Content
- Origin of the Kerry Blue Terrier
- Kerry Blue Terrier Characteristics
- Kerry Blue Terrier Colors
- Kerry Blue Terrier Personality
- Kerry Blue Terrier Care
- Kerry Blue Terrier Education
- Kerry Blue Terrier Health
- Where to Adopt a Kerry Blue Terrier?
Lively, cheerful, energetic, protective and affectionate, without a doubt all these adjectives can describe the dog breed that we are introducing you to here at PeritoAnimal. This is the Kerry Blue Terrier, a dog originating from the Emerald Isle, but which can be seen in virtually any country and region of the world today.
The Kerry Blue Terrier, as a member of the terrier group, has a strong personality, marked by great stubbornness and strength. Sometimes it can be difficult to train, but nothing that can't be solved by following some of the tips we've given here. Plus, it's one of the smartest dog breeds in the world! Read on to learn all the characteristics of the Kerry Blue Terrier.
Source
- Europe
- Ireland
- Group III
- Rustic
- muscular
- provided
- toy
- Small
- Medium
- Great
- Giant
- 15-35
- 35-45
- 45-55
- 55-70
- 70-80
- more than 80
- 1-3
- 3-10
- 10-25
- 25-45
- 45-100
- 8-10
- 10-12
- 12-14
- 15-20
- Low
- Average
- High
- Strong
- Sociable
- Intelligent
- Active
- Dominant
- Kids
- Houses
- Hunting
- Allergic people
- harness
- Cold
- Warm
- Moderate
- Medium
- Fried
- Hard
Origin of the Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an Irish dog because originated in county kerry, in the southwest of the Irish province of Munster. This breed was very typical in the region, and performed the function of a hunting dog. They stood out especially for their ability to strenuously hunt otters, even when submerged in deep water, and badgers, who chased in their underground tunnels.
Despite being such a common breed, there is no data that accurately dates back to when the origin of Kerry Blue occurred. However, it is believed to have been present in Ireland for several centuries. The first references date back to 1847, but it was only in 1920 that the first club of the breed, the Dublin Blue Terrier Club, was created. In this way, the breed became popular throughout Ireland, crossing its borders in 1928, when it became known in other parts of the world. They became one of the companion dogs of the moment, being defined as ideal companions and workers.
Kerry Blue Terrier Characteristics
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium size dog. Males weigh between 15 and 18 kg, and females are slightly below that. In the case of males, the height at the withers usually varies between 45 and 49.5 centimeters, while in females it is between 44 and 48 centimeters, so there is a certain sexual dimorphism. The life expectancy of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed varies between 12 and 15 years.
He has a compact, muscular body with straight lines and a broad, deep chest. The tail, of medium set-on, is thin and appears erect most of the time. Its limbs are agile, light and with very developed musculature, ending in compact feet, with black nails and round and resistant pads. The head is broad and strong, especially in males, and covered with many hairs. Features a light stop with a large black nose. Their eyes are medium in size and dark, usually black, brown or hazel, and they have a shrewd appearance.
Now, within the characteristics of the Kerry Blue Terrier, if there is something that sets it apart from the rest, it is its coat. it is dense and thick, with a soft touch and wavy shape. In addition, the kerry blue terrier is one of the so-called hypoallergenic dogs, and is one of the dogs with the least body odor. Finally, there is the particular clipping that is usually done in this breed of dog, which shows a short coat with a long beard and "eyebrows" that are also quite long.
Kerry Blue Terrier Colors
The colors included in the official Kerry Blue Terrier standard are blue in any of the shades, with or without black spots. In specimens less than 18 months old, the presence of light reddish tones, or those that are black, is accepted.
The Kerry Blue Terrier Puppy
A Kerry Blue Terrier puppy requires certain attention in addition to the basic attention any puppy should receive. Some of them are, for example, the early socialization and games or activities that stimulate you physically and mentally every day.
With a focus on socialization, it is important to do it early, as these dogs have a strong temperament, in addition to frequent episodes of aggression or rejection towards other dogs. That's why Kerry Blue requires attention in this area. You can see some helpful tips on early socialization in this interesting article that explains how to properly socialize a puppy.
Kerry Blue Terrier Personality
Kerry blues stand out for being dogs extremely active, requiring intense or at least moderate daily physical activity. But they are not only physically active, they are also mentally active. restless and curious, like the terrier dogs that they are, and stand out for their permanent alertness and cunning. They also stand out for being true lovers of their families. They like to dedicate themselves to the family and spend time with the company, which they need to avoid suffering changes in behavior, such as separation anxiety. For this reason, the Kerry Blue Terrier is not suitable for solitary life.
As we said at the beginning, these dogs are very clever. His wit can baffle anyone. Therefore, they are excellent hunters of otters and badgers, as they are not only strong and fast dogs, but also use their intelligence to create strategies for this and practically every other aspect of their lives.
In addition to all this, they stand out for their stubbornness and territoriality, which, as we will show when talking about their training, makes this breed difficult for people who have not had previous contact with it or who lack experience in canine training.
Kerry Blue Terrier Care
As mentioned above, the Kerry Blue Terrier is an extremely active and energetic dog that needs to be exercise every day to avoid getting restless and anxious. He needs to take several walks a day, but also other high- or moderate-intensity activities such as running, swimming, or playing a sport that allows him the movement he needs.
As for coat care, it is need to brush it at least four times a week, otherwise tangles and knots form that are virtually impossible to undo. It is generally recommended to shave every 2-3 months, although this is not essential and depends, among other things, on the climate in which each specimen lives. In this regard, the environment also influences whether the animal can bring any parasites or dirt stuck to its coat after its outings, so it is highly recommended to check its coat when returning home.
On the other hand, being very intelligent, within the care of the Kerry Blue Terrier is the adequate environmental enrichment, consisting of intelligence games that allow it to be well stimulated. Of course, we cannot forget that this dog needs attention, so it is advisable to play with him, avoid leaving him alone for many hours at home and, above all, teach him to manage this loneliness.
Kerry Blue Terrier Education
A Kerry Blue Terrier usually has, as we've seen, a pretty powerful personality, which can make your education difficult at certain times. Undoubtedly, the most critical moments are those when the animal, determined to do what it wants or not to do what is asked of it, does not give in and does not give in to the trainer's demands. Therefore, if you are not experienced in dog training, it is advisable look for a professional trainer. Of course, the dog's reaction to the education and training sessions will also be closely related to the methods used. If you use positive reinforcement, although at times the Kerry Blue Terrier may seem unwilling to cooperate, he is more likely to respond correctly and show a willingness to learn.
Some of the most worked aspects with this race are those related to territoriality, closely linked to possessiveness and aggressiveness, in addition to socialization. In this sense, in general, contact with different animals and people, as well as moving through different environments early in its development, can facilitate training as the Kerry Blue Terrier puppy grows.
Kerry Blue Terrier Health
The Kerry Blue Terrier doesn't stand out as a delicate breed, far from it. However, if the crosses are done carelessly, really serious changes can arise. In general, those responsible for a Kerry blue terrier highlight the resistance of these dogs, which do not require more than basic care such as regular visits to the veterinarian, with the respective vaccinations and deworming.
However, if the crossings are not carried out properly, changes such as the dangerous von Willebrand's disease, which would be comparable to what we know as hemophilia in humans, or degenerative myelopathy, or Wobbler's syndrome, which affects the health of the animal's vertebrae. Both affect the functioning of the nervous system, being degenerative and genetic in origin, that is, they are inherited.
Where to Adopt a Kerry Blue Terrier?
If you are looking for a Kerry Blue Terrier for adoption, it is always recommended to go to the kennels and animal associations who may have a specimen for adoption. If you don't find any, you can expand the search area or wait for a specimen to appear.
But, without a doubt, the most important thing is not where to find him, but to make sure that you can assume the commitment and responsibility of having a Kerry Blue Terrier or any other animal. Before adoption, it is essential to know everything that involves welcoming a new member into your home, with their own needs and requirements.