The Kerry Blue Terrier was a farm dog – herding livestock, hunting vermin, and retrieving over land and water.
Kerry Blue Terriers’ puppies are born black, but the breed’s striking coat changes color with maturity; Their coat color changes to blue between nine and 24 months of age; In general, the earlier the coat changes color, the lighter it will become.
With no undercoat and a non-shedding topcoat, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a good household pet; It has excelled as a police dog, as well as in herding and trailing.
The breed became known outside of Ireland until the 1920’s.
Size:
Medium: Female: 17 to 19 inches; 30 to 35 pounds; Male: 18 to 19 inches, 33 to 40 pounds.
Color:
Blue grey when mature.
Temperament:
Energetic, enthusiastic, fun-loving; independent-a hunter; Can be protective with strangers and aggressive to other dogs and small animals.
Energy level:
Medium.
Best owner:
Active owner with training experience.
Needs:
Daily mental and physical exercise; leash, fenced yard; early and consistent training; weekly brushing and combing plus monthly scissoring and shaping.
Life Expectancy:
12 to 16 years.
