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Kerry Blue Terrier

Large Breed

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed which is full of energy and a very sociable animal, inducing a sense of fun and enjoyment amongst those around them.

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Breed standards

Country of origin

Ireland

Weight

Males 15-18 kg / 33-40 lbs; Females slightly less (standards may vary)

Height

Males 46-50 cm / 18-20 inches; Females 45-48 cm / 18-19 inches (standards may vary)

Coat

Wavy, soft and plentiful with a beard

Markings

Blue of any shade, black up to 18 months. Black points can be found.

Lifespan

Above average 12-15 years

They are intelligent dogs that also have a very good memory and thrive in response to differences in routine. This has led to them being used for a variety of different jobs.

Temperament

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a playful and energetic breed whose infectious nature cheers up everyone around him. He is very affectionate and loves to be around familiar people and in social situations, if sufficiently socialised. They are fairly protective and act as good watch dogs, not attacking without severe provocation. Due to their high intelligence they can become bored and, as a result, their natural tendency towards wilfulness can be exacerbated and needs to be trained out of them.

  • Poor
    Children
    Good
  • Very
    Combativeness
    Not very
  • Very
    Dominance
    Not very
  • Not very
    Friendliness
    Good
  • Not very
    Independence
    Very
  • Loud
    Noise
    Quiet
  • Not very
    Trainability
    Very

Good to know

An active breed of dog, the Kerry Blue Terrier has a unique blue coat which makes it stand out from the crowd. Keeping their owners on their toes, the Kerry Blue Terrier has made a welcome addition to many families.

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  • Makes a wonderful family pet and companion
  • Highly intelligent
  • Excels as a watchdog
  • Adapts well to most climates
  • Very light shedder
  • Good for apartment living
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  • Regular grooming needed as well as skilled trimming and stripping
  • Not a dog recommended for novice owners
  • Quite active indoors
  • Can be prone to hip dysplasia, PNA, and cerebellar abiotrophy