Kerry Blue Terrier | Dog Breed Information

Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terriers have a striking, soft blue-gray 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 exact origins of the breed are unclear. However, the dogs have worked in Ireland as farm dogs and took their name from the county Kerry.

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Terrier
  • WEIGHT: 33 to 40 pounds (15 to 18 kg)
  • COAT: oft, dense, and wavy
  • COAT COLOR: Blue-gray, varying from deep slate to light blue
  • LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
  • TEMPERAMENT: Loyal, spirited, alert, adaptable
  • HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes (low-shedding)
  • ORIGIN: Ireland

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

Overall Health
Good
Life Stage
Adult
Risk Level
Moderate

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 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 behavior of a Kerry Blue, you must first know their history. The Irish breed of dog was bred for working on farms, as a retriever, ratter and herder. Kerry Blues can still exhibit these behaviors today.

Kerry Blues are prone to chasing smaller animals like squirrels and cats in the neighborhood. Always keep your dog on a lead or in a fenced area when they are outside.

It’s possible that they will bark excessively, particularly if their mental stimulation and exercise is 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

  • Acute Agility
  • Dock Diving
  • Training in obedience
  • Fetching
  • Herding
  • Scent Walks
  • Puzzle games

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 a 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 a 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 on 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 you 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 odor. 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.

Kerry Blue Terrier FAQs

These dogs make great pets for families with active children and they are affectionate towards those that love them. Most Kerry Blues get along well with children and other dogs when properly socialized and introduced.

Kerry Blues are farm dogs by nature and can bark excessively in certain situations. All dogs are different, so some might be more quiet than others.

Kerry Blue Terriers are fine when left for short periods of time alone, particularly if they have been crate-trained. This breed is social and may become anxious if they are left unattended for long periods of time.

Kerry Blues are energetic like most terriers. The Kerry Blue is energetic and spunky. They need to be kept busy with physical and mental activities.

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