Kerry Wheaten

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized, well-muscled dog that presents an elegant yet sturdy appearance befitting its versatile working heritage. Males typically stand between 18 and 19.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 33 to 40 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 17.5 to 19 inches and 27 to 35 pounds. The breed possesses a balanced, athletic build with a long, refined head that is well-proportioned to the body. The skull is flat on top with a slight stop, and the muzzle is strong and moderately long with a deep jaw. Small, dark eyes convey a keen, alert expression characteristic of an intelligent working terrier, while V-shaped ears fold forward and are carried close to the cheeks. The most distinctive feature of the Kerry Blue Terrier is its soft, wavy coat that comes in various shades of blue-gray. Unlike many terrier breeds, the Kerry has a single coat without an undercoat, which gives it a silky texture that is both dense and profuse. This unique coat requires regular grooming to maintain its characteristic appearance. Puppies are typically born black, with the blue coloration gradually developing over the first 18 to 24 months of life as the coat clears. The coat may range from a deep slate blue to a lighter blue-gray, and some dogs display subtle black points on the muzzle, head, ears, tail, and feet. The beard and eyebrows are prominent features that add to the breed's distinctive expression. The breed's body is compact and well-ribbed with a short, level back and strong hindquarters that provide powerful drive. The chest is deep and moderately broad, providing ample lung capacity for endurance activities. The tail is traditionally docked to a medium length and carried high in a gay manner, reflecting the breed's confident disposition. The Kerry Blue moves with a free, effortless gait that demonstrates both power and agility, reflecting its working heritage as an all-purpose farm dog.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, compact dog that combines strength with grace in a well-balanced frame designed for versatility and endurance. Males typically stand 18 to 19 inches at the shoulder and weigh 35 to 40 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 17 to 18 inches and 30 to 35 pounds. The breed displays a distinctive square outline when properly groomed, with the length of the body from shoulder to buttocks approximately equal to the height at the withers. The head is rectangular in appearance with a moderately long, strong muzzle and a defined stop that creates a balanced profile. Dark, reddish-brown eyes peer through a characteristic fall of hair, conveying a warm, friendly expression that reflects the breed's amiable temperament. The breed's hallmark is its luxurious single coat, which is soft, silky, and gently wavy with a texture unlike any other terrier. Unlike many terrier breeds with harsh, wiry coats, the Wheaten's coat has a texture similar to silk and lacks the wiry quality found in other terriers. This unique coat requires considerable maintenance to keep it in optimal condition. Puppies are born with darker coats that lighten over time, eventually maturing to the characteristic wheaten color ranging from pale beige to shimmering gold. The coat continues to develop and may not reach full maturity until the dog is two to three years old. Two distinct coat types exist: the Irish coat, which is silkier and wavier, and the American coat, which is slightly thicker and more profuse. The body is compact and well-muscled with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs providing ample capacity for the active lifestyle the breed enjoys. The back is strong and level with moderate tuck-up at the loin, creating an athletic silhouette. The tail is docked and carried high with enthusiasm when the dog is active. Legs are straight and well-boned with compact, round feet suited for various terrain. Movement is free and lively with good reach and drive, reflecting the breed's agility and endurance.