How to Identify a Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is an all-round working terrier breed and a member of the terrier group. [1] Bred in Ireland and named after its home county, it was used to hunt birds and small game, as well as for retrieving. [2] The Kerry shares some traits with other terrier breeds but does have some unique traits of its own. This wikiHow will help you recognize a Kerry Blue Terrier.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Examining the Structure

  1. Kerry Blue Terriers are among the largest of the terrier breeds. Males have a height of 18–19.5 inches (46–50 cm), and females are slightly smaller, with a height of 17.5–19 inches (44–48 cm). Similarly, males weigh 33–40 pounds (15–18 kg) while females weigh slightly less. [3]
  2. A Kerry's head is long without appearing exaggerated. It is in good proportion with the rest of the body, with a flat skull and very slight stop. The skull and foreface are roughly the same length. [4]
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  3. Kerries have small, v-shaped ears that are moderately thick. They fold down, being carried forward close to the cheeks with the top slightly higher than the level of the skull. [5]
  4. The eyes of a Kerry Blue Terrier are small and well-placed but not prominent. They are dark in color and give the dog a keen expression. [6]
  5. A Kerry has deep, strong jaws and level cheeks. The black nose has large, wide nostrils. Kerries have strong, white teeth that either meet in a level bite or a bite in which the upper incisors slightly overlap the lower teeth. [7]
  6. The paws of a Kerry are fairly round, small, and strong yet compact. The paws are of good depth, with arched toes and black nails. They turn neither in nor out. [8]
  7. Kerry Blue Terriers have high-set tails that are a moderate length. The tail is carried erect and straight. [9]
  8. A Kerry Blue Terrier is well-developed and muscular in build with good balance. Kerries have a moderately long neck, a deep chest, long and sloping shoulders, straight forelegs, fairly well-sprung ribs, a short and level back, and muscular hindquarters. They walk with a free gait, their front and back legs moving straight forward. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Inspecting the Coat

  1. Kerry Blue Terriers have coats that are soft and dense. The fur appears wavy. [11]
  2. Just as their name suggests, Kerry Blue Terriers are known for their blue coats. A Kerry may be any shade of blue-grey or grey-blue, ranging from a deep slate color to a light blue-grey. The color is uniform throughout the entirety of the body with the exception of darker or black parts that may be on the muzzle, head, ears, tail, and paws. The dog may also have small white markings. [12]

    Did you know? Kerry Blue Terriers are actually born black. They have a dominant coat-fading gene that makes their coats fade to grey and eventually become a slate color by 18 months of age. [13] Account for the dog's age when looking at coat color.

  3. For show, Kerries are trimmed so that the body is well-covered in fur but appears tidy and the head, ears, and cheeks appear clear. [14] A Kerry Blue Terrier kept solely as a pet may have an alternative trim, though this trim is fairly common even outside of the show ring.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Considering Temperament

  1. Kerry Blue Terriers are remarkably intelligent dogs. Be aware, however, that they may use their smarts to take advantage of situations. Their intelligence does not guarantee their instant and exact obedience; Kerries are also fairly strong-willed and require an owner that is willing to take charge. [15]
    • With their intelligence, it is important to keep a Kerry occupied. A bored Kerry may use their smarts and energy to become destructive. [16]
  2. Many terriers typically have a strong prey drive, and the Kerry is no exception. They may chase small animals they come across or act aggressively toward other dogs. [17]
  3. Kerries can make great family dogs and enjoy being around people. They typically can do well with people of all ages, including children. [18]
    • Don't let a Kerry Blue Terrier be left alone with small children, however. They may become defensive and growl or snap if a child accidentally harms them. [19]
  4. Like many terriers, Kerries have high energy levels and need outlets to release their energy. This may result in excessive jumping or rowdiness, especially in younger dogs. [20]
  5. Kerry Blue Terriers can make great watchdogs because they are an alert breed. They will bark when any potential dangers appear to alert their family. [21]
    • A Kerry may become an excessive barker if given the opportunity. Thus, training and socialization are important to prevent this. [22]
  6. A Kerry Blue Terrier may appear sensitive in certain situations. Though they require firm leadership, a Kerry needs to be treated fairly and with care to keep them feeling well. [23]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to identify your own dog's breed, consider DNA testing. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Kerry Blue Terrier.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/kerry-blue-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/kerry-blue-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/kerry-blue-terrier/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/KerryBlueTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/KerryBlueTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/KerryBlueTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/KerryBlueTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/KerryBlueTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/KerryBlueTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/KerryBlueTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/KerryBlueTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/KerryBlueTerrier.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/kerry-blue-terrier/
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/KerryBlueTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/kerryblueterriers.html
      7. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/kerryblueterriers.html
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/kerry-blue-terrier-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/kerry-blue-terrier-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/kerryblueterriers.html
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/kerryblueterriers.html
      12. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/kerry-blue-terrier-temperament/
      13. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/kerryblueterriers.html
      14. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/kerryblueterriers.html

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