Kerry Blue Terrier

also known as Irish Blue Terrier, Kerry

Pros Summary


The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Ireland. They were originally bred as hunting and herding dogs. The breed's name "Kerry Blue Terrier" comes from its origins in County Kerry, Ireland. The breed was first recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1911. It is also recognized by other kennel clubs and organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). They are known for their playful, energetic and affectionate personalities. They make great family pets, but they require regular exercise and consistent training.

Breed Information


Type

Is Kerry Blue Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Kerry Blue Terrier name? How do you say Kerry Blue Terriers?

ker-ee bloo ter-ee-er

Purpose

What were Kerry Blue Terriers originally used for?

ratting, hunting, farm dog, companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Kerry Blue Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Kerry Blue Terrier? How long can Kerry Blue Terriers live?

12-15 years

The average Kerry Blue Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Kerry Blue Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Kerry Blue Terrier?

What is the average height of a Kerry Blue Terrier? How big is a Purebred Kerry Blue Terrier height? Kerry Blue Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-19 inches (45.7 - 48.3 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 18.5 inches (47 cm)
Female 17-19 inches (43.2 - 48.3 cm) 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm)
What is the average weight of a Kerry Blue Terrier? How much should Kerry Blue Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 33-40 pounds (15 - 18 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 26.0 pounds (12 kg) 36.5 pounds (17 kg)
Female 33-40 pounds (15 - 18 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 26.0 pounds (12 kg) 36.5 pounds (17 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Kerry Blue Terriers get fat easily?

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Kerry Blue Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Kerry Blue Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Kerry Blue Terrier personality? What are Kerry Blue Terrier dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Gentle
Spirited
Intelligent
Alert
Loyal
Strong
Willed

Shedding Level

Are Kerry Blue Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Kerry Blue Terrier Shed?

Kerry Blue Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Kerry Blue Terrier dog?

The Kerry Blue Terrier dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Kerry Blue Terriers come from?

Ireland

Ancestry

What are Kerry Blue Terriers descended from?

portuguese water dog, spanish blue dog, irish wolfhound, irish terrier

Date of Birth

When were Kerry Blue Terriers first bred? How old is the Kerry Blue Terrier breed?

1700s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Kerry Blue Terrier?

Terrier (AKC:1922 & UKC)

Kerry Blue Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Kerry Blue Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Kerry Blue Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Kerry Blue Terrier coat be naturally?

Gray
Blue

Coat Length

How long is a Kerry Blue Terriers coat?

The coat of a Kerry Blue Terrier dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Kerry Blue Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Kerry Blue Terrier?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Kerry Blue Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Kerry Blue Terrier have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Kerry Blue Terrier can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Kerry Blue Terriers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Kerry Blue Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Kerry Blue Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Kerry Blue Terrier is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Kerry Blue Terrier?

Hip Dysplasia
PNA
Cerebellar Abiotrophy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Kerry Blue Terriers?

Cataract
Spiculosis
Narrow Palpebral Fissure Distichiasis
Congenital Heart Defect

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Kerry Blue Terrier breed?

Eye
Hip
X-Rays
MRI
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Kerry Blue Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Kerry Blue Terriers have a lot of energy?

Kerry Blue Terriers are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Kerry Blue Terriers need socialization? How social are Kerry Blue Terriers?

Kerry Blue Terrier have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Kerry Blue Terriers get?

The Kerry Blue Terrier dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Kerry Blue Terrier have? Do Kerry Blue Terriers sleep a lot?

Kerry Blue Terriers dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Kerry Blue Terrier drool a lot?

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Kerry Blue Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Kerry Blue Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Kerry Blue Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Kerry Blue Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Kerry Blue Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Kerry Blue Terrier busy?

Hike, Fun training, Long walks

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Kerry Blue Terrier? How much energy does a Kerry Blue Terrier have?

Medium

Kerry Blue Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Kerry Blue Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Kerry Blue Terrier walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Kerry Blue Terrier, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Kerry Blue Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Kerry Blue Terrier need?

60 minutes

In general most Kerry Blue Terriers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Kerry Blue Terrier?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Kerry Blue Terrier?

Daily

Ideally, Kerry Blue Terrier should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Kerry Blue Terriers?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Deshedder
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Kerry Blue Terrier eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 33-40 pound (15 - 18 kg) Kerry Blue Terrier feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Kerry Blue Terrier Cost Daily?

$2.50 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Kerry Blue Terrier is somewhere $2.50 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Kerry Blue Terrier Cost Per Month?

$74 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Kerry Blue Terrier is between $74 - $95. This makes an average of $888 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Kerry Blue Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Kerry Blue Terrier?

The Kerry Blue Terrier breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Kerry Blue Terrier dog?

Kerry Blue Terrier dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Kerry Blue Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Kerry Blue Terrier do well in apartments? Are Kerry Blue Terriers good indoor dogs?

Kerry Blue Terriers are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Kerry Blue Terriers good with kids? Are Kerry Blue Terriers good around children?

Kerry Blue Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Kerry Blue Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Kerry Blue Terriers good with cats? How friendly Kerry Blue Terriers are toward cats?

Kerry Blue Terriers are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Kerry Blue Terriers can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Kerry Blue Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Kerry Blue Terriers OK with other dogs?

Kerry Blue Terriers are below average dog friendly dogs. Kerry Blue Terrier dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Kerry Blue Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Kerry Blue Terriers friendly with strangers?

Kerry Blue Terriers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Kerry Blue Terriers like to play? Are Kerry Blue Terriers playful?

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Kerry Blue Terrier is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Kerry Blue Terrier easily trained?

Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affectionate and loyal to their family
    Kerry Blue Terrier are known for being affectionate and loyal to their family.
  • Lack of odor
    The Kerry Blue Terrier has little chance of emitting a bad smell.
  • Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, a Kerry Blue Terrier may be a suitable breed for you as they cause fewer allergic reactions.
  • Good with children
    They are good with children and make great playmates.
  • Apartment Friendly
    Kerry Blue Terrier are the best breed for apartment living.
  • Intelligent
    They are intelligent and trainable.

Cons

  • Not cat-friendly
    Kerry Blue Terriers lack the inclination to be friendly towards cats.
  • Barking
    This dog's loud bark is a defining characteristic of its breed.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Kerry Blue Terriers are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • High energy levels
    They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Grooming
    They require regular grooming to maintain their distinctive coat.