Kerry Blue Terrier
Breed Description

The Kerry Blue Terrier is known by several names that reflect its Irish heritage and distinctive appearance. Most commonly, this breed is referred to as the Irish Blue Terrier, particularly in Ireland where it holds the honor of being the national terrier. In Irish Gaelic, the breed is called "An Brocaire Gorm," which translates to "the blue badger hunter," referencing both its color and original hunting purpose.

Some regional variations include simply "Kerry Blue" or "Kerry," names that emphasize the breed's connection to County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. Historically, the breed has also been called the "Blue Terrier of Kerry" in early dog show catalogs and breed registrations. In casual conversation among enthusiasts and breeders, these dogs are often affectionately referred to as "Kerries."

The consistent reference to "blue" in most of the breed's names highlights the unique coat coloration that sets this terrier apart from all other dog breeds, while the Kerry designation honors the mountainous Irish county where the breed was developed and refined over generations of selective breeding by Irish farmers and crofters.

The Kerry Blue Terrier stands as one of the most distinctive and remarkable members of the terrier family, instantly recognizable by their stunning blue-gray coat and alert, dignified expression. These medium-sized dogs possess a compact yet athletic build that reflects their working heritage while maintaining an elegant appearance that has made them successful show dogs worldwide. The breed's most striking feature is undoubtedly their soft, wavy coat that ranges in color from pale silver-blue to deep slate blue, creating a visual appeal that few breeds can match.

Standing between 17.5 to 19.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing 33 to 40 pounds regardless of sex, Kerry Blue Terriers present a well-balanced, muscular frame that speaks to their versatility as both working dogs and companions. Their head is long and lean with a slight stop, topped by small V-shaped ears that fold forward, framing dark, expressive eyes that convey both intelligence and mischief. The breed's signature beard and eyebrows, formed by longer facial hair, give them a distinguished, almost scholarly appearance that belies their spirited nature.

What makes the Kerry Blue Terrier truly unique among canines is their remarkable coat transformation. Puppies are born completely black, and their blue coloration develops gradually over the first 18 months of life through a process called "clearing." This transformation creates various shades of blue throughout the dog's coat, with some individuals showing darker shading on the ears, muzzle, tail, and feet. The coat itself is soft and wavy rather than wiry like many terriers, requiring regular grooming to maintain its characteristic appearance and prevent matting.

The Kerry Blue's body is slightly longer than tall, with a short, strong back and well-sprung ribs that provide ample lung capacity for the endurance work these dogs were bred to perform. Their legs are straight and muscular, ending in compact, round feet that served them well in the rocky terrain of their Irish homeland. The tail, traditionally docked to a moderate length, is set high and carried erect, adding to the breed's alert and ready-for-action appearance.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard emphasizes the Kerry Blue Terrier as an upstanding, well-knit, and well-proportioned terrier displaying a soft, wavy blue coat. The standard specifies that males should measure 18 to 19.5 inches at the withers, with females slightly smaller. The head should be long and lean with a slight stop, strong foreface, and black nose. Eyes are dark and small, with V-shaped ears that fold above the skull line. The coat should be soft, dense, and wavy, colored in any shade of blue-gray. Dogs over 18 months showing black coats are disqualified. The standard emphasizes correct movement showing drive and power, with the dog moving true both coming and going.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI standard describes the Kerry Blue Terrier as a compact, powerful terrier showing gracefulness and an attitude of alert determination with definite terrier style and character. The ideal height is 18-19 inches for males and 17.5-18.5 inches for females, with proportional weight. The standard emphasizes disciplined gameness as essential to breed character. The head should be well-balanced, long, and proportionally lean with flat skull and strong, deep foreface. The coat should be soft and silky, not harsh or wiry, well-groomed and trimmed. Color should be any shade of blue, with or without black points, excluding solid black in mature dogs.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC standard describes the Kerry Blue Terrier as a compact, muscular, medium-sized terrier with moderately long legs, bred for farm work requiring versatility. The preferred body length to height ratio is 10:9. The standard emphasizes that correct temperament is as essential as the blue color, describing it as disciplined gameness giving an alert, ready-for-action personality. Males should be 18-19.5 inches and 33-40 pounds, females 17.5-19 inches with proportional weight. The coat should be soft and wavy, never wiry, trimmed and shaped but retaining the beard. Color should be any shade of blue-gray, uniform throughout. Serious faults include low-slung appearance and poor movement that reduces working ability.

Other Organizations

The Kennel Club (UK) standard closely mirrors the FCI description, emphasizing the breed's Irish terrier character and disciplined gameness. The Irish Kennel Club, as the country of origin, maintains detailed standards that stress the breed's working heritage and traditional Irish terrier temperament. The Canadian Kennel Club follows similar guidelines to the AKC but with slight variations in measurement tolerances. All standards consistently emphasize the importance of the blue coat color, balanced proportions, and the characteristic terrier temperament that makes the Kerry Blue both a capable working dog and devoted companion.

The Kerry Blue Terrier's history is shrouded in the mists of Irish folklore, with romantic tales competing with more practical explanations for the breed's origins. The most enduring legend tells of a shipwreck off the coast of County Kerry, possibly from the Spanish Armada in 1588, from which a single blue-coated dog swam to shore. This mysterious survivor supposedly possessed such remarkable qualities that he was mated with the local terriers, particularly the Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, producing the distinctive blue-coated offspring that would become the Kerry Blue Terrier.

While such tales capture the imagination, the more likely reality is that the Kerry Blue Terrier developed through selective breeding by Irish farmers and crofters in the mountainous regions of County Kerry over several centuries. These practical people needed versatile working dogs capable of handling multiple tasks on their small holdings. The Kerry Blue emerged as the perfect solution, combining the tenacity and courage of terriers with the size and strength needed for larger game and livestock work.

Historical evidence suggests that the breed was well-established by the early 1700s, with written references to blue-colored terriers appearing in Irish literature by the mid-1800s. The first definitive literary reference dates to 1847, describing dogs that were bluish-slate in color with darker patches and markings. By this time, the Kerry Blue had become integral to rural Irish life, serving as an all-purpose farm dog capable of hunting badgers, foxes, rats, and other vermin while also herding sheep and cattle, guarding property, and serving as a loyal family companion.

The breed's development likely involved crosses between indigenous Irish terriers, possibly including the Irish Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier, with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier being the primary foundation stock. Some theories suggest contributions from the Bedlington Terrier or even water dogs like the Portuguese Water Dog, which might explain the Kerry Blue's affinity for water and their distinctive coat texture. The now-extinct Gadhar, an Irish herding dog, may also have played a role in the breed's development.

The Kerry Blue Terrier gained national prominence in Ireland during the early 20th century, becoming a symbol of Irish nationalism. The breed was so beloved that it became known as the National Terrier of Ireland, and Irish patriot Michael Collins owned a famous Kerry Blue named Convict 224. The breed's association with Irish independence made it a source of national pride, and the formation of the Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club in 1920 was as much a political statement as a canine enterprise, as it challenged the British Kennel Club's dominance over dog showing in Ireland.

The first Kerry Blue Terriers arrived in the United States just after World War I, quickly gaining popularity among American dog enthusiasts. The United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club was founded in 1922, and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1924. The breed's intelligence, loyalty, and striking appearance made them successful both as show dogs and family companions, though they never achieved the widespread popularity of some other terrier breeds.

Throughout the 20th century, Kerry Blue Terriers served in various working roles, including police work in Ireland and other countries. Their intelligence, trainability, and natural protective instincts made them excellent candidates for such work. During both World Wars, Kerry Blues served as messenger dogs, guard dogs, and even in mine detection roles, proving their versatility and courage under the most challenging conditions.

The modern Kerry Blue Terrier maintains the essential characteristics that made their ancestors so valuable to Irish farmers. While most today serve primarily as companion dogs and show dogs, they retain the working instincts, intelligence, and spirited temperament that defined the breed for centuries. Contemporary breeding programs focus on maintaining breed type while addressing health concerns and preserving the genetic diversity necessary for long-term breed health.

The Kerry Blue Terrier was developed as the ultimate multi-purpose farm dog, capable of performing virtually every canine job required on Irish small holdings. Their primary function was vermin control, where they excelled at hunting rats, rabbits, badgers, ferrets, foxes, otters, hares, and even small deer. The breed's size, strength, and determination made them capable of taking on formidable prey that smaller terriers might struggle with, while their intelligence allowed them to work independently and make decisions in the field.

Beyond vermin control, Kerry Blue Terriers served as livestock herders, particularly with sheep and cattle. Their natural herding instincts, combined with their size and authority, made them effective at moving and controlling livestock without causing stress or injury. Unlike specialized herding breeds, Kerry Blues brought a terrier's tenacity to the task, making them particularly useful with stubborn or difficult animals that might challenge other herding dogs.

The breed's protective nature and alert temperament made them excellent guardians of farm property and family homes. Kerry Blues naturally patrol their territory and are quick to alert their owners to strangers or unusual activity. Their imposing presence and confident demeanor often deterred intruders, while their loyalty and devotion to family made them reliable protectors who could distinguish between legitimate threats and harmless visitors.

In their water-rich Irish homeland, Kerry Blue Terriers also served as retrievers, particularly for waterfowl hunting. Their love of water and strong swimming ability, combined with their soft mouth and natural retrieving instincts, made them valuable companions for hunters. Unlike specialized retrievers, Kerry Blues brought terrier courage to water work, willing to enter rough or cold water that might discourage other dogs.

The breed's intelligence and trainability led to their use in law enforcement and military roles during the 20th century. Irish police forces employed Kerry Blues as patrol dogs, taking advantage of their natural alertness, loyalty, and courage. During wartime, they served as messenger dogs, guard dogs, and even in mine detection roles, proving their adaptability and willingness to work under challenging conditions.

In contemporary times, while most Kerry Blue Terriers serve primarily as companion dogs, many still excel in various canine sports and activities that tap into their working heritage. They compete successfully in earthdog trials, which test their natural terrier instincts for pursuing quarry underground. Their athleticism and intelligence make them competitive in agility trials, while their natural retrieving abilities translate well to flyball and other fetch-based sports.

The breed's herding background makes them suitable for modern herding trials and activities, though they approach the task with typical terrier independence rather than the biddable nature of traditional herding breeds. Their natural protective instincts and intelligence have also made some Kerry Blues successful therapy dogs and service dogs, particularly in roles that require a confident, alert companion capable of independent decision-making.

Today's Kerry Blue Terriers retain all the functional capabilities of their ancestors, though most owners never tap into their full working potential. The breed's versatility remains one of their greatest assets, as they can adapt to whatever role their family requires, whether as jogging companions, watchdogs, family entertainers, or simply devoted house dogs. Their working heritage means they thrive when given meaningful jobs to do, even if those jobs are as simple as daily walks, training sessions, or interactive play that challenges their minds and bodies.

The Kerry Blue Terrier's behavior embodies the classic terrier temperament amplified by Irish character, creating a dog that is simultaneously spirited and sensitive, independent yet devoted, confident but not aggressive. These dogs possess what breed enthusiasts describe as "disciplined gameness" – the courage and determination to face any challenge tempered by intelligence and good judgment. This behavioral foundation makes Kerry Blues fascinating companions who require owners who understand and appreciate their complex personality.

Intelligence ranks among the Kerry Blue's most notable behavioral traits, manifesting in their problem-solving abilities, memory, and capacity for independent thinking. These dogs excel at reading human emotions and situations, often anticipating their family's needs and responding accordingly. However, their intelligence comes with a stubborn streak that can make training challenging for inexperienced owners. Kerry Blues prefer to understand the purpose behind commands rather than blindly following orders, and they will often find creative solutions to problems that may not align with their owner's preferences.

The breed exhibits strong territorial instincts without excessive aggression, making them excellent watchdogs who announce visitors but rarely attack without provocation. Kerry Blues naturally patrol their domain, whether it's a small apartment or large farm, and they take their guardian responsibilities seriously. They assess situations carefully before reacting, showing the judgment developed through generations of independent farm work. This territorial behavior extends to their family, whom they protect with quiet confidence rather than overt displays of aggression.

Social behavior varies significantly between Kerry Blues raised with proper socialization and those who missed early social experiences. Well-socialized Kerry Blues are friendly with approved visitors, playful with children, and capable of getting along with other dogs and pets. However, they maintain their terrier independence and may assert themselves with pushy dogs or unfamiliar animals. Their natural confidence can sometimes be interpreted as dominance, particularly with same-sex dogs, making early socialization crucial for peaceful coexistence.

Play behavior in Kerry Blue Terriers reflects their working heritage, with games often resembling hunting, herding, or problem-solving activities. They enjoy interactive play with their families, particularly games that challenge their minds such as puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, or training sessions disguised as play. Kerry Blues have a particular fondness for water play, often surprising their owners with their swimming enthusiasm and willingness to retrieve from ponds, lakes, or even large puddles.

The breed's emotional sensitivity makes them highly responsive to their family's moods and routines. Kerry Blues often serve as emotional barometers for their households, becoming more alert when family members are stressed and more relaxed during calm periods. This sensitivity, combined with their loyalty, creates strong bonds with their human families, but it also means they can become anxious or destructive when left alone for extended periods or when household routines change dramatically.

Work-oriented behaviors remain strong in Kerry Blues even when they live as pets rather than working dogs. They naturally seek jobs to perform and may assign themselves tasks such as monitoring the neighborhood, organizing family activities, or managing other pets in the household. Without appropriate outlets for their working instincts, Kerry Blues may develop behavioral problems such as excessive digging, barking, or destructive chewing as they attempt to create meaningful activities.

Communication behaviors in Kerry Blues include a varied vocabulary of barks, whines, and body language that owners learn to interpret over time. They bark purposefully rather than excessively, using different vocalizations to announce visitors, express excitement, request attention, or indicate needs. Kerry Blues are also masters of non-verbal communication, using facial expressions, body positioning, and timing to convey their messages effectively to attentive owners.

The breed's curiosity drives much of their behavior, leading them to investigate new situations, people, and environments thoroughly before deciding how to respond. This investigative nature, combined with their intelligence, means Kerry Blues rarely forget experiences, whether positive or negative. They remember people who have been kind to them as well as those who have treated them poorly, adjusting their behavior accordingly in future encounters.

Kerry Blue Terriers integrate into family life with remarkable adaptability, forming deep emotional bonds with their human pack while maintaining their independent terrier character. These dogs thrive in households where they are treated as full family members rather than mere pets, and they respond best to owners who appreciate their intelligence and include them in daily activities. The Kerry Blue's ideal family understands that these dogs need both physical exercise and mental engagement to be happy, well-adjusted companions.

With children, Kerry Blue Terriers often develop special relationships characterized by mutual respect and shared adventures. They seem to understand that children require gentler handling than adults, adjusting their play style accordingly while still maintaining their spirited nature. Kerry Blues often appoint themselves as guardians of family children, positioning themselves nearby during play and becoming alert when strangers approach their young charges. However, their size and enthusiasm mean supervision is recommended during play with very young children to prevent accidental knockdowns during excited moments.

The breed's relationship with adult family members varies based on individual personalities and the amount of time spent together. Kerry Blues typically bond most strongly with the family member who provides their daily care, training, and exercise, though they remain loyal and affectionate with all family members. They have an uncanny ability to read family hierarchies and usually position themselves respectfully within the household structure while still maintaining their dignified independence.

Multi-pet households present both opportunities and challenges for Kerry Blue Terriers. When raised with other pets from puppyhood, they generally coexist peacefully and may even develop protective relationships with smaller animals. However, their terrier instincts mean they may chase cats or small pets during excited moments, and their natural confidence can create tension with dominant dogs of similar size. Careful introduction and ongoing supervision help ensure peaceful coexistence, though some Kerry Blues prefer to be the only dog in their household.

In single-person households, Kerry Blue Terriers often develop intensely close relationships with their owners, sometimes becoming overly protective or possessive. These dogs thrive on routine and consistency, learning their owner's schedule and anticipating daily activities. Single owners need to ensure their Kerry Blue receives adequate socialization with other people and dogs to prevent over-bonding that can lead to separation anxiety or protective behaviors around strangers.

Senior family members often find Kerry Blue Terriers to be ideal companions due to their moderate size, intelligence, and adaptability to quieter lifestyles. These dogs seem to sense when their human companions need gentler interactions and can adjust their energy levels accordingly. However, seniors considering a Kerry Blue should ensure they can provide adequate exercise and training, as these dogs retain their need for mental and physical stimulation regardless of their owner's activity level.

The breed's response to household routines and changes reveals their adaptability and emotional intelligence. Kerry Blues quickly learn family schedules and may become anxious or confused when routines change dramatically. They handle gradual changes better than sudden disruptions, though their intelligence allows them to adapt to new situations given time and positive reinforcement. During stressful family periods such as moves, new babies, or job changes, Kerry Blues may exhibit attention-seeking behaviors as they work to understand their role in the changing family dynamic.

Visitors and guests receive varying receptions from Kerry Blue Terriers depending on the dog's socialization and the family's approach to strangers. Well-socialized Kerry Blues are politely reserved with new people, observing and assessing before deciding whether to offer friendship. They typically follow their family's lead regarding visitors, becoming more welcoming when they see their owners accepting the newcomers. However, their natural watchdog instincts mean they will always announce arrivals and may remain watchful until they determine the visitor poses no threat to their family.

The breed's integration into family activities depends largely on the household's lifestyle and the dog's training. Kerry Blues excel when included in family outings, from hiking trips to backyard barbecues, where their social nature and adaptability shine. They enjoy car travel, camping, and other adventures that allow them to explore new environments with their human pack. Indoor family time suits them equally well, as they are content to relax nearby while remaining alert to family activities and ready to participate when invited.

Kerry Blue Terriers are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 12-15 years, though like all purebred dogs, they can be susceptible to certain hereditary health conditions. Responsible breeding practices and health screening have helped reduce the incidence of many genetic problems, but potential owners should be aware of the health issues that can affect the breed. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, exercise, and attention to grooming help ensure Kerry Blues live long, healthy lives.

The breed's overall health profile benefits from their working dog heritage, which selected for functional soundness and stamina. Kerry Blues typically maintain their vitality well into their senior years, often showing enthusiasm for exercise and play even at 10-12 years of age. Their medium size reduces some of the orthopedic stresses seen in giant breeds while avoiding the delicate constitution sometimes found in toy breeds, creating a generally robust dog with good longevity.

Proper healthcare for Kerry Blue Terriers begins with selecting a reputable breeder who conducts appropriate health testing and can provide health clearances for breeding dogs. Puppy buyers should expect to see documentation of hip dysplasia screening, eye examinations, and other relevant tests. Early veterinary care, including appropriate vaccinations, parasite prevention, and spaying or neutering, establishes the foundation for lifelong health.

The Kerry Blue's distinctive coat requires special attention to prevent skin problems and maintain overall health. Regular brushing prevents matting that can trap moisture and bacteria against the skin, while professional grooming every 6-8 weeks maintains coat health and allows for early detection of skin issues. Some Kerry Blues may develop skin allergies or sensitivities that require dietary management or medical treatment, making regular veterinary monitoring important.

Preventive care plays a crucial role in maintaining Kerry Blue health throughout their lives. Regular exercise appropriate to the dog's age and condition helps maintain muscle tone, joint flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and interactive play supports cognitive function and reduces stress-related health problems. Proper nutrition with high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog's life stage supports overall health and helps maintain the breed's distinctive coat.

Senior Kerry Blues benefit from increased veterinary monitoring, including more frequent examinations and blood work to detect age-related changes early. Many Kerry Blues remain active well into their teens with appropriate care, though owners should be prepared to adjust exercise routines and provide additional comfort measures as their dogs age. Pain management for arthritis, dietary adjustments for changing metabolism, and environmental modifications can help senior Kerry Blues maintain quality of life.

If you're looking to adopt a Kerry Blue Terrier, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Kerry Blue Terriers waiting for their forever homes.

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.