Kerry Blue Terrier
SpiritedLoyalPeople-oriented
Ireland · 12–15 years
About the Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a versatile, blue-gray Irish breed that served as an all-purpose farm dog in County Kerry for over a century. Kerries herded cattle, hunted vermin, guarded property, and even retrieved game from water. Their distinctive blue-gray coat — which is actually born black and lightens gradually over the first two years — is soft and wavy rather than wiry. Kerry Blues are spirited, loyal, and intelligent dogs with the classic terrier determination. They are the national terrier of Ireland and have been a symbol of Irish identity since the early 20th century.
Breed stats
- Height
- 17.5–19.5 in
- Weight
- 33–40 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Terrier
- Coat
- Soft, dense, wavy, non-shedding
- Origin
- Ireland
Coat colors
- Blue-Gray (born black, lightens by age 2)
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1.5–2 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Cataracts
- Cerebellar abiotrophy
- Skin cysts
Not every Kerry Blue Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Kerry Blue Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Kerry Blue Terrier puppies are born solid black. Over the first 18 to 24 months, their coat gradually lightens to the breed's characteristic blue-gray color. This process is called 'clearing' and is unique to the breed. The final shade can range from light silver-blue to dark slate gray. Dogs that have not cleared to a recognizable blue-gray by 18 months may be disqualified in the show ring. Some Kerries retain darker coloring on the ears, muzzle, tail, and feet even after clearing. The dramatic color change is one of the breed's most fascinating characteristics.
- Kerry Blue Terriers can be challenging with other dogs. They have a strong terrier temperament that includes assertiveness and potential dog-directed aggression, particularly toward dogs of the same sex. Early, extensive socialization is crucial but may not completely override breed tendencies. Many Kerry owners find that their dogs do best as the only dog or with a calm, submissive companion of the opposite sex. Kerry Blues should always be leashed around unfamiliar dogs. Despite this, they are deeply loyal and affectionate with their human family — their people skills far exceed their dog skills.
- Kerry Blue Terriers are one of the lowest-shedding breeds. Their soft, wavy coat is similar to human hair and grows continuously rather than going through a shed cycle. This makes them an excellent choice for people with mild to moderate dog allergies. However, the non-shedding coat requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks, including trimming and shaping. Between grooming appointments, brushing two to three times per week prevents matting. The beard collects food and water and needs daily cleaning. While grooming costs are higher, the trade-off is a virtually fur-free home.
Similar breeds
Explore all dog breeds
DogDataHub covers 199+ breeds with full profiles, health info, and compatibility ratings.
Browse all breeds