The Kerry Blue Terrier it is one of the irish national dogs. Its existence is documented since the 18th century, but it is suspected that he was home in County Kerry long before that. Regarding the origin of the breed, Legend has it that this intelligent dog got its blue-black coloring by crossing bloodhounds with lines of Irish Terrier.

In feudal times, Irish herdsmen and farmers were not allowed to hunt with wolfhounds. They solved the problem by crossbreeding which gave their terriers the characteristics of a Wolfdog..

The Kerry Blue Terrier He was raised as a Pied Piper, guard dog and herding dog. An Irish proverb says that a Kerry Blue Terrier replaces four shepherds. The agile dog was also particularly useful for hunting otters and badgers..

The appearance of the breed has undergone several changes over the centuries. Meanwhile in 1847 a Kerry Blue Terrier dark blue in color was still considered exemplary in 1847, Monochrome fur with dark markings was established in the 20th century. The FCI standard valid today dates from the year 2005.

The Kerry Blue Terrier has a majestic body, muscular and slightly elongated, that impresses with its balanced appearance. His back is even and fairly long, moderately broad and deep chest. With its soft, lush and curly fur, the Kerry Blue Terrier It is considered one of the most attractive terrier breeds.

typical of the breed Kerry Blue Terrier it's his flat nose and long hair on his forehead and muzzle.

Puppies are born with a black-brown or dark black coat. Only at the age of about three the Kerry Blue Terrier It has its typical coloration.. The coat has no undercoat. A blue coat color is allowed in any shade, black marks are allowed. Tan or pure black markings are only allowed until the age of 18 months.

Other appearance features in the overview:

• Head: Strong skull, rich fur, medium length front, black nose.
• Ears: pointing forward or falling, underlining the typical terrier expression
• Eyes: medium-sized, dark to brown with a piercing expression
• neck: moderately long
• lower limbs: straight with well-muscled thighs and strong hock
• legs: compact with round pads and black claws

Size and weight:

Height to the cross:

For males between 45,5 to 49,5 cm. (18 to 19,5 inches).
For the females between 44,5 to 48 cm. (17,5 to 19 inches).

Weight:

For the males of 15 to 18 kg (33 to 40 English pounds).
For females proportionally less.

The Kerry Blue Terrier he is a thoroughbred terrier, brave, alert and with a penetrating expression. The elegant looking animal does not tend to bark and is not brusque. The Kerry Blue Terrier They are happy, loyal, family and children.

They are exceptionally open to strangers and need lots of petting at home. To the Kerry Blue Terrier loves to work. But, no need to keep the four-legged friend constantly busy at home.

Animals are very intelligent and eager to learn, briosos, but in no way nervous or aggressive. Strong self-confidence and strong willpower are typical traits that characterize all terrier breeds and require constant firmness from the owner..

Since the Kerry Blue Terrier builds a close relationship with the owner and his family, a kennel position is inappropriate. He likes to participate in domestic life and is a faithful family dog, watchful and child friendly.

The four-legged friend is very active and needs two or three hours of exercise a day. Dog sports do justice to the momentum of the Kerry Blue Terrier to move and reinforce the bond with the owner.

Obedience is also a great activity for this smart and particularly attentive breed of dog.. Obedience is the school of subordination, which is especially valuable in a terrier. In this dog sport it depends on the correct and fast execution of an exercise sequence. Perfect teamwork between dog and owner is required.

The Kerry Blue Terrier they are wonderfully suited for difficult hunting tasks such as badger hunting or otter spearfishing. When objects are recovered from the water, most Kerry Blue Terriers they prove to be good swimmers and are in no way inferior to a Retriever.

The four-legged friends of this breed reject the other dogs a bit and therefore should be better kept individually.. If you like peace and tranquility at home, you shouldn't have Kerry Blue Terrier along with a cat.

Like any other breed of dog, the Kerry Blue Terrier you need a balanced diet appropriate for your species. Must consist of animal protein, remarkable muscle meat and vitamin-rich casings, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Feeding fish occasionally provides the dog with essential omega fatty acids 3 and ensures that the coat stays shiny and smooth.

The size of the daily ration depends on the age, condition and level of exercise of your four-legged friend and the quality of the food. It should be divided into two meals so as not to overload your stomach. It is better not to feed your dog before walks or canine sports. Then the food tastes much better.

The choice of dry or wet food is at the discretion of the owner, but a mixture of both is highly recommended. Here's a decision aid.

When high-quality dry food is given, the recommended daily amount for a Kerry Blue Terrier adult is on average 1,5 cups. It is important that the dog always has enough fresh water available. Once again, a small lazy dog ​​needs less food than an active animal.

An especially appropriate form of feeding for the species, although somewhat more expensive, it's fresh food, in which the dog feeds on meat, raw fruit and vegetables. You can prepare food for your Kerry Blue Terrier yourself or you can use frozen prepared meals.

Of course, Your quadruped doesn't just need chew products like bones made from cowhide, no wood root chips, for example of the coffee tree, horse tendons or cow ears for dental care. The popular pig ears are high in fat and therefore, they should only rarely come to the dog's table.

If you decide to buy one Kerry Blue Terrier, you must plan early enough to attend a dog school.

After all, your new housemate is a true terrier with a very stubborn personality. But, is certified to be easier to handle and more compliant than representatives of other terrier breeds.

Especially promising are training methods that don't punish, but they reward desirable behavior accordingly. A procedure that at the same time promotes the close relationship of your four-legged friend with you.

One of these methods is the proven Clicker Training, which is described here in more detail.

The training of a Kerry Blue Terrier includes intensive recovery training. After all, the four-legged friend has a clear hunting instinct and without consistent training will hunt down anything that comes his way.

His stubborn willpower can only be achieved with uncompromising subordination.

The very good intelligence of Kerry Blue Terrier requires variety in training. The constant repetitions quickly bore him and make the self-confident four-legged friend look for a more interesting occupation..

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Kerry Blue Terrier" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

Kerry 6

Kerry 5

Kerry 4

Kerry 3

Kerry 2

Kerry 1

Photos:

1 – Kerry Blue Terrier by https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Alofok
2 – Two Kerry Blue Terrier, the left one, named Ceallach Blue Ivanhoe is on this photo about 14 years old and light grey. She have made the full color change. On the right is a about one year old Kerry Blue Terrier, called Edbrios Highlander. In this age the breed is just starting with changing the color of the coat. by © Hilarmont (Kempten) / CC BY-SA 3.0 OF
3 – Kerry Blue Terrier dog by Eponym / CC BY-SA
4 – Kerry Blue Terrier by Svenska Mässan from Sweden / CC BY
5 – Kerry Blue Terrier during dogs show in Katowice, Poland by Pleple2000 / CC BY-SA
6 – Kerry Blue Terrier, exhibition in Spodek, Katowice by Pleple2000 / CC BY-SA

Terrier Kerry Blue – (Kerry Blue Terrier) Breed of dog

Kerry Blue Terrier – AKC Dog Breed Series

Kerry Blue Terrier – Top 10 Facts

Kerry Blue Terrier(12 months): spring, country house, new haircut

• FCI CLASSIFICATION:
• Group :
• Section : . .

Federations:

• – FCI – Terriers 1 Large and medium-sized terriers. ⓘ
• – AKC – Terriers ⓘ
• – ANKC – Terriers ⓘ
• – CKC – Terriers ⓘ
• – ​KC – Terriers ⓘ
• – NZKC – Terriers ⓘ
• – UKC – Terriers ⓘ

Use:

It is used in the hard work of hunting otters in deep water, in fighting badgers underground and hunting vermin. Good guard dog and loyal companion.

General appearance:

The typical Kerry Blue Terrier should be an upright dog, compact and well proportioned, featuring a well-developed muscular body, with a well defined terrier style.

Terrier character in all its meaning. The most important factor, The expression, must be insightful and alert.

Head:

• Skull: Strong and well proportioned.
• Depression links (Stop): Light.

facial region:

• Truffle: black, the large and wide nostrils. Snout: Must be of medium length.
• Jaws: Strong and muscular jaws (scary calls). Teeth: Large white teeth; scissor bite (accepting bite on clamp).
• Mouth: Dark gums and palate.
• Eyes: Dark or dark hazelnut, medium in size and well placed, with expression of liveliness.
• Ears: Thin and not big, carried forward or along the sides of the head towards the front, again to show the vivacious and sharp expression of the terrier.

Neck:

Body:

• top line: Of average length, straight. Pork loin: Moderate long.
• Breast : Deep and moderate width. Well arched ribs.

Tail:

Tips

PREVIOUS MEMBERS:

• Blades: Lightweight, leaning back and well glued.
• forearms: Seen from the front, straight and with good bones.

LATER MEMBERS: They must be well placed under the dog.

• Thighs: Muscular, well developed.
• Hocks: Strong.
• Pies: compacts, strong round pads, black nails.

Movement:

Mantle

• Fur: Soft, abundant and wavy.
• Color: Any shade of blue with or without black spots. Allow the color black, as well as a reddish hue, only until the age of 18 months.

Size and weight:

Height to the cross:

• For males between 45,5 to 49,5 cm. (18 to 19,5 inches).
• For the females between 44,5 to 48 cm. (17,5 to 19 inches).

Weight:

• For the males of 15 to 18 kg (33 to 40 English pounds).
• For females proportionally less.

Fouls:

Any deviation from the above mentioned criteria is considered to lack, and the gravity of this refers to the degree of deviation to the standard and its impact on the health and well-being of the dog.

• Flesh-colored gums.
• Yellow eyes, the clear.
• Convex or concave back.
• Narrow sill.
• Elbows sticking out.
• Upper or lower prognathism.
• White or ivory nails.
• Spurs on the hind limbs or signs that they have been removed.
• Closed or affected hind limb movement, with hocks together (cow).
• Dogs whose head or tail are held by exhibitors or presenters should be penalized
• Wire-haired, wire or piggy.
• Any color other than blue, except the exceptions indicated above.

FALTAS DESCALIFICANTES:

• Aggressiveness or extreme shyness.
• Any dog ​​showing clear signs of physical or behavioral abnormalities must be disqualified..

• Males should have two normal-appearing testicles fully descended into the scrotum..
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with the typical conformation of the breed, should be used for parenting.

The latest changes are in bold.

TRADUCCION: Lic. O. Valverde, reviewed by Dr. F. del Valle and updated by J. Nallem, Uruguayan Kennel Club.

1. Irish Blue Terrier, Kerry (English).
2. Terrier Kerry Blue (French).
3. Kerry (German).
4. Irish Blue terrier (Portuguese).
5. Kerry (español).