Kerry Blue Terrier

The striking and vivacious Kerry Blue Terrier is recognized for its distinct blue-gray coat and exuberant disposition. This terrier was first bred in Ireland and was intended to be a versatile working dog that would assist farmers with livestock guarding, hunting, and herding.

Kerry Blue Terriers are renowned for their intelligence and independent spirit in addition to their working heritage. Their tendency toward independence can make training a little difficult at times, but with the correct training methods, they can pick things up quickly and flourish in a caring environment.

Kerry Blues are renowned not only for their intelligence but also for their beauty. Regular grooming is necessary for their soft, wavy coat, but it’s what makes them unique. Kerry Blue Terriers are a great option if you’re searching for a dog that combines charm, energy, and loyalty.

Characteristics of the breed

* Features of the breed Kerry Blue Terrier based on owner reviews and expert evaluations from Usatik.ru. Since the data is average, it might not accurately reflect the actions of a specific person. It is regrettable that it is impossible to consider every single unique feature of a specific pet.

Brief description of the breed

What is the actual country of origin?

What is the country of origin according to the FCI?

When the breed appeared?

Life expectancy?

How much does a male weigh?

How much does a female weigh?

What is the height (height at the withers) of a male?

What is the height (height at the withers) of a female?

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A breed that embodies all the best traits is the Kerry Blue Terrier. Although it was developed initially for hunting, it is now a friend and companion. Since dogs don’t shed and have no odor, even people with allergies can own one of these pets. Dogs are intelligent, well-mannered animals that belong to people. They must devise a strategy because terriers are inherently stubborn and self-willed.

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Kerry-Berrier

  • The history of the origin of Kerry-b-terriers
  • Kerry-Berrier-description of the breed
  • Popular colors of Kerry-b-terriers
  • The nature and habits of Kerry-Berrier
  • Interesting facts about Kerry-b-termers
  • Pros and cons
  • Breeding Kerry-Berriers
  • Care for Kerry-b-terriers
  • Kerry Blue Terrier Diet
  • Diseases and health problems
  • Kerry Blue Terrier – price and how to buy

History of the origin of Kerry Blue Terriers

It is believed that Kerry Blue Terriers originated in Ireland. The species got its name from the County Kerry where they were bred. These blue dogs have long been recognized in their native country, even though the breed only gained official recognition approximately 200 years ago. Legends and stories from ancient Ireland mention Kerry. Up until the 20th century, there was little interest in the breed because they were primarily used as rat catchers.

The following individuals contributed to the development of the breed:

  • Black and tan terrier;
  • Irish wolfhound;
  • Bedlington terrier.

Whether bull terriers took part in the selection is unknown for sure. According to some experts, Kerry’s curliness may have originated from poodles, who also gave them the ability to change color as they aged. The goal of wolfhound crossing was to achieve the desired gray color for natural camouflage. These dogs were only owned by aristocrats. It was illegal for peasants to own wolfhounds.

Farmers learned to appreciate their adaptability over time. In addition to being skilled rodent hunters, the dogs also made excellent nannies, shepherds, and guards. They were adept at securing fishing gear while submerged. These four-legged animals were first mentioned in literature in 1847. Then, Dr. Richardson gave them the name Harlequin Terriers. He compared the Irish to tenacious dogs that relentlessly pursue their prey.

They brought the animals along to hunt wild boars and foxes. The dog dug a hole until the game crawled out if it did not fit inside. Even today, the breed retains its hunting prowess. Previously, appearance was not as important as it is now, as four-legged animals were only valued for their functional qualities. As a result, the dogs’ appearance was less striking. They had unkempt, disheveled hair because no one had given them attractive haircuts.

In Ireland, the first breed club was established in 1920. The dogs rose to fame in 1922 when, at an English exhibition, beautifully groomed animals outshined the attendees with their grace. The FCI recognized the breed that same year. Following their American exhibition, the four-legged animals became well-known all over the world. The first people were brought to the CIS nations when the Soviet Union was in power.

Kerry Blue Terrier – breed description

A medium-sized dog that looks athletic. balanced and tastefully constructed. robust, fully formed skeleton. Dogs are excellent jumpers because of their mesomorphic muscles. extended head, with the length of the skull matched by the forward-extended muzzle. It is difficult to convey the change in appearance from the forehead to the muzzle. The breed is distinguished by its long beard, which the dog wears as an ornament.

The triangular-shaped ears are firmly fitted to the skull. The eyes are cautious, with dark hues. coal-black nose with wide, flared nostrils. Sharp cheekbones are evident. powerful teeth and jaws. biting with scissors. The sky is dark. lips that are black. Strong, medium-length neck that gets wider at the shoulders. body that is longer. round chest. Back straightaway. broad loin.

  • Height of males – 49 cm;
  • Height of females – 44 cm;
  • Weight of males – 18 kg;
  • Females weigh up to 15 kg.

The tail taper towards the end from a thick base. Elevate the setting. elevated when in motion. In the past, breeders advised docking it by two thirds of its length to avoid tangles with the dog. But as of late, they have been progressively giving up on this habit. The forelimbs have dry muscles and are parallel. The shoulder blades are near the body. The elbows are directly beneath the withers. The forearms are extended.

Even and parallel, the hind legs are positioned wider than the front legs. Hips are powerful and muscular. Thighs are longer than the shins. The knee joints are fully formed. Hocks are prominent and parched. Paws are compressed and rounded. Large pads and hard, black claws are present. There is sweeping movement. Running is a straight line of freedom. The head and tail are at their highest point.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a multipurpose and active canine breed distinguished by its eye-catching blue-gray coat and amiable, perceptive disposition. These dogs, who were first bred in Ireland for hunting and herding, are now well-liked as devoted members of the family. They need a lot of exercise, frequent grooming, and activity to stay happy and healthy. They are wonderful companions because of their loving, playful nature, but they also benefit from regular training and socialization because of their independent temperament.

According to the International Cynological Federation standard, blue can be any color, ranging from light silver to dark steel. Slate blue, gray, and black are acceptable. It is acceptable to use black markings. Every other color is disapproved of and prohibited from breeding or showing in exhibitions. The coat should feel thick, wavy, and soft to the touch. Hard and coarse are grave drawbacks.

The coat has a silky structure and is long and shiny. An undercoat is absent. The dog’s entire body is densely covered in guard hairs. They may or may not have black ends. The hair is thicker and longer on the tail, adding to the volume. On the muzzle, hair grows longer than on the body. Although it doesn’t pour, a haircut and trimming are necessary. The white patch on the chest is not viewed negatively.

Every puppy has black hair from birth. The hue turns bluish by the time a child is two years old. In the event that this is not accomplished, the person is deemed married and is prohibited from taking part in exhibitions. Kerry can be inconsistent in adults. There is always a blue tint, whether it is in the shade or the sun’s rays. Paint the head, ears, and limbs black. It is forbidden for individuals to procreate if their wool is entirely black.

There is no molting in animals. The hair is changed, but it falls out just like it does on a person’s head. Where the fallen have fallen, black hairs sprout up, eventually losing sight of the primary color’s tone. In this sense, you can find hairs of any shade in Kerry Blue Terrier wool. The fading of the fur in the sun, the presence of foods high in iodine, and the hormonal background all affect how saturated the color is.

Character and habits of Kerry Blue Terriers

These creatures possess the temperament of typical terriers. With them, you will never grow weary. The ones with four legs are happy, outgoing, and active. They are always eager to get outside and go for a hike or stroll with their owner. They observe events at home with curiosity, but they never grow stale. The dogs are very attached to their owners and find it difficult to be apart from them.

Irish people are easy to train and intelligent. They obey orders because they enjoy making their owner happy. A large number of breed members enjoy attending exhibitions. The animals are aware of their admiration and seize the chance to flaunt themselves. When the owner is preoccupied with something, the dog will gladly play with the kids. Kerry is going to be a perfect companion for those who are strong and like an active lifestyle.

The animals have shown to be very effective sentries. They behave restrainedly around strangers if they are loving toward family members. Maintain psychological stability and refrain from irrational aggression. Dogs will bark and growl at an unwelcome guest until the very end. Only in dire circumstances, when the intruder clearly poses a threat to family members, will they resort to using their teeth.

Even though they are happy and energetic, the animals behave well in the apartment and don’t bother other residents. The dog will not follow its owner around with a toy if it notices that he is busy. It will make an effort to amuse itself. Four-legged animals are said by breeders to have a perpetual motion machine hidden inside of them. While terriers get along well with cats, they will test a cat’s strength against a passing dog.

Interesting facts about Kerry Blue Terriers

Because of their gray-blue fur, Kerry Blue Terriers are regarded by many dog lovers as the most beautiful breed of dogs. Ireland’s national symbol is the breed. They take great pride in these animals in their native land. The Kerry is known as "the national pearl" among the locals. The breed’s curly hair was chopped off when it was employed as a working dog to prevent it from getting in the way of the four-legged animals’ ability to hunt.

A triangle with a bent forward corner is thought to represent the ideal ear shape. Puppies’ ears are glued with the ends pointing in the direction of their eyeballs at three months old to create this effect. This is how the auricle’s cartilage acquires the proper shape. Originally, the purpose of this procedure was to prevent the dog from being injured by a fox or badger bite to its ear.

There were dog tests in Ireland about a century ago. A national law from 1926 stated that a winner in the show ring could not be called the champion unless they also obtained two certificates from field trials. Two different competitions were devised by the Irish for Kerry. In the first, pets had to demonstrate their hunting prowess by catching a water rat and a rabbit.

A hedge surrounded the perimeter where a rabbit had been let out. The pet needed to locate it, chase the game into the bushes from the grass, retrieve it, and give it to the owner. A water rat, roughly the size of a cat, was let loose into the lake or river, and its goal was to wait for it to swim to the center. Leash removed, the dog, who had been observing the action from the beach the entire time, began the chase.

The animal’s mission was to dash to the water, pursue the rat, subdue it in the river, and carry the victim to safety on dry land. The dog had to push a badger into a hole, battle it inside, and then retrieve the trophy as per the rules of the second test. Certificates could only be earned by those who participated in the fight for at least five minutes. if handling the game earlier was not feasible.

Pros and cons of Kerry Blue Terriers

The primary benefit of owning a Kerry Blue Terrier is their energy and joy. With this funny guy close by, routine and boredom are things of the past. The dog enjoys participating in family matters. He will gladly dash outside to play ball or go fishing with his owner at any time. He is hinting at a walk while refusing to move and instead staring sad eyes into the owner’s face.

  1. Energy;
  2. Loyalty to family;
  3. Intelligence;
  4. Guard qualities;
  5. Gets along well with children.

Animals have strong bonds with the families in which they reside. For couples with kids of any age, they are ideal. Kerry will entertain and take care of the little fidget while his parents are at work. They don’t let the kids wander too far from their parents on the street. The dogs will attempt to drive away strangers and protect children if they are in danger. They distribute their attention among all members of the family instead of having a favorite.

The breed also has the benefit of not shedding. There is no bad smell and the fur is soft and wavy. These dogs are ideal for those who have allergies or asthma. However, the Kerry Blue Terrier has both positive and negative traits, just like any other breed. And in order to prevent unpleasant surprises after purchasing a dog, you should acquaint yourself with them beforehand.

  1. Willfulness;
  2. Needs an owner with a firm hand;
  3. Lovers in starting a fight;
  4. Tries to dominate.

It is preferable to have an Irishman as the only pet because, despite its friendliness toward humans, hunting dogs can get along poorly with other animals. Owing to its inclination toward leadership, the animal ought to be trained from a young age, demonstrating resoluteness in the training process. An overly gentle demeanor from the owner may encourage the four-legged creature to become disobedient and stubborn.

Breeding Kerry Blue Terriers

Kerry Blues reach maturity in 8–10 months, just like other breeds. Males attempt to mount, and females start their first heat. In actuality, though, it is not possible to mate a pet before two years old. Bites that become pregnant too young frequently experience miscarriages, stillbirths, and reproductive system disruptions. Consequently, the third estrus is ideal for the initial mating. 13 to 15 days after the start of estrus are ideal for conception.

The pet’s mood can indicate when estrus is about to arrive. She behaves more aggressively and disobeys commands when she walks. The dog may occasionally appear sickly. In order to create bait for males, the female frequently marks her territory. Every day, the loop swells more and more, and pinkish discharge starts to come out of it. The first day of estrus is indicated by their onset.

This should be recorded in the journal as the start of a new cycle. You need to get in touch with the nursery two weeks prior to the onset of estrus in order to choose a suitable partner. A union like this, backed by paperwork, will guarantee healthy children. Prospective parents verify their health and conduct compatibility tests. A contract is made between the dog’s owners.

Partners are introduced to Kobel on the scheduled day. The pets just go for walks prior to the meeting; they are not fed. The acquaintance will go by quickly if the date is picked wisely. The female will be ready to knit, and the male is smelling. The time from the day "X" to birth is 56–63 days. Both premature and delayed birth can result in the death of the child, so it is best to get professional assistance in both situations.

Preparing ahead of time a set that will be required during childbirth is necessary:

  1. Pure diapers;
  2. Soft rags for puppies;
  3. Sterile scissors;
  4. Antiseptic;
  5. Thread.

In the pitomitsa, behavioral changes are among the initial indicators of pregnancy. The bitch gets calmer and demands more affection. The fifth week is when the stomach and nipples grow. The belly drops just before delivery, and yellow discharge starts to come out of the loop. Now is the time to give the vet a call and let him know you might be coming. It is preferable to have the specialist’s phone number readily available.

Care for Kerry Blue Terriers

After buying a puppy, the first thing to do is place it. A bed, pillow, or rug should be kept out of the way of drafts and heating sources. You should show the baby his place right away. The dog might beg to sleep with the owner because he misses his mother’s love. It should be considered that this will grow into a large dog in a few months and that it will be challenging to wean him off the bed.

Four-legged animals must be accustomed to mandatory care from an early age; otherwise, issues with this may arise. As the haircut is being done, the puppy should become accustomed to being on the table. Certain processes ought to be performed on a regular basis. The pet’s eyes need to be checked and cleaned every day because discharge and dust frequently collect in the corners. It is best to get in touch with a specialist right away if there is an infection.

A bristle brush should be used three times a week to comb the coat. Every three months, a haircut is given to showcase the breed’s full beauty. You should wash and dry your pet before you begin. With the aid of grooming, an experienced stylist can enhance graceful curves and rectify figure flaws. The lines dividing different body parts ought to be blurred.

Because the pet’s skin has protective elements, you should wash the dog with pet-specific shampoos that are available at pet stores. It is preferable to apply the product to the hair after pre-dissolving it in water. You must use a vitamin-enriched conditioner after taking a bath. Additionally, it is diluted with water and applied using a spray bottle to the coat. Use a second conditioner to prevent tangling after washing.

Use a hairdryer to dry the dog after washing, making sure to brush it frequently to prevent the coat from becoming rotten. When a dog is fed naturally, its beard is cleaned daily. Often, fleas take hold in the Irishman’s dense fur. Ticks must be thoroughly inspected for on the pet’s fur coat. Hand removal of insects is recommended to prevent skin damage to the dog. Claw cutters are used to regularly trim claws.

It is advised to routinely brush your dog’s teeth. If you skip this treatment, tartar builds up on the teeth, causing inflammation of the mucous membrane in addition to tooth decay. Animal-specific pastes and brushes are used for cleaning. You can purchase specific teeth-cleaning bones from pet stores. Irishmen get their ears glued when they are three to six months old. It is preferable to let a veterinarian handle this procedure.

Kerry Blue Terrier Diet

You must ascertain what foods a Kerry Blue Terrier’s diet consists of before bringing one into your house. Puppies only consume their mother’s milk during the first month of their lives. Next comes complementary feeding, which includes finely chopped meat, vegetable puree, and goat’s milk. 5–6 times a day, babies eat. When the baby is two months old, it usually goes to new owners, who should have food and drink bowls already set up.

Eggs, fermented milk products, and porridge are gradually added to the diet. After three months, the number of feedings is cut to four, and the food is supplemented with boiled sea fish and offal. Puppies are fed three times a day when they are six months old. By now, the menu fits the nutritional needs of an adult dog. On the other hand, less protein should be consumed. When animals reach 9 or 10 months old, they switch to eating twice a day.

A pet should be fed roughly 5% of its body weight each day. The Irishman’s level of physical activity determines the precise portion size. Animals are able to consume both natural and prepared food. For Kerry, a high-protein diet is appropriate. It is best to buy premium and higher classes of store food. Cheap ingredients (flavors, dyes) are bad for animals’ health.

Lean meat, such as chicken, rabbit, and beef (at least 40% of the portion), forms the foundation of the diet. A dog’s daily meat requirement is roughly 300 grams. A tiny quantity of vegetables (15%) and cereals (30%) can be added to them as supplements. The final fifteen percent of the portion can be topped with kefir or cottage cheese. For a shiny coat, stir 1 tsp.l. vegetable oil into the porridge. You can offer boiled fish and eggs to your pet once a week.

You cannot feed your dog leftovers from the table because the animal’s body is not the same as a human’s. It is advised against serving Irish soups. Restrictions apply to flour, sweets, smoked meats, and salty foods. Legumes and potatoes cannot be added to a diet. Feeding needs to be done during the designated times. Room temperature is the ideal food temperature. The bowl should always be filled with fresh water.

Diseases and health problems

The immune systems of Kerry Blue Terriers are robust and their general health is good. They are susceptible to genetic diseases, just like all dogs, although there isn’t much of a sign. Animals with four legs can survive for twelve to fifteen years, adjust well to heat or cold, and tolerate vigorous exercise. They require prompt vaccinations and a twice-yearly examination by a veterinarian.

The mother’s immunity shields the puppy while it is being breastfed. When complementary foods are introduced, the baby’s immune system weakens, making them more vulnerable to viruses and necessitating vaccination. A vaccination against enteritis, plague, hepatitis, and parainfluenza is administered at two months of age. A second vaccination is administered after two weeks. A rabies medication is given at seven months, followed a year later by a sophisticated vaccine that is repeated every year.

Ataxia is the most prevalent breed disease. The illness results in a loss of spatial orientation. Future parents undergo genetic predisposition testing in order to rule out the possibility of disease. Drug therapy is used to support the sick person despite the fact that their disease is incurable. A pet may experience cancerous tumors, dislocation of the kneecap, and cataracts as a result of poor care.

Irish ear cleaning requires using cotton sticks, and wool inside the sink needs to be trimmed. If not, otitis media starts as an infection in the ears. pathologies include joint dysplasia, hypothyroidism, inverted eyelids, and improper eyelash growth. A family’s atmosphere is a significant factor. Animals will never be content in a nervous environment.

Characteristic Description
Breed Origin Ireland
Coat Type Soft, wavy, and dense
Color Blue-gray
Size Medium, about 17-19 inches tall
Weight 33-40 pounds
Temperament Friendly, alert, and energetic
Exercise Needs High, requires regular activity
Lifespan 12-15 years
Grooming Regular grooming and trimming needed

A distinctive and lively breed, the Kerry Blue Terrier adds charm and personality to any home. They are an eye-catching companion due to their lively nature and striking blue-gray coat.

These dogs, who are well-known for their intelligence and adaptability, are excellent choices for households who can offer them mental and physical stimulation. They do best in settings where they can practice skills like obedience, agility, and even herding.

The Kerry Blue Terrier can be an independent and demanding pet, but with regular training and socialization, they can grow into devoted and loving companions. Their breed offers a strong, affectionate bond as a reward for perseverance and hard work.

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Catherine Orlova

Professional Grumer and Expert Care for Pets Wool. I develop recommendations for the care of wool of different breeds, make reviews for the best tools and products for grooming, so that the pets always look beautiful and well -groomed.

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