The Kerry Blue Terrier is a striking and lively terrier breed that originated in Ireland. With their unique blue-gray coat and spirited personality, these versatile dogs can make excellent companions for the right owner.
But before you rush out to get one of these eye-catching Irish terriers, there are some important facts you should know.
1. Kerry Blues Have a Striking Blue-Gray Coat
One of the most distinctive features of the Kerry Blue Terrier is their soft, wavy blue-gray coat. Puppies are actually born black and their coat gradually lightens to the signature blue-gray color by 18 months old. The coat requires regular brushing and clipping every 6 weeks to maintain its texture and color.
Due to the color of their coat, they are also sometimes called the Irish Blue Terrier in their home country.
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2. They Were Originally Bred as Versatile Farm Dogs
Kerry Blue Terriers originated in the mountains of County Kerry, Ireland in the early 1800s. They were developed as all-around working farm dogs, used for hunting small game and birds, retrieving, and herding cattle and sheep. (ref)
Over time, the Kerry Blue transitioned from a jack-of-all-trades farm dog to more of a general working dog and companion. But they still retain the lively, intelligent, hard-working terrier nature of their ancestors.
3. Kerry Blues are Intelligent but Independent
As terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers are very smart and quick learners. They respond well to positive reinforcement training and enjoy the mental stimulation. However, they also have an independent streak common to many terriers.
Kerry Blues need an owner willing to put in the time for consistent, patient training starting from puppyhood. They can be stubborn and strong-willed if allowed to get away with it. Experienced owners familiar with terriers are the best match for the Kerry Blue.
4. Early Socialization is Crucial
Kerry Blue Terriers have a reputation for being aggressive toward other dogs if not properly socialized. They tend to be territorial and dominant. Dog-to-dog aggression was even more common in early Kerry Blues before breeders worked to tone down this trait. (ref)
Exposing a Kerry Blue puppy to many different people, animals, and situations is essential to having a well-adjusted adult dog. A Kerry Blue that is not well socialized may be reactive toward strange dogs and people.
5. They Have a Strong Chasing & Prey Drive
The Kerry Blue Terrier’s history as a hunting and vermin-catching dog means they have a strong instinct to chase small animals. Squirrels, rabbits, cats – anything small and furry that runs may trigger their prey drive.
This means Kerry Blues need to always be on a leash or in a securely fenced area. They also may not do well living with cats or other small pets unless raised with them from a young age. A Kerry Blue’s chase instinct can override any training if the drive is triggered.
6. Kerry Blues Need Lots of Exercise
As a former working breed, Kerry Blue Terriers are active, energetic dogs that need plenty of daily exercise. At least an hour per day of walking, running, playing, and mentally stimulating activities is required to keep a Kerry Blue happy and healthy.
These dogs enjoy hiking, jogging, agility, earthdog trials, and more. They do best with an active owner willing to provide varied physical and mental workouts.
7. They are Loyal & Affectionate Family Dogs
While Kerry Blue Terriers have some challenging traits, they are also known for forming strong bonds with their families. They are loyal, loving, and good with children when raised with them. Kerry Blues want to be with their people and involved in all family activities.
As an alert breed, Kerry Blues also make excellent watchdogs. They will bark to let you know if anything seems amiss. However, they are not typically aggressive to people if properly socialized.
8. The Kerry Blue Coat Requires Regular Grooming
That beautiful blue-gray coat that makes the Kerry Blue Terrier so striking comes with some intensive grooming requirements. The coat does not shed much, but it grows continuously. It needs brushing at least weekly, if not more often, to prevent mats and tangles.
Kerry Blues also need regular clipping or trimming every 4-6 weeks. Many owners opt to have the coat professionally groomed to maintain the breed’s signature look. Those silky soft curls require time and effort to keep looking their best.
9. Health Issues to Be Aware Of
Kerry Blue Terriers are generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. But like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. These include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye diseases
- Hypothyroidism
- A rare genetic condition called spiculosis that affects the hair follicles (ref)
Reputable breeders screen for these issues, so it’s important to research the health testing performed on any potential puppy’s parents.
10. Finding a Kerry Blue May Take Some Searching
The Kerry Blue Terrier is not a common breed, ranking 160th out of 200 AKC registered breeds in 2023. They are considered a rare breed, with usually only a few hundred Kerry Blues registered each year in the US. (ref)
This means finding a Kerry Blue puppy can take some time and effort. Prospective owners may need to:
- Go on a waiting list with a breeder
- Be willing to travel some distance to get a puppy
- Understand they likely won’t find a Kerry Blue in a shelter or from a casual breeder down the street
Do Your Research Before Deciding
The Kerry Blue Terrier can be an excellent companion for the right person or family. Their loyalty, intelligence, and unique looks are appealing. But they are not the easiest breed and require dedicated owners willing to put in the time for training, socialization, exercise, and grooming.
Researching the breed and talking to Kerry Blue owners and breeders is a must before deciding to bring one of these special Irish dogs into your life.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.