Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Your Pet, Our Passion.
Kerry Blue Terrier Mobile

Kerry Blue Terrier

Short-coupled, compact and muscular, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a strong, medium-sized dog, although one of the larger terriers. The coat has a soft, silky texture, profuse and wavy, and comes in a blue-grey colour, with or without black points. This colour fades over time with puppies being born black and fading out to blue-grey as they mature.

The need-to-know
  • Dog suitable for experienced owners
  • Some training required
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys walking an hour a day
  • Medium dog
  • Minimum drool
  • Requires grooming every other day
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Guard dog. Barks and alerts
  • May require training to live with other pets
  • May require training to live with kids

Key Facts

Lifespan: 13-15 years
Weight:  15-17kg
Height:  46-48cm
Colours:  Blue-grey colour, with or without black points
Size:  Medium
UK Kennel Club Groups: Terrier

Ratings

Family-friendly: 4/5
Exercise needs: 5/5
Easy to train: 4/5
Tolerates being alone: 3/5
Likes other pets: 2/5
Energy level: 4/5
Grooming needs: 2/5
Shedding: 1/5

Personality

Described as fierce, intelligent, charming and trust-worthy, the Kerry Blue is still a formidable character even though they are more popular as a show dog than working dog today. Bred to deal with vermin and guard property, the Kerry Blue is an independent thinker, and if left untrained may make decisions by themselves that lead owners into trouble!

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Ireland

Originating from County Kerry in the south-west of Ireland, the Kerry Blue is the National Dog of Ireland. A versatile, hard-working farm dog, the Kerry Blue was and is, excellent as a guard/watch dog, and was originally bred to kill rats and even take to the water after otters.  

Their origins are slightly hazy and may originally have been a cross between existing Irish Terriers and Bedlington Terriers but this is uncertain enough that romantic legends still talk of the Kerry Blue’s ancestor swimming ashore from a shipwreck. 

Recognised by the Irish Kennel Club in 1922, the breed standard was formalised - although while they found a niche in the terrier world they have for some reason never been hugely popular.

Did You Know?

  • Although they are National Dog of Ireland, the Kerry Blue is on the UK’s Vulnerable breed list, with well under 200 puppies registered in any of the last five years. Despite this, a Kerry Blue, “Torums Scarf Michael” won Best in Show at Crufts in 2000.

Found your perfect breed? Take these next steps:

Labrador lying next to the sofa
Finding a pet
Is this the right breed for you?
All dogs have their own unique personality! Try our Dog Breed Selector Quiz and find out which dog breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle.
Dog with red collar sitting next to the owner
Finding a pet
Top 21 questions to ask a breeder
If your heart is set on a pedigree puppy, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Find out what to look for in a puppy breeder with this guide.
Puppy walking next to owner on a lead
Finding a pet
Choosing the Right Dog for You
Getting a dog is one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make - and one of the biggest! Like all important decisions, doing your homework before taking on a new pup will make sure that you're choosing the right dog for you and your lifestyle.
Dog with red collar
Finding a pet
Welcoming your dog home
While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival.
Dog with red collar lying
Adoption
It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It often means offering them a second chance at life. There are many dogs waiting for a loving family and their forever home, but what can you expect from the process?
Dog with red collar looking out the window
Puppy advice
Everything you need to know
Getting a new puppy is incredibly exciting for all the family, but it can be quite scary for your new pup. Find out how to deal with everything from behaviour to health questions with our expert puppy advice.
Owner checking dogs collar
Finding a pet
Benefits of having a dog
It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs!