Kerry Blue Terrier Dog Breed Profile
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an affectionate, intelligent
and protective family pet. She can live in an apartment,
as long as she is afforded frequent long walks. She
is a great watch dog and guard dog but she will not
drive the neighbors crazy with her barking, as she is
a quiet dog. She is good with older, considerate children.
As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with
any puppy or dog. She does not do well with other pets
and other dogs. She generally will not back down in
a fight as she is fearless.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size
(two years old or older) of the Kerry Blue Terrier is
18 to 19 inches to the withers (highest point of the
shoulder) and 33 to 40 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds
have certain inherited health problems associated with
that specific breed and the Kerry Blue Terrier is no
exception. Although considered to be a healthy, long
lived breed, be on the look out for Canine Hip Dysplasia
(genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead
to arthritis pain and lameness), cataracts, blood problems,
hair follicle tumors and Entropion, (hereditary disorder
where eyelid, usually lower one, rolls inward and irritates
the cornea and can cause visual problems. Surgery can
correct this condition but may disqualify the dog from
shows). This disease list is an informative guideline
only. Other diseases may also be significant threats,
please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the
first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as
an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for
shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and
on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for
check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog
sweets.
*Grooming: The Kerry Blue Terrier has a soft, dense
and wavy coat. She needs to be groomed weekly. Her beard
can get dirty and will frequent cleaning. She should
be professionally groomed, including her ears, on a
regular basis.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean.
If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear
cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water
or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do
not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated
and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing
in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears
have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress
and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your
veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with
toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing
removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which
can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease.
Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth,
bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and
clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow
slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally
a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore
and competent instructions to accomplish this can be
found on the net.
*Life Span. The Kerry Blue Terrier can live between
12 and 15 years with proper nutrition, medical care
and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Kerry Blue Terriers come from Ireland
where they are thought to be a cross of the Dandie Dinmont
Terrier and the Irish Terrier. They were used as a farm
dog, vermin dog, hunting and guard dog. They were first
registered by the American Kennel Association in 1922.
Some Registries:
*United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 8 Kerry Blue Terrier puppies
Category: Terrier
Terms To Describe: Guarding, fearless, fearless,
style, character, playful, alert, intelligent, good
memory, protective
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Makes a good guard dog.
Little or no shedding.
Almost odorless when wet.
Not a barker.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Requires a firm hand.
May be difficult to train.
Not good with other pets.
She requires professional grooming.
Needs firm obedience training.
Can be stubborn.
*Other Names Known By: Irish Blue Terrier, Silver-haired
Irish Terrier
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this
information may be correct for your dog. This information
is meant as a good faith guideline only.
About the Author
Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website
developer for the popular pet site petpages.com.
www.petpages.com
is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds,
and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers
information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets,
rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.
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