Lively, cheerful, energetic, protective and affectionate, all these adjectives undoubtedly serve to describe the breed of dog that we present today on PlanèteAnimal. This is the Kerry blue terrier, a dog that originated in Ireland, but can now be found in virtually all countries and regions of the world.
The Kerry blue terrier, as a member of the terrier group, has a strong character, marked by great stubbornness and strength. This sometimes makes his education a little difficult, but nothing that cannot be solved by following some of the advice that we give you on this sheet.Moreover, it is one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. Read on to discover all the characteristics of the Kerry blue terrier!
Origin
- Europe
- Ireland
FCI Nomenclature
- Group III
Physical Characteristics
- Rustic
- Muscular
- Proportional
Size
- Average
Height
- 45-55
Adult Weight
- 10-25
Life expectancy
- 12-14
Recommended physical activity
- High
Character
- Strong
- Society
- Smart
- Active
- Dominant
Ideal for
- Children
- House
- The hunt
- Allegric people
Recommendations
- Harness
Recommended climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Medium
- Curly
- Hard
Origin of the Kerry blue terrier
The Kerry blue terrier is an Irish dog, since its origin took place in the county of Kerry, in the south-west of the Irish province of Munster.This breed was very typical of the region, carrying out the work of a hunting dog. In particular, he demonstrated his gifts for the difficult hunt for otters, even when they were submerged, and badgers, which they pursued in their underground galleries.
Although it is a very common breed, there is no data to precisely date the origin of the Kerry blue. However, it is believed to have been present in Ireland for several centuries. The first references date from the year 1847, but it was not until 1920 that the first club of the breed, the Dublin Blue Terrier Club, was created. Thus, the breed became popular throughout Ireland, crossing its borders in 1928, when it began to be known in other parts of the world. The Kerry blue terrier then became one of the companion dogs of the moment, being defined as ideal companions and workers.
Characteristics of the Kerry blue terrier
The Kerry blue terrier is a medium-sized dog, with males weighing between 15 and 18 kg, females being slightly smaller than their male counterparts. In males, the height at the withers is usually between 45 and 49.5 centimeters, while in females it is between 44 and 48 centimeters, with some sexual dimorphism. The life expectancy of the kerry blue terrier breed is between 12 and 15 years.
This dog has a compact, muscular body, straight lines and a broad, deep chest. The tail, of medium insertion, is fine and seems almost always erect. The limbs are agile, light and have a very developed musculature, ending in compact feet, with black claws and round and resistant pads. The head is large and strong, more in males, and is covered with lots of hair. The Kerry blue terrier also has a slight stop with a large black nose. His eyes are medium sized, dark, usually black, dark brown or hazel and have an insightful gaze.
" Now, in the characteristics of the Kerry blue terrier, if there&39;s anything that stands out from the rest, it&39;s their coat. The coat is dense, with a soft touch and a wavy shape. In addition, the Kerry blue terrier is one of the so-called hypoallergenic dogs and one of those with the least body odor. Finally, we highlight the particular haircut that this breed of dog usually wears: a short coat and a long beard, and eyebrows that are also quite long."
Kerry blue terrier colors
The colors collected in the official Kerry blue terrier standard are blue in all its shades, and may or may not have black spots. For specimens less than 18 months old, it is accepted that they have slight reddish tones or are black.
The Kerry Blue Terrier Puppy
A Kerry Blue Terrier puppy needs some care, apart from the basic care that any puppy should receive.Some of these cares are, for example, early socialization or carrying out games or activities that stimulate him physically and mentally on a daily basis.
" It is important to socialize the puppy very early because these dogs have a strong temperament, and can see frequent episodes of aggression or rejection towards other dogs. This is why they require special attention in this area. You can see some useful tips on early socialization in this interesting article: How to properly socialize your puppy?."
Character of the Kerry blue terrier
The Kerry blue terrier is distinguished by the fact that it is an extremely active dog, requiring intense or at least moderate physical activity on a daily basis. But they are not only physically active, mentally they are also restless and curious, like all terriers. They are also distinguished by the fact that they are true lovers of their family.They like to dedicate themselves to their loved ones and spend time in company, which they need to avoid suffering from disorders such as separation anxiety. This is why the Kerry blue terrier is not suitable for solitary life.
As we said at the beginning, these dogs are very smart. Their insight can baffle anyone. For this reason, they are excellent hunters of otters and badgers, as they are not only strong and fast dogs, but they also use their intelligence to create strategies in this area and in virtually every aspect of their lives.
In addition to all of the above, they are notable for their stubbornness and territoriality, which, as we'll show when talking about their upbringing, make them a difficult breed for people who haven't had a prior contact with her or who lack experience in the field of canine training.
Caring for a Kerry blue terrier
As mentioned above, the Kerry Blue Terrier is an extremely active and energetic dog, who needs daily exercise to keep from becoming restless and anxious. You should take several daily walks, but also do other high- or moderate-intensity activities, such as running, swimming, or playing a sport that gives him the physical exercise he needs.
To maintain its coat, it must be brushed at least four times a week, otherwise it creates knots that are practically impossible to undo. A cut is generally recommended every 2 or 3 months, although it is not essential and depends, among other things, on the climate in which each dog lives. In this regard, the environment also influences whether the animal can bring parasites or dirt adhering to the fur after its outings, so it is strongly advised to check its hair when it returns home.
On the other hand, because he is very intelligent, the care given to the Kerry blue terrier constitutes an enrichment of his environment, made up of intelligence games that allow him to remain well stimulated. Of course, we must not forget that this dog needs attention, so it is advisable to play with him, to avoid leaving him alone for many hours at home and, above all, to teach him to manage at home. better this loneliness.
Kerry blue terrier education
A Kerry blue terrier generally has, as we have seen, a fairly powerful character, which can make his education difficult at times. Undoubtedly, the most critical moments are those when the animal, obstinate in doing what it wants or not doing what is asked of it, persists and does not yield to the demands of the trainer. Therefore, if you do not have experience in dog training, it is advisable to hire a professional trainer.Of course, the reaction of the dog to education and training sessions will also be closely related to the methods used. If we use positive reinforcement, even though sometimes the Kerry Blue Terrier may not be in the mood, they are more likely to react appropriately and show a willingness to learn.
Some of the aspects that are most often worked on with this breed are those related to territoriality, closely related to possessiveness and aggression, as well as socialization. In this regard, general contact with different animals and people, as well as movement in different environments in the early stages of their development, can facilitate the formation of the kerry blue terrier puppy as it grows.
Kerry blue terrier he alth
The Kerry blue terrier does not stand out as a delicate breed. However, if the crosses are made in a reckless way, they can lead to very serious alterations.In general, guardians of a Kerry blue terrier emphasize the strength of these dogs, they require no more than basic care such as regular visits to the veterinarian, with the corresponding vaccinations and dewormers.
However, if the crosses are not done correctly, the alterations can appear as the dangerous von Willebrand's disease, which would be comparable to what we know as hemophilia in humans, or degenerative myelopathy or Wobbler syndrome, which affects the he alth of the animal's vertebrae. Both affect the functioning of the nervous system, being degenerative and of genetic origin, that is, they are inherited.
Where to adopt a Kerry blue terrier?
If you wish to adopt a Kerry blue terrier, it is recommended that you always contact kennels and animal associations that may have a copy for adoption.If you can't find one, you can always broaden your search or wait for a specimen to be available at the SPA.
But perhaps the most important thing is not knowing where to find it, but being completely sure that you can take on the commitment and responsibility that comes with having a Kerry blue terrier, or any other pet. Before adopting, it is essential to be fully aware of all that involves welcoming a new member into our family, with their own needs and requirements.
Pictures of Kerry blue terrier
