Dog Breed

Kerry Blue Terrier

RareBraniacHypoallergenic
Primary image of Kerry Blue Terrier dog breed
Full Name
Kerry Blue Terrier
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Life Span
12 - 15 years
Weight
33 - 40 pounds
Description

A beautiful black with a blue hue coat stands out as the distinctive feature of the Kerry Blue Terrier. They are very strong-willed and intelligent. So although the Kerry Blue Terrier is affectionate, loving, and intelligent, a first-time owner needs to be equally strong-willed so that the Kerry Blue will respect its owner.

Origin
Ireland
Bred For
Herding cattle and sheep. Hunting small game and birds, killing rodents, and guarding his homestead
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier good with children?

    Yes, the Kerry Blue Terrier is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Kerry Blue Terrier naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Kerry Blue Terrier is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Kerry Blue Terrier is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier friendly with other dogs?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is not naturally friendly with other dogs, but with a good amount of early socialization as a puppy they can learn to get along with most breeds of dog. Proper training is required before letting the Kerry Blue Terrier go off-leash or to dog parks.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Kerry Blue Terrier like to cuddle?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Kerry Blue Terrier like to play?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is playful both as a puppy and as an adult dog. As they get older they may appreciate their alone time, and may not be in the mood for constant play, but certainly will have plenty of time for play as well.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Kerry Blue Terrier make a good service dog?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier would not be a great fit as a service dog for several reasons.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier good for first-time owners?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is not the easiest breed for first-time owners, but can certainly still work out if the owner is willing to put the time into training and exercise.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Kerry Blue Terrier be trained?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is about average when it comes to training potential. The Kerry Blue Terrier can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Kerry Blue Terrier shed a lot?

    No! The Kerry Blue Terrier does not shed very much, and can be an excellent fit for someone who suffers from dog allergies.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier easy to groom?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Kerry Blue Terrier to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Kerry Blue Terrier on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Kerry Blue Terrier need a lot of exercise?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier requires an average amount of exercise. You should be ready to dedicate a couple of short walks or a larger dog park session each day for your Kerry Blue Terrier to be happy and fulfilled.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Kerry Blue Terrier?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Kerry Blue Terrier bark? Does the Kerry Blue Terrier bark too much?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Kerry Blue Terriers - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier a good guard dog?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is not a dog breed necessarily known as a guard dog, but they are alert. The Kerry Blue Terrier is protective of its family, and has above average tendencies when it comes to guarding property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier good at staying alone? Is the Kerry Blue Terrier independent?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier a good apartment dog?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is not the best dog apartment living, but it can work if the owner is dedicated to exercising and training their Kerry Blue Terrier
    Size

    How big is the Kerry Blue Terrier?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Kerry Blue Terrier tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Kerry Blue Terrier?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier can tolerate hot weather well. They still prefer having some variation and a cool space to sleep, but overall they can do well in warm climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Kerry Blue Terrier tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Kerry Blue Terrier?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Kerry Blue Terrier try to run away?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier does sometimes run away. This is especially true if they are distracted, or see other cats or dogs. They probably won't go out of their way to "escape", but a fenced yard is still recommended.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier a healthy dog? The health of a Kerry Blue Terrier should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Kerry Blue Terrier high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Kerry Blue Terrier?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier has a good amount of energy and it's important to give the Kerry Blue Terrier daily walks and ideally run time as well. A well-exercised dog is easier to train, and will be happier and have less likelihood for destructive habits.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Kerry Blue Terrier drool?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier does not drool at all.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Kerry Blue Terrier have a large prey drive? Does the Kerry Blue Terrier like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier has a very high prey drive and will naturally chase after any small animals it sees. They can co-exist with cats or other animals at the home, but we would not recommend it without supervision.
    Athleticism

    Is the Kerry Blue Terrier atheltic?

    The Kerry Blue Terrier is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.
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  1. Terrier
  2. Schnauzer
  3. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a purebred dog that belongs to the Schnauzer sub group, which falls under the larger Terrier dog breed group.
Terrier group: Anyone who has had a terrier knows that they come with a big personality. Across the Terrier dog group there is much variation, but they are all feisty, proud, and extremely loyal to their family. With this strong personality comes stubbornness, so they are not the easiest dog, especially for a first time dog owner. However, with training and a strong owner, they can be some of the most rewarding dogs- their strong personality is fun, active, and will always bring something new. Terriers were originally bred for hunting, exterminating small vermin, and home protection. Terriers are a healthy and athletic breed. Because of this they require a good amount of exercise.
Schnauzer sub-group: If you needed a serious chief to run your city, but it had to be a dog, a Schnauzer would be a good option. They are very independent and intelligent. This can be seen in their proud gait... as they walk.. almost as if they are aware of their abilities and strengths. Generally these are all positive traits, but early training and a strong owner are essential. The Schnauzer is mid to high energy, and incredibly alert. They like to 'own' their space, so can sometimes become protective. Because of this they are excellent guard dogs, but again, they need good early socialization and training. In return you will be given an excellent family companion and guard dog. Schnauzers are also hypoallergenic, do not shed very much, and are not a huge breed- so they are a good apartment dog, especially for an owner who can give them the proper exercise.

Kerry Blue Terriers for adoption

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