Blue Kerry Blue Terrier. Kerry Blue Terrier (Irish Blue Terrier)

Kerry Blue Terrier (English: Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish: An Brocaire Gorm) is a breed of dog originally from Ireland. The Blue in the name comes from the unusual coat color, and Kerry is a tribute to the mountainous part of County Kerry, near Lake Killarney; where the breed is believed to have originated in the 1700s.

• Kerry Blue Terriers learn quickly, but can be headstrong and stubborn. In order to keep this breed, you need a lot of patience and firmness, plus a sense of humor.

• They are friendly to people, but prefer to keep their distance from strangers.

• They are aggressive towards other dogs and never shy away from the opportunity to fight. Owners are required to walk dogs on a leash if there are other dogs or animals around.

• Caring for Kerry Blue is expensive, and if you care for it yourself, it is time consuming.

• Like all terriers, the Kerry Blue loves to bark, dig, chase and fight.

• This active breed, which requires a lot daily work. Walks and games can replace it, but there should be a lot of them.

History of the breed

The Kerry Blue, like most dogs from the terrier group, is a peasant dog. Peasants could not afford to keep several dogs, each for specific purposes. They couldn't afford large dogs like, because in those days they could barely feed themselves.

Terriers, on the other hand, were quite small and versatile dogs, distinguished by their courage, for which they received the definition: “a big dog in a small body.”

The Kerry Blue Terrier is known as the most versatile dog of the entire terrier breed group. They were used when hunting rodents, rabbits, otters and other animals. They could hunt and bring birds both from water and on land, guard and guide livestock, and do any work the owner needed.

As often happens with simple terriers, no one was particularly interested in their history until the 20th century. The first written mention of the breed is in the book Dogs; their origin and varieties, published in 1847 by Dr. Richardson. Although Richardson named it the Harlequin Terrier, the dog described had a blue coat and was common in County Kerry.

He argued that this breed could be the result of crossing with either one of the terriers: , English terrier, .

Some believe that the modern Kerry Blue Terrier came from crossing with. There have been such matings in history, but it is unknown what impact they had on the breed as a whole.

A bizarre but popular version of the origin of the breed is that these dogs sailed to Ireland along with shipwrecked sailors. They were so beautiful that they were crossed with Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers to continue the family line. This story may contain elements of truth.

Many countries conducted maritime trade with Britain, including Portugal and Spain. It is quite possible that the Portuguese brought with them the ancestors of the water dog, and the Spaniards the ancestors of poodles, breeds long known on the European mainland.

In addition, in 1588 from 17 to 24 ships Spanish Armada Wrecked off the coast of western Ireland. It is quite possible that the dogs also escaped with the team and subsequently crossed with native breeds.

A less dramatic and romantic scenario is that the predecessors of modern poodles or Portuguese water dogs were brought over to herd livestock. Irish sheep were a sought-after commodity and were sold all over the world.

Perhaps the merchants brought dogs with them, which they sold or gave as gifts. Moreover, both poodles are skilled swimmers, and their coat structure is very similar to that of a Kerry Blue Terrier.

Kerry Blue Terriers first took part in a dog show only in 1913, but their real fame came in 1920. During these years, Ireland was fighting for independence, and the breed became a symbol of the country and one of the most popular aboriginal breeds.

Even the name of the breed, Irish Blue Terrier, caused a big scandal, as it reflected nationalism and separatism. Adding fuel to the fire was the fact that Michael John Collins, one of the leaders of the Irish Republican Army, was the owner of a Kerry Blue Terrier named Convict 224.

To avoid scandal, the English Kennel Club renames the breed Kerry Blue Terrier, after its place of origin. However, in their homeland they are still called Irish Blue Terriers or simply the Blue.

Collins was a breeder and lover of the breed, his popularity played a decisive role and the Kerry Blue became the unofficial symbol of the revolutionaries. Collins led negotiations with England, which resulted in the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which led to the division of the country into the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland. He proposed making the Kerry Blue the national breed of Ireland, but was killed before it was accepted.

Until 1920, all dog shows in Ireland took place under license from the English Kennel Club. In political protest, members of the new Dublin Irish Blue Club Irish Terrier Blue Terrier Club (DIBTC) held an exhibition without permission.

On the night of October 16, 1920, it took place in Dublin. The country was under a curfew and all participants were at risk of being arrested or killed.

The success of the exhibition forced DIBTC members to go further. On St. Patrick's Day in 1921, they held a large dog show, which included other breeds. This exhibition took place at the same time as the one licensed by the English Kennel Club and ended its reign.

Members of the DIBTC published an article in the newspaper calling for the creation of an Irish Kennel Club, which was created on January 20, 1922. The first breed registered there was the Kerry Blue Terrier.

In the early years, the IKC required dogs to pass a game test, which included baiting badgers and rabbits. Due to their excellent performance in these tests, Kerry Blue Terriers were even nicknamed Blue Devils. Today's breeders are trying to revive these qualities, but reduce the aggressiveness of the breed.

The year 1922 was a turning point for the breed. She is recognized by the English Kennel Club and takes part in the country's largest show - Crufts. English fanciers are finding a way to trim their dogs more impressively, which has led to an increase in popularity not only in the UK, but also in America.

Kerry blue terriers, although they were not particularly popular breed, but spread throughout Europe. After the Second World War, through the efforts of breeders, it not only survived, but also expanded its borders.

Despite the fact that the breed won the most prestigious award in Great Britain in 200, it has not become very popular. Kerry Blue Terriers have never been common and are today on the list of endangered breeds.

Description of the breed

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog, balanced, muscular, with long legs. Males at the withers reach 46–48 cm and weigh 12–15 kg, females 44–46 cm and weigh 10–13 kg.

The head is long, but proportional to the body, with a flat skull and a barely defined stop. The skull and muzzle are approximately the same length. The eyes are small and expressionless, but with a sharp, typical terrier look. The ears are small, V-shaped, hanging. They are glued together to give coherence. The nose is black, with large nostrils.

The texture of the coat is soft and should not be harsh. The coat is thick, no undercoat, silky. To participate in exhibitions, dogs are trimmed, leaving a pronounced mustache on the muzzle.

The coat color of mature dogs ranges from blue-gray to light blue. The color of the coat should be uniform, with the exception of darker areas on the face, head, ears, tail and paws. As the puppy grows, the color of the coat changes; this process consists of several stages and is called recoloring.

At birth, puppies are black in color; as they grow older, they may turn brown, but the blue color becomes more pronounced. As a rule, by 18-24 months they are finally colored, but this process largely depends on the individual dog.

Character

Kerry Blue Terriers are energetic, athletic, and intelligent. These breeds are playful, sometimes even rowdy, making them great partners for children. They love communicating with people and try to take part in every undertaking.

Despite their good attitude towards people, they treat other animals much worse. Especially cats that don't get along well. Their instincts make them chase and kill small animals, including domestic ones. Moreover, they are aggressive towards dogs of the same sex, so it is better to keep them with the opposite sex.

Early and thoughtful socialization, training and education are extremely important for this breed.

But, it should be taken into account that even best trainers cannot completely remove aggression towards other dogs. The owners say what more dogs lives in the house, the higher the chance that they will fight.

Their protective instinct and suspicion of strangers makes the Kerry Blue Terrier an excellent guard dog. They will always raise the alarm if a stranger approaches the house. At the same time, the dog has enough strength to fight back, but does not lack courage.

A high level of intelligence and energy dictate the rules of maintenance for the owner. The dog needs to have an outlet for his energy, otherwise he will get bored and start destroying the house. These energetic and brave dogs They need not only an active family, but also an owner who will lead them.

During games and walks, the owner should take a leading position, not allow the dog to pull on the leash and go wherever he pleases. In urban areas, you should not let him off the leash, as any animal you come across can become a victim of aggression.

Early socialization significantly reduces manifestations, but cannot completely destroy them since they are not at the level of instincts.

Training a Kerry Blue Terrier can be difficult, not because they are stupid, but because of the dominance and willfulness that is inherent in the breed. According to Stanley Coren's book, Canine Intelligence, this breed is above average in intelligence. But their aggressive, dominant nature is not suitable for novice dog breeders.

They need socialization, a UGS course, a general obedience course in the first two years of life. Set clear and simple rules and never allow your dog to break them. Dogs that do not have such rules behave unpredictably and their behavior can upset their owners. If you don't have the experience, desire or time to train a dog, then choose a more manageable breed.

Kerry Blue Terriers adapt to apartment life if they have adequate physical and mental exercise. However, they are much better suited for living in a private home.

Care

The good news is that the Kerry Blue Terrier sheds little, making it an ideal choice for people with allergies to dog hair. The bad thing is that it requires more care than other breeds. They need to be bathed regularly and brushed daily.

Their fur perfectly collects any debris and easily forms tangles. Typically, the coat is trimmed every 4-6 weeks, but you still need to find a specialist who has experience in such trimming. Show-class dogs need especially high-quality care.

Health

A healthy breed with a lifespan of 9-10 years, but many live up to 12-15 years. Genetic diseases in dogs of this breed are so rare that they can be neglected.

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Classification

Origin: Ireland (County Kerry)

Class: according to FCI: group 3 (terriers); section 1 (large and medium-sized terriers); without performance testing

Color: any shades blue color with or without black spots

Application: burrow, guard dog and a great companion

Dimensions: height at the withers of males – 45.5-49.5 cm, females – 44.5-48.5 cm; weight of males – 15-18 kg, females – slightly less

Lifespan: from 12 to 15 years

In Ireland, these dogs are often trusted to herd livestock and guard the farm. They also do a good job of catching rats at home.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a natural leader. This dog has irrepressible energy and is suitable for people who lead active image life.

These animals are very attached to their owner and treat other family members well. However, you need to behave carefully with the Kerry and not allow children to pull the dog’s tail.

The Blue Terrier sheds very little, and its coat is practically odorless, which allows even allergy sufferers to keep such a pet.

According to official data, the Kerry Blue Terrier breed has existed for about 150 years, although the Irish claim that it is much older

History of the breed

The Kerry Blue Terrier dog breed was developed in Ireland. Subsequently, the animal became a symbol of this country. The terrier got its name from the mountainous area of ​​County Kerry, where it was first born, and the silver-bluish color of its coat (from the English “blue”).

Cynologists are still arguing about the ancestors of the Kerry. Some believe that this is none other than the Portuguese Water Dog, distinguished by its thick, wavy coat. The second suggests that the breed originated from the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, which is also native to Ireland.

There is also a version that testifies to the crossing of black terriers (they are now extinct) with “blue dogs” from Spain. Some dog handlers tend to see a connection between Kerry and even more so - this is evidenced by the appearance and increased hairiness the latter's muzzle.

When First World War was already coming to an end, they developed and then approved a breed standard. Its popularity in the United States peaked in 1922. Then many clubs appeared where breed lovers gathered. Kerry began to appear more at exhibitions. There are many photos from such events.

At one of the exhibitions in 1928, the Kerry Blue Terrier received the title “Almost Perfect Dog,” which influenced the successful spread of the breed to other countries

Appearance

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized dog. She has muscular body, straight limbs and posture, similar in physique to, but has completely different fur. The breed has its own standard, which its external characteristics must meet:

• the head is elongated with a subtle transition from the forehead to the muzzle;
• thin triangular ears that fit tightly to the base of the skull;
• almost black eyes with an expression of alertness and a nose with wide nostrils;
• strong jaws with developed muscles capable of providing a death grip;
• a tall thin tail, which is sometimes docked, but in most European countries this procedure is considered illegal;
• The coat is soft to the touch, thick and wavy from steel to light silver in color.

Important! You need to know that all Kerry puppies are born with black coat color. By the age of 2, the dog acquires the bluish color characteristic of the breed. If this does not happen, then the animal cannot take part in exhibitions.

Various dark blue and black color splashes that are located on the head, muzzle, paws or tail are acceptable regardless of age

Character and habits

This dog has a friendly and inquisitive character. Kerry puppies are active and love to frolic. You can take a lot of fun photos with them.

Animals can be both quiet and noisy. The Kerry Blue Terrier has some behavioral characteristics.

• Goodwill. This quality manifests itself in relation to others. Blue terriers are also good with children, but they may not tolerate it and give vent to their teeth when kids begin to pull the animals by the ears or tail.
• Sociability. These dogs do not like to spend a lot of time alone. They definitely need to be in the spotlight and be part of the family.
• Devotion. Usually it manifests itself only in relation to the owner, but the four-legged friend “communicates” in his own way with all the people living with him in the same house.
• Innate pride. Kerry is a dog of aristocratic blood. She is very sensitive to rude shouts and will not tolerate vulgar treatment.

Important! Blue Terriers need early socialization, because if the animal is not exercised at all, it will develop aggressive tendencies towards other animals and people.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a wayward dog, so its owner must be a self-confident person with the makings of a leader.

Application

The Kerry Blue Terrier will always be the most loyal and friend for the person who decides to have one. A dog with an explosive temperament is an excellent watchdog.

Kerry is attentive and observant, as any nursery breeding this breed can confirm.

They will become excellent helpers while hunting foxes. Blue terriers penetrate narrow holes from which they pull out small predators and rabbits.

IN old times Kerry were used for fishing. This breed has also proven itself well in terms of hunting small rodents (especially rats).

If opportunities permit, the breeder should often travel with his pet to nature, where the animal can enjoy freedom. A timely haircut will prevent his fur from getting tangled while the terrier is frolicking and running in the grass.

Before walking your pet, you need to remember a few rules well.

1. You should not let the Kerry off the leash, as he will feel free and will run away from his owner until he gets tired. It is worth using not a collar, but - it is more convenient.
2. On garden plot must be supplied high fence, along which to lay fortifications, otherwise the dog will try to get out.
3. The terrier begins to bark loudly as soon as he senses danger, which not all neighbors like. We must take care in advance of how to calm him down.

The Blue Terrier is intelligent and always loyal to its owner, so it can become a great companion for life

How to choose a puppy?

Before you buy a dog, you need to know everything about your future four-legged friend.

If the breeder does not have the opportunity to directly communicate with those who already have a Kerry Blue Terrier, he can always find the necessary information, photos and videos on the Internet.

In Russia, the price of an animal can fluctuate depending on the region in the region of 10,000-25,000 thousand rubles.

Puppies blue terrier require special careful handling. Let us list some features of their content.

• If you want to take the baby in your arms, this must be done very carefully. After all, its size is still very small. Kerry can be lifted by supporting the chest and seat with both hands.

Important! Kerry Blue Terrier kittens have a weak muscular system which can be easily injured by carelessly lifting a puppy, so you should not pick them up and cuddle them unnecessarily.

• It is better to make a place for the terrier to sleep away from heating devices and drafts. It should be warm and soft.
• In the puppy’s room, it is necessary to remove in advance everything that he can spoil or swallow: small objects, wires, equipment, etc. He needs to buy special toys that the terrier will chew.
• Until the puppy reaches the age of 3 months, he will relieve himself where he feels comfortable. You shouldn't scold your child for this. You just need to put a few trays in the room and gradually teach him to go there.

Read more about how to accustom your dog to a diaper or litter box:

As soon as the puppy turns 3 months old, you can gradually start walking him. As he grows, the duration of his stay on the street increases.

Features of care

In order to avoid problems with caring for the dog in the future, they must be taught this from puppyhood.

The baby must get used to standing on a special table while he is being cut or combed. Any nursery also regularly carries out procedures such as bathing and eye and ear examinations among its animals.

Important! Owners of a blue terrier should know that certain procedures with their pet must be performed every day. This applies primarily to washing the eyes, since discharge often accumulates in their edges.

The Kerry Blue Terrier sheds little and has no odor at all, so this breed suitable for allergy sufferers. The animal's fur contains protective substances. So, to wash your dog, it is better to use a specially selected product from a pet store.

The breed standard implies that the animal's ears are “glued on” at the age of 3 to 6 months. This is done for their correct formation in the future.

The animal's haircut must also be done in a special way. The price of the animal and its victory at exhibitions will depend on such nuances. You should not take on such a responsible mission. This work should be entrusted to an experienced specialist.

The thick fur of these dogs often harbors fleas, and during walks they can pick up ticks, so you need to regularly examine the dog and pick out insects from its thick coat

Haircut and combing

Both puppies and adult dogs need their coat trimmed and combed. In order to demonstrate the standard of the pet breed in all its glory at the exhibition, the owners of Kerry Blue Terriers hold a special event. It can also be everyday. Trimming a Kerry's coat is a responsible procedure and involves the use of hair.

Before starting, you need to wash the animal’s fur with special care, and then dry and comb out the animal’s fur. A well-executed haircut can hide minor flaws in the figure, correcting its size and highlighting a beautiful curve. Transitions between in different parts The blue terrier's body should not have sharp boundaries.

A Kerry haircut is done at least once every 3 months. Combing is carried out 3 times a week. It is especially important for nurseries to adhere to these rules, because the price well-groomed dog grows exponentially.

Important! Kerry needs to be cut at least 2 weeks before the exhibition, since the animal’s fur must have time to acquire the desired size (about 5 cm).

Sometimes the owner himself quite successfully grooms his pet. To do this, he purchases a special machine and sharp scissors.

Nutrition

Before you take a puppy into your home, you need to know what foods should be included in the dog's diet. Subsequently, it will be possible to compose for your four-legged friend balanced menu. What does a Kerry Blue Terrier need?

• Meat low-fat varieties(veal and beef, chicken breast). The animal should eat approximately 300 g of meat products per day.
• Well-cooked porridge (buckwheat or rice). They can be added to meat dishes along with vegetables.
• Raw vegetables (except legumes and white cabbage). It is better to add a little vegetable oil to them.
• Fermented milk products (cottage cheese). They are necessary to strengthen the animal's bones.
• Various mineral complexes. They should be given to your pet only with the permission of a veterinarian.

Nursery in financially can afford to feed the blue terrier good food. If the Kerry Blue Terrier eats it, you must remember that the price in this case corresponds to the quality.

Allergies and disorders in the gastrointestinal tract are often caused by eating bad food. Your pet should always have fresh and clean drinking water in his bowl.

Important! It is necessary to follow the feeding regime for dogs. Puppies under 2 months of age eat 4 times a day. Babies who have reached 3-4 months should already have 3 feedings. Adult animals are taught to eat 2 times a day.

The Kerry Blue Terrier, like any other dog, needs to be fed during specially designated morning and evening hours.

Health

This breed is different enviable health. Kerry puppies are generally not prone to any diseases; they love to play and frolic, as evidenced by reviews from many owners.

However, due to improper care or simply in some cases, they have cancerous tumors, dislocation kneecap And viral enteritis, cataracts may develop.

Important! To prevent your dog from getting an infection, the ears of blue terriers must be cleaned. cotton swabs and trim the hair there from the inside.

Each kennel and owner of a blue terrier must place puppies at 2-3 months of age. parvovirus enteritis, plague, hepatitis, leptospirosis. Because the we're talking about about the dog's health, price doesn't really matter here.

Long before vaccinations, puppies must be treated for worms. A week before the start of vaccination, their body temperature begins to be measured daily. No procedures are performed on children during the period of growth of baby teeth.

Elevated body temperature of a dog is a reason to contact a veterinarian

Mating

Any nursery can confirm that puberty In males, carry begins at 7-9 months, and in females - already at 6-8. The ripening process is characterized by the presence of (empty space). The bitch develops a reddish discharge, and the size of the genitals increases significantly.

During this period, the dog must be strictly monitored and not allowed to go outside unattended. You can only walk with your female dog on a leash to avoid contact with male dogs (especially in the first 3-4 weeks of estrus).

An accidental unplanned mating will have a bad effect on her health, and the puppies will be born rather weak. The breed standard, which specifies certain requirements for the appearance of Kerry Blue Terriers, will not be met in this case, since the kids may have changes in external shape.

Kerry Blue Terrier: The dream of many dog ​​breeders

The Kerry Blue Terrier is endowed with irrepressible energy and a violent temperament. Over time, he will definitely become a full member of any family, since he has an innate intelligence and devotion.

A dog of medium height, an excellent hunter, guard, companion dog. This is an old breed from Ireland. According to official data, it is approximately 150 years old, only the Irish themselves claim that in fact the breed is much older. Initially used as a universal assistant, he acted as a guard, a rat catcher, and a shepherd.

The Kerry Blue Terrier was distinguished by his extraordinary intelligence and showed excellent learning abilities. Over time, the breed developed good endurance and ingenuity, very necessary qualities for working on the farm. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a loving, energetic and intelligent animal. There is no malice in his temperament, he is friendly.

Description of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed with photos

• Skull: strong, proportional.
• Stop (transition from forehead to nose): minor.
• Nose: the nose is black, the nostrils are large and wide.

• Teeth: large, white, regular scissor bite (pincer bite acceptable).
• Jaws: strong, well-muscled (with a strong grip).
• Mouth: Gums and palate dark.

Eyes: dark or dark hazel, average size, well-posed, with an interested expression.

• Shoulder blades : correct form, inclined, fit tightly.
• Forearms: Viewed from the front, straight and well boned.
• Feet: Compact, paw pads strong and rounded, nails strong, black.

• Hips: muscular, well developed.
• Hocks: strong.
• Feet: Compact, strong and rounded paw pads, black nails.

Gait/Movement: well coordinated, with parallel limbs, good fore reach and strong drive hind limbs. When moving, the topline remains level and the head and tail are carried high.

Height/weight of Kerry Blue Terrier:

• Height at withers: Males 45.5 - 49.5 cm; Females 44.5 - 48 cm.
• Weight: Males 15 - 18 kg. Bitches are smaller.

Lifespan: Kerry Blue Terrier lives 10 - 14 years.

Faults: Any deviation from the above is considered a fault and the severity with which the fault is assessed is proportional to the extent and effect on the health and welfare of the Kerry Blue Terrier.

• Pink gums.
• Yellow or light eyes.
• Humpback or sagging back.
• Narrow chest.
• Twisted elbows.
• Overshot or undershot.
• The claws are white or colored.
• Dewclaws on hind legs or traces of their removal.
• Narrow or cow-like stance of the hind legs or their unnatural movement.
• Dogs must be penalized if the exhibitor or handler supports their head or tail.
• Heavy, harsh or bristly coat.
• Any other color other than blue, except as stated above.

Any dog ​​clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities must be disqualified.

N.B.: Males must have two normally developed testes, completely descended into the scrotum.

Interesting fact: all puppies are born jet black and only by the age of two years they acquire a “blue” color.

Kerry Blue Terrier is a good hunter, but Lately More often they are kept as an ordinary family pet. Always a cheerful and active pet, gets along well with children. But it is worth noting that the decorative appearance is deceiving; despite its attractive appearance, it is an excellent watchman and security guard.

Kerry Blue Terriers do not bark much, but if they do bark, it sounds impressive and threatening. They are resourceful and very attentive, always ready to active actions. They are often friendly to others, especially children. Kerry blue beautiful home friend, he loves to take part in family matters. These loyal terriers will be happy where they are truly loved.

The main character flaw is not being friendly towards other dogs. This applies to both males and females, especially those who have given birth. They tend to be aggressive towards other breeds and provoke fights. But timely training and socialization solve this problem.

Photo of Kerry Blue Terrier puppy

If you want to buy a Kerry Blue Terrier, remember that he will not refuse a fight. Therefore, even despite the tenderness and devotion to the family, she is willful and needs a decisive and self-confident owner who will establish his leadership without using violence.

To weak people, with little or no handling experience, it is not recommended to own a Kerry Blue Terrier.

They love children, but it is worth remembering that she is strong and large, so if the child is treated rudely, the latter may suffer. When interacting with large animals, the child should be instructed how to communicate with them correctly. The main rule is that he should know that while sleeping and eating, he should not come close.

Kerry Blue Terrier hunting dog with a well-developed instinct, it is not recommended to keep it together with other small animals and cats. The exception is when the terrier grows up with them from childhood.

The Kerry Blue Terrier does not shed, the coat does not smell like a dog, does not cause allergies, but requires attention and care, so the beauty and appearance of the pet depends entirely on the owner. The time spent grooming your dog will pay off in its attractiveness. appearance and well-being.

Accustom your pet to “beauty” procedures from puppyhood, then grooming in the future will not traumatize it. The first step is to teach the puppy to stand on a bench or table, so there will be no need to bend over during procedures.

Thanks to a special set of tools, the Kerry Blue Terrier will acquire a strict and elegant look.
The wool must be combed with a metal comb with non-sharp, wide-toothed teeth. It is not recommended to use a comb with fine teeth, since it will only pull out the wool.

Kerry Blue Terriers are perfect for keeping in private homes and apartments. But it is worth remembering about regular and large physical activity. She will be happy to jump over obstacles, run, go through mazes and other activities.

The Legend of the Kerry Blue Terrier

In the photo, a Kerry Blue Terrier is sitting on the grass.

There are many stories and legends about the unusual coat color of the Kerry Blue Terrier. Here is one of them.

“Once upon a time there was a man, and he had a dog that guarded his farm, house, and garden. But time passed, the animal grew old, and the man thought: “Why should I keep her and feed her in vain if she is so old? There is no use for her anymore. I’ll go and drown her.”

Then the man took a boat, put him in it, and tied a stone around its neck. When the boat floated out to the middle of the river, the owner stood up, picked up the dog and threw it into the water. But from a sharp push the boat overturned, the man could not resist, fell into the river and began to drown. Fortunately, the noose with the stone slipped from her wet neck and she was freed. With all her might she rushed to save her owner and dragged him to the shore.
The man survived.

And when he woke up the next morning, he saw a dog the color of heaven in his garden. Then the man realized that this dog was characterized by human feeling- devotion and compassion.

While saving the owner, the dog turned gray. Then the owner began to take better care of the dog, as long as it was alive.”

Diseases of the Kerry Blue Terrier

• dysplasia hip joint
• ear infections
• luxated kneecap
• hypothyroidism (disease thyroid gland)
• entropion (turn of the eyelid)
• cataract
• chronic otitis media

Kerry Blue Terrier photo

- an ancient hunting dog originally from Ireland, the mountainous county of Kerry. Officially they say that the breed is 150 years old, but the Irish claim that it is much older.

The ancestors of dogs of this breed were the black and tan English terrier, as well as the powerful one, to which the blood flowed and.

Thanks to this mixture of blood, the Kerry Blue Terrier has become an almost universal dog. He is a serious watchman and an excellent rat catcher in the house. The Irish used these dogs to hunt small game and as a shepherd of sheep. Since the Kerry is an excellent swimmer and loves water, it was used to catch otters in deep water. Today, these dogs not only delight their owners as pet, but also work in the police.

	Training
	Mind
	Shedding
	Guard qualities
	Security qualities
	Popularity
	Size
	Agility
	Attitude towards children

Appearance and size

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a dog with a strong but graceful build. In males, the height can be 46-49 cm, females are quite a bit smaller. Weight up to 18 kg.
A characteristic feature of this breed is its head - elongated, narrow, with a barely noticeable transition from the forehead to the muzzle and a beard. Dogs' eyes are very dark, almost black.

The dog's thin small ears are located close to the cheeks and directed forward. The neck is proportional, but rather long, the chest is deep and quite wide. The Kerry's legs are strong and straight, with muscular thighs. The tail is thin, usually docked, and carried straight.

The color of the Kerry Blue Terrier can range from dark steel to light silver. It is curious that puppies are born coal black and only by the age of two or even three years do they acquire their precious “blue” color. Although it can change in different shades throughout life.

Characteristics of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed

This is an excellent dog, although now it is more often kept as a family pet. This is a cheerful and always active pet that gets along well with children.

At the same time, its decorative appearance is very deceptive; the Kerry Blue Terrier is an excellent watchdog.

One of the Kerry's character flaws is the love to fight with other dogs that enter “her territory,” that is, where she walks. This applies not only to cables, but also to bitches, whose fighting nature often awakens after the appearance of puppies.

To stop this terrier habit in advance, you should: early age teach Kerry obedience, become a fairly diligent teacher for him. This is a rather stubborn breed, but you need to work with it with patience and not overdo it with pressure on the dog and severity. Dogs of this breed have bright personalities.

Despite the luxurious hair of this breed, caring for it is not very difficult. Kerry dogs do not have an undercoat, and therefore they do not shed, which makes the process of cleaning and cleaning the dog’s area much easier. Therefore, representatives of this breed are very convenient for keeping in an apartment.

The dog can be washed periodically and should be brushed regularly with a stiff bristled brush.

This is a very active, active dog and needs regular exercise. Therefore, an equally active and sporty owner will suit her.

Health

Kerry Blue Terriers have excellent immunity and are very good health. They are very resistant to various infections and are absolutely not predisposed to rickets.

Training:

Popularity:

Attitude towards children:

100%

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed of beautiful and proud dog that loves to play with children and gets along well with a variety of pets. But due to their stubbornness, these bright individuals are not suitable for a novice dog breeder without a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of training.

The origin of Kerry Blue has not yet been precisely established. There are several versions, mixed with legends and conjectures of historians.

It is believed that the Kerry's blood contains the blood of the Black and Tan English Terrier, Irish Wolfhound, Wheaten Terrier and Bedlington. These crossings made it possible to create dogs with improved sense of smell, beautiful coats of inconspicuous colors and tall intellectual abilities. According to one legend, the Kerry got its luxurious coat from a poodle that escaped from a sinking ship in the Spanish Armada.

The first documentary mentions of representatives of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed were found in Southern Ireland, where they were irreplaceable animals on the farm. These dogs guarded the house, played with children, herded livestock and killed rats.

The breed was first shown at an exhibition in England in 1922, and three years later it was created official standard. Today, its representatives act as companions, nannies and watchmen, and also work in the police.

Appearance and standard

In the photo, the Kerry Blue Terrier is of medium size and has thick, beautiful hair. unusual color. With a height of 45-50 cm, representatives of the breed weigh only 15-20 kg. Sex difference not clearly expressed.

These dogs have a strong build, wide rib cage, muscular straight legs, a long proportional neck and a thin tail, which is docked in most countries. They look impressive and intelligent, as if decorative. However, their main qualities are not at all decorative in nature - they are excellent watchmen and hunters.