Among the largest of the AKC terriers, the Kerry Blue Terrier is famous for his show-stopping blue coat. Named for the Irish county of his birth, this onetime farm dog is today an alert, adaptable, and animated watchdog and family companion.
An upstanding, well-knit and proportioned dog, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a compact, powerful terrier showing gracefulness and an attitude of alert determination, with definite terrier style and character throughout.
From County Kerry to the Show Ring
Legend has it that the roots of the Kerry Blue harken back to the Spanish Armada, a fleet of 130 ships wrecked in July 1588 near County Kerry. A dog that was the only survivor of one wreck was said to have carried its fighting spirit onto dry land, challenging every dog it met and making it a popular sire bred to many of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier bitches on the island. Over the generations, this resulted in the Kerry Blue Terrier.
Genetic research shows the Kerry has a strong influence from fellow Irish earthdogs such as the Glen of Imaal, Irish, and Bedlington terriers, with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier as the primary contributor. Somewhat incongruously, Kerry Blue puppies are born black — it can take up to 18 months for the coat to "clear," leaving behind the dazzling blue-hued coat that is the breed's hallmark. Genetic sequencing has also shown a significant contribution from mastiff- and bully-type breeds, including the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The Kerry Blue is first documented in 1847, when it was described as bluish slate in color, marked with darker blotches and patches. Known as Irish Blue Terriers in their homeland, they soon became favored farm and herd dogs in the highlands of Ireland, particularly popular in the mountains around Lake Killarney. In true terrier style, the Kerries could dispatch vermin with great gusto, hunt rabbit and birds for the table, make excellent watchdogs, and could even be called upon to herd sheep and cattle.
The breed was the impetus for the formation of the Irish Kennel Club. A group calling itself the Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club organized its own show in 1920, holding it defiantly outside curfew hours imposed by the English. Nationalist Michael Collins exhibited his dog, "Convict 224," at that inaugural show, even as a bounty hung over his head, and attempted to have the Kerry Blue formally declared the national dog of Ireland. In 1922, the Kerry club morphed into the Irish Kennel Club, and the Kerry Blue Terrier was the first breed recognized by the nascent body — dogs were required to pass a working trial on rabbit and badger before they could be registered.
A Striking Blue Coat
The Kerry Blue Terrier has a long head, flat skull, strong and deep foreface and jaw, a black nose, and a deep chest. The body is well developed and muscular with a level topline, and legs are straight with powerful bone. The most desirable weight for a fully developed dog is 33–37 lb (16 kg most desirable for bitches).
The coat is thick, soft, and wavy, in any shade of blue with or without black points. Tan is permissible in puppies, and a small white patch on the chest is allowed. The rugged working dogs have evolved a sophisticated terrier trim that tidies up the body and keeps the ears, cheeks, and much of the head — except for the "fall" and beard — closely shaved. The coat sheds very little.
Disciplined Gameness and Irish Sensibility
The Kerry Blue Terrier has a temperament of "disciplined gameness," with an undeniably terrier temperament — alert, quick-witted, and scrappy — leavened by a sentimental attachment to those they hold dear, a sensitivity to the moods of those around them, and an impish sense of humor. They are boisterous, lively, demonstrative, hardy, and long-lived.
Courageous, friendly, and energetic, Kerry Blues are alert, adaptable, and animated. They have a keen protective instinct that makes them excellent watchdogs, and are the most protective of the terrier group. Their sometimes quick temper may trace to their fighting-breed ancestry.
Exercise and Activity
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a high-energy, versatile working dog that needs regular exercise to keep its body and mind sharp. Daily vigorous exercise plus mental challenges suit this intelligent, adaptable breed. They excel in agility, obedience, and other dog sports.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 45–60 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 30–40 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for this energetic terrier.
Training a Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blues are intelligent and adaptable, and respond well to consistent, positive training — but they have an independent terrier streak and are not for the timid. Early socialization and firm, fair leadership are essential. They are highly trainable for a terrier and do well in obedience and agility.
The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue has a soft, dense, wavy single coat that sheds very little — a plus for allergy-sensitive owners — but it requires regular professional grooming to maintain the classic terrier trim. The "fall" and beard need regular attention, and weekly brushing keeps the coat mat-free.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 3–4 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
| Professional trim or clip | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps the coat tidy and hygienic |
The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for this low-shedding coat.
Feeding a Kerry Blue Terrier
A Kerry Blue Terrier should be fed high-quality food appropriate to its age, size, and activity level, typically in two meals per day. As an active working breed, sound nutrition supports daily exercise.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/2–1 cup | Use a good-quality puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1–1.25 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Kerry Blue Terrier is generally hardy and long-lived, with a median lifespan around 12.4 to 15 years. The breed is predisposed to a few conditions: spiculosis, a painful condition causing follicular hyperkeratosis found only in the Kerry Blue Terrier, as well as footpad keratosis and hair follicle tumors.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Eye and ear health checks | Discuss with your vet | Part of the annual vet review |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a delightful companion for people with time to share — a boisterous, blarney-loving spirit with a sentimental attachment to family. Good with children and protective of its home, it is feisty with other dogs and has a strong prey drive, so care is needed around smaller pets.
If you're weighing whether a Kerry Blue Terrier fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Kerry Blue Terrier means committing to a high-energy, protective, sometimes quick-tempered terrier that needs firm training, early socialization, and daily exercise. Regular professional grooming is a must to maintain the distinctive blue coat. They are not for people just wanting a dog as a decoration.
Yet for the right owner, the Kerry Blue is an incomparable companion — a striking blue-coated, sharp-witted friend with Irish charm.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Distinctive, low-shedding blue coat
- Highly protective of family
- Intelligent, versatile, and adaptable
- Good with children
- Energetic and fun-loving
- Long-lived and hardy
Disadvantages
- Strong terrier prey drive
- Feisty with other dogs
- Can be quick-tempered
- Needs regular professional grooming
- Not for timid owners
- High energy and protective instincts
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Kerry Blue Terriers get? Dogs 18–19.5 in; bitches 17.5–19.5 in; weight 30–40 lb.
How long do Kerry Blue Terriers live? Typically 12 to 15 years.
Are Kerry Blue Terriers good family dogs? Yes — good with children and protective of family.
Are Kerry Blue Terriers easy to train? Intelligent but independent — best with firm, consistent training.
Are Kerry Blue Terriers hypoallergenic? Their low-shedding single coat is often better for allergy sufferers.
Do Kerry Blue Terriers shed a lot? Very little — a low-shedding coat.
Are Kerry Blue Terriers good watchdogs? Excellent — very protective (5/5).
Are Kerry Blue Terriers born blue? No — puppies are born black and clear to blue by 18 months.
Are Kerry Blue Terriers good with other dogs? Feisty — need early socialization.
Was the Kerry Blue Terrier the national dog of Ireland? Michael Collins tried to make it so, but it never happened.
Are Kerry Blue Terriers rare? Uncommon and cherished by their owners.
What health issues do Kerry Blue Terriers have? Spiculosis, footpad keratosis, and hair follicle tumors.