Human orientation
High score: Kerry Blue is very attached to the family. Behavior depends on upbringing.
THE PAW CATALOG
Kerry Blue Terrier
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History of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed
Origin: Ireland
An Irish terrier that first fought rats, rabbits and foxes, and then became a versatile working dog, particularly a shepherd. First documented in 1847. Exhibitions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries standardized the type. Kerry Blue was kept by Michael Collins and in 2000 the breed won Best in Show at Crufts. Now it is considered rare.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized Irish terrier (44-48 cm, 10-15 kg) with a thick, soft, wavy coat of various shades of blue. Lively, persistent, very attached to the family. Requires an experienced owner, upbringing without roughness and regular trimming.
Sizeaverage
OriginIreland
Life is nearby
Suitable for active owners ready for daily care. Tied to family, does not like loneliness. The hunting instinct needs safe enclosure and control.
Walks
Daily walks, games and mental tasks. Bored without movement, can destroy things and bark.
Training
Smart and strong-willed. Requires consistent, calm upbringing and early socialization. Short sessions with rewards give better results.
Care
Thick, soft wool needs regular combing, bathing and systematic cutting. Without care, it quickly goes astray. Ears are examined, nails are trimmed, teeth are cleaned.
Children
He is attached to his family and willingly plays with older children. Because of the terrier's energy and character, games with babies are supervised.
Other animals
The terrier character can manifest itself in disputes with other dogs. Rodents and small animals are his prey. Early socialization reduces risks.
Peculiarities of the breed
Estimates help compare breeds. For zooaggression, 5/5 means less tendency to aggression towards dogs. The behavior and health of a particular dog depend on many factors.
Training
Average score: intelligent, but strong-willed and needs calm consistency.
Zooaggression
Low Score: Arguments with dogs and hunting interest in small animals.
Health and reproductive risks
In the British cohort, the median lifespan of the breed was 12.4 years. The absence of the mentioned risk does not prove the absence of hereditary diseases. The breed also describes spiculosis - a painful condition of the skin.
Ease of care
Low-Medium Rating: Thick, wavy coat requires regular clipping and brushing.
Health
Breed screening
Breed Screening: There are few descriptions of hereditary diseases in the Kerry Blue Terrier breed. Ask the breeder for the written results of the parents' examinations and the current requirements of the club.
Locomotor apparatus
Musculoskeletal system: the growth and load of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed should correspond to its age. Lameness, pain, or reluctance to move require a veterinary examination.
Eyes and heart
A preventive examination for the Kerry Blue Terrier breed covers the eyes, heart and ears; the breed club and veterinarian will tell you how often to do special checks.
Photo of the breed
