Kerry Blue Terrier
Complete Breed Guide
"Go blue, GO!!!"
Quick Facts About Kerry Blue Terriers
Terrier
33–40 lbs
17–20"
Yes
Overview
The Kerry Blue Terrier’s personality is as unique as their name. Their blue coats and signature coif make them stand out in a crowd. Kerry Blues are high-energy dogs that love to run, play, and snuggle right by your side.
Kerry Blue Terriers are some of the smartest terriers around. They learn quickly and love to show off when they get the chance. But beware: they aren’t fond of strangers and new things, so before they become the star of the show, they need to get acquainted with their surroundings. Once these dogs get to know your family, they’ll become your best friend and favorite pet. In fact, in their ideal world, they’re the only pet around. Kerry Blues need enough exercise to get their energy out, but their perfect place is a cozy spot indoors where they can be close to family and around all the action.
Temperament and Behavior
Kerry Blue Terriers are intelligent, confident, and brave. They love to showcase their smarts by demonstrating their mastery of tricks and training. Their strong memory also helps them remember friends and family, which they develop strong bonds with and watch over. Despite being good watchdogs, Kerry Blues can be stubborn and hardheaded. But, with training, they can be molded into well-behaved dogs who listen and honor their owners.
Coat & Grooming
Kerry Blue Terriers have prestigious looks, but they require a lot of work and upkeep. These dogs have very soft, thick fur and no undercoat. They’re usually black as puppies and change to blue as they get older. Because their coat is so curly, Kerry Blues need frequent grooming by their families and professional groomers. Their heavy fur is prone to picking up dirt, so be sure you’re ready to brush your pup every week, paying special attention to the beard.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Kerry Blue Terriers are usually peaceful and well-suited to live indoors, but they need consistent training and socialization to learn right from wrong. The breed has a tendency to be afraid of new things, so introducing Kerry Blues to new people and activities is important. They also get bored easily, so be sure to mix up their training and routine to keep them guessing. Once these pups warm up to their families, they can get along just fine with adults, kids, and other pets, although most of them prefer to be the head dog in charge.
Exercise & Activity
Kerry Blues are very sporty, especially with other terriers. They can go about a week without strenuous exercise, but they’re happiest and healthiest when they get plenty of activity. This breed enjoys long walks and play sessions, especially in a big backyard. However, these pups are natural hunters, so make sure the yard is fenced and they’re supervised around other small animals. Like most terriers, Kerry Blues also are great at agility and tracking.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Kerry Blue Terrier FAQs
Common questions about the Kerry Blue Terrier breed, answered by our editorial team.
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