly treat your pet for worms. If the temperature rises, the dog must be shown to a doctor. If all conditions are met, the pet can live a long life, about 12-15 years.

Feeding rules

Meat (beef, veal, chicken breast). An animal needs about 300 g of meat per day.
Porridge (buckwheat, rice). They must be well cooked. You can add vegetables and vegetable oil to the porridge.
It is forbidden to give legumes and white cabbage.
To strengthen bones, you should definitely give cottage cheese.
Mineral preparations and vitamins should be given only after permission from the veterinarian.

The dog can be given high quality dry food. It should be remembered that low-quality store-bought food can cause allergies. Until the age of two months, your dog should be fed 4 times a day. Adults are fed 2 times a day.

The dog will grow up healthy only if it receives high-quality and nutritious nutrition. Of course, if you give him bad food, he will develop various diseases.

It is forbidden to give the dog sweets and flour dishes. You should avoid feeding your dog salty foods, as excess sodium chloride is very harmful to the animal. Excessively hot or cold food is also harmful.

Kerrys are very active and don't mind frolicking. Knowing the peculiarities of his behavior, it is necessary to provide in the house all the conditions for the normal stay of the pet. If he lives in an apartment, then it is necessary to provide him with space for physical activity.

The sleeping area should be carefully arranged. It should be soft, warm, but at the same time be away from radiators and especially from drafts. In the room where the terrier will live, you need to remove in advance all items that may be damaged or chewed. This especially applies to electrical wires and household appliances.

Up to three months of age, the puppy can relieve itself anywhere. There is no need to scold him for this. You should place several litter trays indoors and train your dog to walk in them.

If the dog lives in a country house, you must ensure that it does not jump over the fence. For this purpose, it is necessary to make it as high as possible. Due to hyperactivity, the animal should always be on a leash when walking, otherwise you can run into big trouble.

Photo of Kerry Blue Terrier

Video about Kerry Blue Terrier

Where to buy a puppy

Before you buy such a puppy, you should find out everything about it. This can be done at the nursery, and you can also get all the information you need from the breeder. You can find a photo of the dog on the Internet and collect all the necessary information.

Before purchasing a puppy, you should check that it has all the necessary documents. They confirm the origin of the animal, its pedigree, health and vaccinations. Sometimes finding a dog can be difficult, since the breed is relatively rare in our country.

Purchasing from kennels is a guarantee that a dog of the exact breed you want will appear at home. You should not contact hobbyists or breeders after learning about them from a message board. In this case, there is a big risk of buying a dog with breed defects.

In Moscow there is a kennel “Gallant Hof” http://www.gallanthof.narod.ru/, which allows you to purchase a faithful, devoted dog, a beloved four-legged friend. The cost of a puppy in Russia ranges from 10 to 25,000 rubles, depending on the region.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a dog with many positive qualities. By making such a four-legged friend, you will know that you will have a reliable companion and guard with you.

Kerry Blue Terrier (English: Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish: An Brocaire Gorm) is a breed of dog originally from Ireland. The Blue in the name comes from the unusual coat color, and Kerry is a tribute to the mountainous part of County Kerry, near Lake Killarney; where the breed is believed to have originated in the 1700s.

Kerry Blue Terriers learn quickly, but can be headstrong and stubborn. In order to keep this breed, you need a lot of patience and firmness, plus a sense of humor.

They are friendly to people, but prefer to keep their distance from strangers.

They are aggressive towards other dogs and never shy away from the opportunity to fight. Owners are required to walk dogs on a leash if there are other dogs or animals around.

Caring for Kerry Blue is expensive, and if you care for it yourself, it is time consuming.

Like all terriers, the Kerry Blue loves to bark, dig, chase and fight.

This is an active breed that requires a lot of daily work. Walks and games can replace it, but there should be a lot of them.

History of the breed

The Kerry Blue, like most dogs from the terrier group, is a peasant dog. Peasants could not afford to keep several dogs, each for specific purposes. They couldn’t afford large dogs like , since in those days they could barely feed themselves.

Terriers, on the other hand, were quite small and versatile dogs, distinguished by their courage, for which they received the definition: “a big dog in a small body.”

The Kerry Blue Terrier is known as the most versatile dog of the entire terrier breed group. They were used when hunting rodents, rabbits, otters and other animals. They could catch and bring birds both from water and on land, guard and guide livestock, and do any work the owner needed.

As is often the case with simple terriers, no one was particularly interested in their history until the 20th century. The first written mention of the breed is in the book Dogs; their origin and varieties, published in 1847 by Dr. Richardson. Although Richardson named it the Harlequin Terrier, the dog described had a blue coat and was common in County Kerry.

He argued that this breed could be the result of crossing with either one of the terriers: , English terrier, .

Some believe that the modern Kerry Blue Terrier came from crossing with. There have been such matings in history, but it is unknown what impact they had on the breed as a whole.

A bizarre but popular version of the origin of the breed is that these dogs sailed to Ireland along with shipwrecked sailors. They were so beautiful that they were crossed with Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers to continue the family line. This story may contain elements of truth.

Many countries conducted maritime trade with Britain, including Portugal and Spain. It is quite possible that the Portuguese brought with them the ancestors of the water dog, and the Spaniards the ancestors of poodles, breeds long known on the European mainland.

Additionally, in 1588, between 17 and 24 ships of the Spanish Armada were wrecked off the coast of western Ireland. It is quite possible that the dogs also escaped with the team and subsequently crossed with native breeds.

A less dramatic and romantic scenario is that the predecessors of modern poodles or Portuguese water dogs were brought over to herd livestock. Irish sheep were a sought-after commodity and were sold all over the world.

Perhaps the merchants brought dogs with them, which they sold or gave as gifts. Moreover, both poodles are skilled swimmers, and their coat structure is very similar to that of a Kerry Blue Terrier.

Kerry Blue Terriers first took part in a dog show only in 1913, but their real fame came in 1920. During these years, Ireland was fighting for independence, and the breed became a symbol of the country and one of the most popular aboriginal breeds.

Even the name of the breed, Irish Blue Terrier, caused a big scandal, as it reflected nationalism and separatism. Adding fuel to the fire was the fact that Michael John Collins, one of the leaders of the Irish Republican Army, was the owner of a Kerry Blue Terrier named Convict 224.

To avoid scandal, the English Kennel Club renames the breed Kerry Blue Terrier, after its place of origin. However, in their homeland they are still called Irish Blue Terriers or simply the Blue.

Collins was a breeder and lover of the breed, his popularity played a decisive role and the Kerry Blue became the unofficial symbol of the revolutionaries. Collins negotiated with England, which resulted in the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which led to the division of the country into the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland. He proposed making the Kerry Blue the national breed of Ireland, but was killed before it was accepted.

Until 1920, all dog shows in Ireland took place under license from the English Kennel Club. As a sign of political protest, members of the new Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club (DIBTC) held an exhibition without permission.

On the night of October 16, 1920, it took place in Dublin. The country was under a curfew and all participants were at risk of being arrested or killed.

The success of the exhibition forced DIBTC members to go further. On St. Patrick's Day in 1921, they held a large dog show, which included other breeds. This exhibition took place at the same time as the one licensed by the English Kennel Club and ended its reign.

Members of the DIBTC published an article in the newspaper calling for the creation of an Irish Kennel Club, which was created on January 20, 1922. The first breed registered there was the Kerry Blue Terrier.

In the early years, the IKC required dogs to pass a game test, which included baiting badgers and rabbits. Due to their excellent performance in these tests, Kerry Blue Terriers were even nicknamed Blue Devils. Today's breeders are trying to revive these qualities, but reduce the aggressiveness of the breed.

The year 1922 was a turning point for the breed. She is recognized by the English Kennel Club and takes part in the country's largest show - Crufts. English fanciers are finding a way to trim their dogs more impressively, which has led to an increase in popularity not only in the UK, but also in America.

Kerry Blue Terriers, although not a particularly popular breed, spread throughout Europe. After the Second World War, through the efforts of breeders, it not only survived, but also expanded its borders.

Despite the fact that the breed won the most prestigious award in Great Britain in 200, it has not become very popular. Kerry Blue Terriers have never been common and are today on the list of endangered breeds.

Description of the breed

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog, balanced, muscular, with long legs. Males at the withers reach 46–48 cm and weigh 12–15 kg, females 44–46 cm and weigh 10–13 kg.

The head is long, but proportional to the body, with a flat skull and a barely defined stop. The skull and muzzle are approximately the same length. The eyes are small and expressionless, but with a sharp, typical terrier look. The ears are small, V-shaped, hanging. They are glued together to give coherence. The nose is black, with large nostrils.

The texture of the coat is soft and should not be harsh. The coat is thick, no undercoat, silky. To participate in exhibitions, dogs are trimmed, leaving a pronounced mustache on the muzzle.

The coat color of mature dogs ranges from blue-gray to light blue. The color of the coat should be uniform, with the exception of darker areas on the face, head, ears, tail and paws. As the puppy grows, the color of the coat changes; this process consists of several stages and is called recoloring.

At birth, puppies are black in color; as they grow older, they may turn brown, but the blue color becomes more pronounced. As a rule, by 18-24 months they are finally colored, but this process largely depends on the individual dog.

Character

Kerry Blue Terriers are energetic, athletic, and intelligent. These breeds are playful, sometimes even rowdy, making them great partners for children. They love communicating with people and try to take part in every undertaking.

Despite their good attitude towards people, they treat other animals much worse. Especially cats that don't get along well. Their instincts make them chase and kill small animals, including domestic ones. Moreover, they are aggressive towards dogs of the same sex, so it is better to keep them with the opposite sex.

Early and thoughtful socialization, training and education are extremely important for this breed.

But, it should be taken into account that even the best trainers cannot completely remove aggression towards other dogs. Owners say that the more dogs live in the house, the higher the chance that they will fight.

Their protective instinct and suspicion of strangers makes the Kerry Blue Terrier an excellent guard dog. They will always raise the alarm if a stranger approaches the house. At the same time, the dog has enough strength to fight back, but does not lack courage.

A high level of intelligence and energy dictate the rules of maintenance for the owner. The dog needs to have an outlet for his energy, otherwise he will get bored and start destroying the house. These energetic and courageous dogs not only need an active family, but also an owner who will lead them.

During games and walks, the owner should take a leading position, not allow the dog to pull on the leash and go wherever he pleases. In urban areas, you should not let him off the leash, as any animal you come across can become a victim of aggression.

Early socialization significantly reduces manifestations, but cannot completely destroy them since they are not at the level of instincts.

Training a Kerry Blue Terrier can be difficult, not because they are stupid, but because of the dominance and willfulness inherent in the breed. According to Stanley Coren's book, Canine Intelligence, this breed is above average in intelligence. But their aggressive, dominant nature is not suitable for novice dog breeders.

They need socialization, a UGS course, a general obedience course in the first two years of life. Set clear and simple rules and never allow your dog to break them. Dogs that do not have such rules behave unpredictably and their behavior can upset their owners. If you don't have the experience, desire or time to train a dog, then choose a more manageable breed.

Kerry Blue Terriers adapt to apartment life if they have adequate physical and mental exercise. However, they are much better suited for living in a private home.

Care

The good news is that the Kerry Blue Terrier sheds little, making it an ideal choice for people with allergies to dog hair. The bad thing is that it requires more care than other breeds. They need to be bathed regularly and brushed daily.

Their fur perfectly collects any debris and easily forms tangles. Typically, the coat is trimmed every 4-6 weeks, but you still need to find a specialist who has experience in such trimming. Show-class dogs need especially high-quality care.

Health

A healthy breed with a lifespan of 9-10 years, but many live up to 12-15 years. Genetic diseases in dogs of this breed are so rare that they can be neglected.

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