Kerry Blue Terrier

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingDaily grooming

  Daily brushing (and pro grooming) keeps the coat in shape.

• Living spaceFlexible

  Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Cataracts · Entropion

The Kerry Blue Terrier is the national terrier of Ireland, developed in County Kerry as an all-purpose farm dog that herded, guarded, hunted vermin and retrieved. Puppies are born black and the coat lightens gradually to its distinctive blue-grey over about eighteen months to two years, so a young Kerry looks nothing like the adult it will become. It is a versatile, intelligent, high-spirited dog that needs a real job. Kerries learn quickly and excel at obedience, agility and herding trials, but they are strong-willed and will test boundaries, so consistent reward-based training from puppyhood is essential. They are devoted and playful with their family and good with children they are raised with, but the breed retains a strong terrier fire: many Kerries are assertive with unfamiliar dogs and have high prey drive, and thorough early socialisation matters more here than with most terriers. The soft wavy coat does not shed, which suits some allergy sufferers, but it grows continuously and mats easily: expect brushing several times a week and professional trimming every six to eight weeks. Exercise should be an hour or more daily with mental work included. Buy from a breeder who screens hips and eyes, since cataracts and entropion occur, and who is open about the breed's rates of skin and hair-follicle tumours and of progressive neuronal abiotrophy, a rare inherited neurological disease of the breed.

• How much exercise does a Kerry Blue Terrier need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Kerry Blue Terrier need?

  Daily grooming. Daily brushing (and pro grooming) keeps the coat in shape.

• Is a Kerry Blue Terrier suited to apartment living?

  Flexible. Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Is a Kerry Blue Terrier a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Kerry Blue Terrier live?

  12–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Kerry Blue Terrier?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Cataracts, Entropion. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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