KERRY BLUE TERRIER Breed Standards
Though only known outside Ireland since the 20th century, the Kerry Blue Terrier is believed to have originated around the Ring of Kerry during the 18th century. In its native Kerry, the dog was used to retrieve on land and water, hunt pests as well as larger prey, and herd sheep and cattle.
Like the Glen of Imaal Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier managed to escape the notice of just about everyone outside of its small little corner of the world for a very long time. During the early 20th century, the breed was exported to England and America, where it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in1924. The original Kerry Blues were not much to look at, but as grooming became more prevalent the breed caught on with dog fanciers, who were intrigued by its distinctive blue coat. Recently, the Kerry Blue Terrier has had some success as a police and trailing dog, but it remains an unpopular pet.
SKILLS: The typical Kerry Blue Terrier should be upstanding well knit and in good balance, showing a well-developed and muscular body with definite terrier style and character throughout. Correct coat and color are important. A low-slung Kerry is not typical.
SIZE: The ideal Kerry should be 18½ inches at the withers for a dog, slightly less for a bitch. In judging Kerries, a height of 18-19½ inches for a dog, and 17½-19 inches for a bitch, should be given primary preference. Only where the comparative superiority of a specimen outside of the ranges noted clearly justifies it should greater latitude be taken. In no case should it extend to a dog over 20 inches or under 17½ inches, or to a bitch over 19½ inches or under 17 inches. The minimum limits do not apply to puppies. The most desirable weight for a fully developed dog is from 33-40 pounds, bitches weighing proportionately less. A well-developed and muscular body. Legs moderately long with plenty of bone and muscle.
COAT: Correct coat is important it is to be soft, dense and wavy. A harsh, wire or bristle coat should be severely penalized. In show trim the body should be well covered but tidy, with the head (except for the whiskers) and the ears and cheeks clear.
Color is important. The correct mature color is any shade of blue gray or gray blue from the deep slate to light blue gray, of a fairly uniform color throughout except that distinctly darker to black parts may appear on the muzzle, head, ears, tail and feet. Kerry color, in its process of "clearing," changes from an apparent black at birth to the mature gray blue or blue gray. The color passes through one or more transitions--involving a very dark blue (darker than deep slate), shades or tinges of brown, and mixtures of these, together with a progressive infiltration of the correct mature color. The time needed for this “clearing” process varies with each dog. Small white markings are permissible. Black on the muzzle, head, ears, tail and feet is permissible at any age. A black dog 18 months of age or older is never permissible in the show ring and is to be disqualified. Disqualification - A black dog 18 months of age or older is to be disqualified. (White markings on a black dog 18 months of age or older does not constitute clearing or mature color and the dog is to be disqualified.)
CARE REQUIRED: Kerries, they will need grooming once a week with brush and comb. Dogs for showing will require more extensive grooming. The distinctive blue coat is not only beautiful, but practical as well. The Kerry Blue sheds little to no hair and is odorless, even when wet. Frequent bathing will not dry out the skin as it does in so many other breeds. Bathing and combing every week is a must! It keeps them clean. Without proper care their beard will get smelly and packed with food and dirt. Kerry Blues are considered good for allergy sufferers.
CHARACTER: Gentle, lovable, and intelligent, the Kerry is an all-round working and utility terrier, used in Ireland and England for hunting small game and birds, and for retrieving from land and water. He is used quite successfully, too, for herding sheep and cattle.
TRAINING: The Kerry Blue is a sporty dog, which likes to accompany its handler on long walks, but it will accept the occasional week without such a good outing.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Kerry Blues are good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and a small yard will do.
EXERCISE: Kerry Blues require a confident owner and need firm obedience training. These dogs are intelligent, have a very good memory, and are somewhat willful with minds of their own. They have an aptitude for sports such as catch and agility training, but make sure the dog enjoys the challenge.
