Kerry Blue Terrier — breed guide
Ireland's national terrier — born black and turning blue over two years. Famously quarrelsome with other dogs.
At a glance
- Group
- terrier
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 15–18 kg (33–40 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Soft, dense, wavy blue coat; clipped, not stripped
Living with a Kerry Blue Terrier
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Daily grooming — this coat is a commitment.
- Barely sheds.
- Quick to learn.
- Barks readily.
- Can do well with children, with care — easier with older kids than toddlers.
- Not always easy with other dogs — introduce carefully.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Spirited · Alert · Headstrong · Devoted
Health to watch
- Progressive neuronal abiotrophy
- Hip dysplasia
- Keratoses
- Eye problems
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Kerry Blue Terrier good with kids?
With care. Kerry Blue Terriers generally do well with older children who already know how to behave around a dog; with toddlers, supervise every interaction and give the animal somewhere it can retreat to.
Is a Kerry Blue Terrier good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Kerry Blue Terrier need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Kerry Blue Terrier handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Kerry Blue Terrier's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.