Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a fearless and courageous dog, always ready to protect those she cares about. They are proven excellent at hunting. The dog has leadership qualities; they tend to make their own decisions. Needs active training and games. He always likes to be the center of attention.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The terrier got its name from its place of origin – the Irish county of Kerry. In the beginning, it was used as a pet and a good hunter. It is believed that the breed originated about 150 years ago.

The ancestors of the Kerry Blue Terrier are English black and tan terrier and Irish wolfhound. Due to its origin, this dog has versatile qualities. It can guard the house, protect property, hunt and be a true friend to man.

In today’s world, dogs are often used in the police force. For the first time, the Kerry Blue Terrier took part in a show in 1922, at the same time the breed was officially registered. In 1925 the first Kerry Blue Club was founded.

Appearance

The dog is of medium size, strong and graceful. The height of male dogs is usually 45,5-49,5 cm, bitches – 44,5-48 cm. The weight does not exceed 18 kg.

The head is elongated, slightly narrow. A beard is formed on the muzzle. The eyes are mostly black. The Kerry Blue Terrier has powerful paws that allow them to jump high.

The ears are triangular, bent forward. The tail used to be common, but now it is done very rarely.

Wool is soft, wavy, without an undercoat. The color comes in gray, gray-blue. On the muzzle, fur grows faster than on the body. Puppies are usually born dark black, but over time they turn gray.

Character

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a fearless and courageous dog, always ready to protect those she cares about.

They are proven excellent at hunting. The dog has leadership qualities; they tend to make their own decisions. Needs active training and games.

He always likes to be the center of attention. If the dog is often left alone, it can spoil its mood and character. They are friendly and communicative with other animals and people. Quickly find common ground with children and love to play with them for long periods.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is distrustful of strangers and may bark loudly when it feels threatened.

Quite fidgety and active likes to run, jump, chew on various objects. Kerry Blue Terrier is a bit jealous, and if he notices that the owner spends more time with other animals or children, he can get upset and show his temper.

Best friends with school-age and teenage children. He likes to compete with other dogs, so he learns sports games well.

Care

Kerry Blue Terrier can live in the apartment without problems if he provides long and active walks. Once a week, it is desirable to go to nature, to the woods, to the lake so that the dog can get rid of excessive energy.

The pet needs intensive exercise. Kerry Blue Terrier needs to be brushed every day; it does not shed several times a year; it should be trimmed in a salon or by yourself with special scissors.

The pet’s ears require special attention. Once a week, it is essential to inspect them, and if they are dirty, clean them gently with a cotton pad.

The eyes should also always be clean. After walks, you should wipe the coat and paws with a damp towel.

Training

It is easy to train a dog because he has excellent memory, intelligence, and observation skills. During training, you need to be patient and firm, do not allow the pet to manipulate and lead. They are quite stubborn and independent; it is best to combine training with games.

It is vital to educate the puppy from an early age because their future behavior depends on it. During the training, you should praise and show love to the dog, and do not forget to reward the dog with something tasty and useful after the successful execution of commands.

Common Diseases

Dogs have a robust immune system and excellent health, resistant to infectious diseases. They often tend to have different eye diseases (Entropia, distichiasis, cataracts), so they need to be checked all the time and kept clean.

Nutrition

The diet may consist of natural food or dry food. The choice of food depends on the owner. A puppy should be fed four times a day, while an adult dog needs only two.

If you choose to feed natural foods, you must remember that the food must be balanced. The basis of the diet should be lean meat. You can give by-products. It is useful to give buckwheat or rice porridge (they contain many carbohydrates). Be sure to add dairy products, cottage cheese, vegetables to the diet.