Kerry Blue Terrier | Dog Breed Information
Kerry Blue Terriers have striking, soft blue-grey fur. They are very affectionate and cute dogs. Kerry Blues are a great choice for people who suffer from allergies because their coat, which can also come in black or silver, doesn’t shed much.
According to the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, the breed’s exact origins are unclear. However, the dogs have worked in Ireland as farm dogs and took their name from the county of Kerry.
Breed Overview
How to care for a Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers are intelligent dogs that love to please their owners. Positive reinforcement can help make the training process easier. Kerry Blues are intelligent and energetic dogs, but they also need to be mentally stimulated in order to avoid trouble.
The temperament of a dog is loving and patient towards their family. They may, however, be reserved with strangers or other animals – including dogs – if they haven’t received proper socialization.
Kerry Blues don’t shed their fur, so they need to be brushed every week at the very least.
Kerry Blue Terrier Health Monitor Last updated: Today
How to Feed A Kerry Blue Terrier
Feeding your Terrier commercial wet or kibble that is compliant with recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials, (AAFCO), will ensure they get a balanced and complete diet.
These Terrier pups should be given a food that is specifically designed for them or for their life stage. To prevent dental diseases, your vet might recommend feeding adult dogs a diet that is geared towards dental health.
What to Feed A Kerry Blue Terrier
Two measured meals per day are best for an adult Kerry Blue. Terrier pups should be fed three to four meals per day on a regular basis to maintain blood sugar levels and to prevent hypoglycemia. USKBTC suggests that you stick to the three meals per day schedule for your puppy until he is 6 months of age.
What Should You Feed A Kerry Blue Terrier?
It depends on the size of your Terrier, its metabolism, whether it is neutered, his health and level of activity.
Labels on the packaging of dog food provide information to pet owners about portion sizes. The best way to know how much food to give your dog is to consult your vet, as they can determine the exact caloric requirements.
Kerry Blue Terriers: Nutritional Advice
Kerry Blue Terrier dog breeds need a balanced diet of carbohydrate, protein, and fat to remain healthy and lean. All their nutritional requirements will be met as long as the food is AAFCO approved.
Kerry Blues can benefit from adding omega-3 fatty acid to their diet. You can find omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil and skin and joint supplements. Some specially-formulated dog food also contains it. These fatty acid act as anti-inflammatories, supporting the skin, coat of the dog breed, its kidneys, joints and heart.
Kerry Blue Terrier Training and Behavior Tips
Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament and Personality
Kerry Blue Terrier Traits
Explore personality characteristics
According to the breed club, the Kerry Blue Terrier breed is intelligent and affectionate. The Kerry Blue loves hiking, dock-diving, and agility. These dogs are energetic and love to be active. They’re perfect for an outdoor family.
Most Blue Terriers will be patient when properly introduced to kids. If they are not exposed to other dogs at an early age, then you may find that they become wary.
Kerry Blue Terrier Behaviour
To understand the behaviour of a Kerry Blue, you must first know its history. The Irish breed of dog was bred for working on farms, as a retriever, ratter and herder. Kerry Blues can still exhibit these behaviours today.
Kerry Blues are prone to chasing smaller animals like squirrels and cats in the neighbourhood. Always keep your dog on a lead or in a fenced area when they are outside.
They may bark excessively, particularly if their mental stimulation and exercise are not enough (they require about an hour of daily exercise). Although training can reduce the amount of barking, you should not expect your Kerry Blue dog to become a silent companion.
Kerry Blue Terrier training
Training is not difficult for these dogs because they are intelligent and want to please their owners. They learn better with positive reinforcement and training games.
Ask your breeder about their approach to socializing Kerry Blue Terrier puppies as soon as they arrive home. Early socialization is important to make dogs comfortable with new sounds, people, animals and environments.
Kerry Blue Terriers can enjoy a variety of fun activities
Kerry Blue Terrier Grooming Guide
There are also some black and silver Kerry Blue Terriers. However, the majority of dogs in this breed have a characteristic grey-blue coat. Kerry Blues have medium-length wavy hair that makes them soft and supple no matter what color they are.
Kerry Blue Terriers don’t shed much, but they do need weekly brushing and professional grooming every six to eight weeks.
Kerry Blue Terrier Grooming Timeline
Quick Tips
Kerry Blue Terriers need regular grooming to maintain their distinctive coat. Start grooming routines early to help your dog become comfortable with the process.
Professional Care
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks helps maintain the breed’s characteristic blue coat and prevents matting.
Tools Needed
Essential tools include a slicker brush, metal comb, grooming scissors, and appropriate dog shampoo.
Skin Care
Kerry Blue Terriers have sensitive skin and do not require special care. They only need to be closely monitored. The best way to care for them is by bathing about once per month using a mild conditioner shampoo.
If you see any changes in your dog’s coat, contact your vet.
Eye Care
Kerry Blue Terriers don’t have any special grooming needs for their eyes. You can gently wipe away any debris that collects at the corners of your dog’s eyes with a moist cloth if it is there. If you see any changes to your dog’s eye, like squinting or discharge, then visit the vet.
Acute Ear Care
Clean your Kerry Blue’s ears with an ear cleaner approved by your vet every 2 to 4 weeks. (And anytime your dog is near water including after baths). Keep the hairs on your dog’s ears trimmed, not plucked. This can help prevent ear infections.
An infection could be present if you notice redness, debris, or odour. Consult your veterinarian.
Please consider pet parents when making decisions
Kerry Blue Terriers are great pets for those who have the time and energy to keep up with grooming needs and physical activity. Kerry Blues are easy to train (and can even be fun!) Train them with praise and treats.
They also require mental stimulation through activities such as puzzle toys and scent walks. Kerry Blue Terriers can be gentle around children and other pets if they are socialized and trained early.
