The Kerry Blue is a handsome dog with a magnificent, distinctive blue gray, wavy coat of continuously growing hair, which has no undercoat to shed. There is no doggy odour even when wet and their skin produce very little dander. For these reasons they are sometimes recommended to people with allergies, as they may be more tolerable to live with. However, allergic reactions are unique to each person and it is recommended that the sufferer should spend time with a Kerry Blue in the dog’s living quarters to determine if the breed is suitable. To maintain this wonderful coat, the Kerry Blue requires frequent brushing and grooming.
The Kerry Blue measures 17–19.5 inches (43-50 cm) at the shoulders and weighs 33-40 pounds (15-18 kg). Females are usually slightly smaller. Puppies are born black and change colour as they mature, going through several colour variations as they age. The adult colour may vary from a dark slate colour to a silver hue, but remaining black is a fault and after eighteen (18) months of age is a disqualification in the show ring. The breed standard can be found here on the CKC site.
Like all terriers, Kerries can be scrappy with other dogs so early and on-going socialization is important. Kerries are a very intelligent, high-energy, determined and alert breed. They are happiest with a job to do such as Agility, Dock Diving, Herding, Obedience, Rally, Tracking and Therapy Work just to name a few. Regular exercise and a structured environment are needed to give them the needed stimulation and channel their intelligence and tenacity into acceptable behaviours.
Kerry puppies must have their ears pasted on the top of their head to ensure the correct ear carriage that gives them that keen terrier expression. Your breeder should help you set your Kerry’s ears or locate another breeder that can.
Kerries are a hardy breed with few genetic issues. Besides evaluating hips & elbows for signs of dysplasia with OFA x-rays, there are DNA tests breeders should conduct on their breeding stock to minimize hereditary issues in the puppies. For a list of some tests see http://www.vetgen.com/AllBreedsList.aspx.
