Kerry Blue Terrier

Published: April 22nd, 2019 Last updated: March 24th, 2022 by Kyle J. Larson

Average size and lifespan

Height: 1ft 5in - 1ft 7in
Weight: 33-40lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 15 Years

Behavior

Affection4/5
Kid-Friendly4/5
Stranger-Friendly3/5

Dog-Friendly2/5
Barking Amount3/5

Care

Grooming Difficulty3/5
Shedding Amount4/5
Easy to Train2/5

Can Be Alone3/5
Exercise Need3/5

Environment

Cold Tolerance4/5
Heat Tolerance4/5

Apartment-Friendly3/5

Kerry Blue Terrier Information

Originally bred for hunting and retrieving, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a frequent participant in dog shows, showing off its intelligence, agility and aptitude. In terms of appearance, the Kerry stands out for its textured, wavy coat that ranges from light to dark gray and can fade as time goes on.

If you’re thinking about welcoming a Kerry into your home, don’t worry – he’ll be a fantastic addition. The breed is people-oriented with a loving heart. They’re easy to train and get along great with other dogs and children. Perhaps it’s the Irish heritage that makes this pup such a humorous, fun-loving spirit!

Kerry Blue Terrier History

The Kerry Blue Terrier comes from the mountains of Kerry in Ireland. The story is that a blue dog swam ashore from a shipwreck and bred with the Wheaten Terriers. Though likely a myth it does appear that the breed might be related to a Portuguese Water Dog. The breed became a popular farm dog in rural Ireland.

Kerry Blue Terrier Training & Temperament

Kerries can be stubborn and are very smart. It’s good to start socialization and obedience class early to end up with a happy family dog. Once trained they do well with obedience and agility training. It’s best to socialize them with other dogs early as they tend not to do well with others without it.

Kerry Blue Terrier Exercise

Kerries enjoy a good amount of exercise from fetch to jogging. They enjoy participating in activities with their owner and are happy to lounge after getting energy out.

Kerry Blue Terrier Grooming

Kerries don’t shed, but do require brushing and trimming to keep their coat manageable. They should bee groomed every 6-8 weeks. It’s also important to clean their ears and trim their nails.

Kerry Blue Terrier Health

Kerries are mostly a healthy breed. They can be prone to eye problems and sometime get malignant growths in their skin that should be checked out.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Blue_Terrier, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/kerry-blue-terrier/

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!

Breed FAQs

Can Kerry Blue Terriers be apartment dogs?

Kerry Blue Terriers aren't ideal for apartments, but might be able to live there successfully if there are enough opportunities to find larger spaces nearby to play.

Can Kerry Blue Terriers be left alone?

While Kerry Blue Terriers prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are Kerry Blue Terriers good with kids?

Kerry Blue Terriers do well with kids. As with any dog they should be monitored closely, they're unlikely to become aggressive.

Are Kerry Blue Terriers friendly with strangers?

Although Kerry Blue Terriers can take a bit to warm up to a stranger, they are mostly friendly with others.

Do Kerry Blue Terriers get along with other dogs?

Kerry Blue Terriers aren't usually friendly with other dogs. They tend to not get along unless carefully socialized.

Do Kerry Blue Terriers bark a lot?

As far as dogs go, Kerry Blue Terriers bark an average amount. You can expect them to bark to alert you, get your attention, or when there are strangers or other dogs.

Do Kerry Blue Terriers shed a lot?

Kerry Blue Terriers shed quite a bit. You'll need to brush them often to limit the hair on your floors and clothing.

Do Kerry Blue Terriers need a lot of grooming?

Although Kerry Blue Terriers require a medium amount of maintenance to keep their coats healthy. Simple tasks like brushing and bathing will suit this breed.

Do Kerry Blue Terriers need a lot of exercise?

A Kerry Blue Terrier will need a moderate amount of exercise to be happy. You'll need to plan some basic walks or fetch during the day.

Are Kerry Blue Terriers easy to train?

Most Kerry Blue Terriers are stubborn and will take extra work to train. They can still learn trained behaviors, but will take more effort.

Can Kerry Blue Terriers handle cold weather?

Kerry Blue Terriers do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they'll do well in colder climates.

Can Kerry Blue Terriers handle hot weather?

Kerry Blue Terriers do well in hot climates and can stay out longer without overheating.