Kerry Blue Terrier
Temperament:
The Kerry Blue Terrier originates from Ireland. The dog has a strong hunting instinct. Besides, he loves his family. Since the animal tends to bark, it is an excellent guard dog. However, the dog should not be kept in a kennel or on a chain. These animals have a very great urge to move and need a lot of exercise.
Characteristics
The Kerry Blue Terrier belongs to the medium-sized pets. The animal is characterized by its straight posture and muscular limbs. The Kerry Blue Terrier looks very similar to a smooth fox terrier. However, it differs greatly from it by the wool of its coat.
Kerry Blue Terriers have some distinctive features that set them apart from other dogs. They should correspond to these. This is especially important if the dogs are to participate in a competition.
The skull of the animal has a somewhat elongated formation. The ears are small. The eyes of the animals are mostly almost black and the look of the Kerry Blue Terrier expresses alertness. The nose of the dogs is very broad and the holes of the nose are quite large. These animals have a medium length tail. The coat of the Kerry Blue is very delicate and seems to be wavy.
The dogs are usually born with black hair. However, the coat then usually changes color again to gray silver.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a smart, independent and playful breed. They love to be a part of the family. Their sense of fun makes them a fantastic playmate and companion for children. This breed has Irish charm and their naughty and mischievous terrier antics. These can entertain the whole family. However, this breed should ideally be the only pet in the household. This way, you can avoid your rabbit unintentionally becoming your Kerry Blue Terrier's prey.
True to its Irish roots, it is safe to say about the Kerry Blue Terrier that barking can be a problem for this breed. So think about your circumstances before choosing this breed, or invest in a noise guard. There are benefits to the dogs' willingness to bark. As long as this is combined with the protective instinct of the animals. Thus, the animals become excellent watchdogs - no alarm system is needed when these friends are watching over you.
Be careful when you let the Kerry Blue Terrier off the leash. The dog's hunting instinct can lead to all sorts of mischief. Therefore, always make sure that you are in a safe place before letting the animal off the leash. Another less desirable trait of dogs, is their love for digging. So if you have a green finger and value your lawn and flower beds, this breed may not be the best choice.
It is important that Kerry Blue Terriers like to spend time with you. They don't like it very much when you leave them alone for a long time. This is because they can suffer from separation anxiety. This can cause the dog's behavior to change.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
A recommended daily amount for your Kerry Blue Terrier is one to two cups of good quality dry food. This should be divided into two meals.
How much your adult dog eats depends on the size, age, body muscles, digestion and workload of the animal. Dogs are individual and therefore need individually adapted amounts of food. A very active dog naturally needs much more food than a lazy dog that slumbers in front of the fireplace all day. The quality of the dog food is also crucial. You should always go for high-quality food. If the food is very high quality, smaller portions are enough.
Keep your Kerry Blue Terrier in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day. This is better than having to constantly leave food out. If you are not sure if your dog is overweight, you can do a simple test.
Look down at the animal. Can you see the dog's waist? Then place your hands on its back. Place your thumbs along the back, with your fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs without having to press hard. However, the ribs should not be visible. If this is not possible, then your four-legged friend needs less food and more exercise.
Kerry Blue Terrier Care
The Kerry Blue Terrier is adaptable and easy-going. Allow him a lot of exercise and social time with the family. Then he will be very happy.
These hardy dogs can tolerate most weather. They originate from the vast landscape of Ireland. Thanks to their dense and dark coats, they do particularly well in cold weather. The Kerry Blue Terrier can also tolerate higher temperatures. However, it is difficult for the animals to regulate their body temperature in extreme heat. This is because they have a thick blue coat and cannot sweat. Try to limit the time spent outside with your Kerry Blue Terrier in very high temperatures.
Being active is what this breed is all about. The Kerry Blue Terrier is lively and adventurous. Therefore, plenty of exercise is mandatory to keep the animal happy. A long, daily walk, supplemented by playtime in the backyard, is a good place to start. Consider enrolling your dog in dog sports. This can be a great source of energy. Plus, this can give your dog plenty of mental stimulation as well.
Like real terriers, the Kerry Blue likes to dig. In particular, this dog breed tends to dig a lot if the animal can not get rid of its energy in other ways. Early training can teach your dog what is right and what is not.
The Kerry Blue Terrier's thick and wavy coat is in need of care. Once a week you should brush your dog thoroughly. This will keep your dog's coat supple and shiny.
Weekly nail trimming will prevent your dog from feeling uncomfortable. Also, it would be ideal if you clean the ears of the animal several times a month.
Kerry Blue Terrier is great family dog. Because he has a loving and attentive nature. They get along well with children, especially when they grow up together. These dogs love their families. However, this breed does not do well in a shelter with other dogs.
Kerry Blue Terriers are somewhat suspicious of other dogs. Therefore, it is best if they are the only four-legged friends in the house. Early socialization is crucial for your Kerry Blue Terrier to grow up to be a calm dog.
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a naturally robust and healthy breed that often lives a long and full life. Responsible breeders are constantly looking for hereditary defects in their dogs' genes. Be sure to work with a reputable breeder to ensure your pup is healthy. But like all breeds, these dogs can be prone to certain health problems. For example, eye and orthopedic conditions. Regular checkups will help prevent and treat any health problems that arise.
Suitable accessories
As accessories for Kerry Blue Terriers are particularly suitable things that serve to satisfy the dogs' urge to move. So you can playfully help your dog to get rid of excess energy. As a reward you can feed him. In this way, the animal learns to earn its food, has a lot of exercise and stays slim.
In addition, you will need a brush to comb the dog's fur. Having a pair of nail scissors is also a good idea for the dogs. However, you should first acquire knowledge about cutting.
Origin & History
The Kerry Blue Terrier originates from Ireland. More specifically, from a hilly region known as County Kerry. The dog originally helped with work or hunting. He helped to hunt small game and catch birds, kill rats or guard the yard. In addition, people used the terrier to herd sheep or cows. The breed became more and more popular with time. So it soon happened that even English breeders announced interest and highly appreciated the terrier. After some time and due to its popularity, the animals were recognized as a dog breed by the Kennel Club.
The wildness of the animals was intentionally bred into the breed at that time. In the first dog shows, the Kennel Club required that the terriers compete in and successfully complete a hunting trial. In these hunting trials, the dogs had to catch or track and corner small wild animals, for example. Even today, the dogs are used for hunting rats and rabbits and for herding sheep and cattle. Last but not least, the animals were also considered faithful companions.
Outside of Ireland, this striking breed was a late bloomer. It remained unknown for many years until it was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1922. It was at this time that she first made her appearance there. This quickly created an enthusiastic following. This delay was probably due to the unkempt appearance of the first generations of this breed. However, the true beauty of these animals was soon recognized.
In the early years of the 19th century, an Irish patriot thought to introduce legislation to declare the terrier as the national dog of Ireland. His name was Michael Collins. The name of his own terrier was Convict 225, however, Michael Collins was murdered before the law could be enacted. After Collins' death, no one pursued this initiative with the same passion.
