Kerry Blue Terrier
Also known as: Irish Blue Terrier
Energy Level
Apartment Friendly
Weight (Male)
33-40 lbs
Height (Male)
18-19.5 inches
Quick Facts
Coat Colors
Breed Summary
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an elegant, versatile Irish breed with a distinctive soft blue coat. Originally an all-purpose farm dog, they are spirited, intelligent, and deeply devoted to family.
History
Developed in County Kerry, Ireland, as an all-purpose farm dog—herding, guarding, hunting, and ratting. The national terrier of Ireland. Their blue color develops gradually from black at birth. AKC recognized in 1922.
Appearance
Medium-sized, well-proportioned terrier with a soft, wavy blue coat. Flat head, small dark eyes, and V-shaped ears. Strong, muscular build. Distinctive beard and eyebrows. Coat born black, gradually turning blue.
Temperament
Strong-willed, spirited, and deeply loyal. Kerry Blues are versatile dogs with typical terrier confidence. They are affectionate with family but can be assertive with other dogs.
Personality Around Others
Devoted to family. Can be aggressive with other dogs. Good with family children. Alert and protective. Reserved with strangers initially.
Exercise Needs
High exercise needs. At least an hour daily. They enjoy running, swimming, and playing. Versatile athletes.
Training
Intelligent but strong-willed. Needs confident, consistent training. Positive reinforcement. Early socialization essential.
Grooming
Non-shedding coat needs regular grooming. Brush several times weekly. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Beard needs daily cleaning.
Health
Common Health Conditions
Generally healthy breed. Eye issues and hip dysplasia are the primary concerns. Health testing recommended.
Recommended Health Tests
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Thyroid Testing
Average Annual Vet Cost
$800-$1,500
Nutrition
Quality food for active medium breeds. Two meals daily. Active dogs need good nutrition. Clean beard after meals.
Living Environment
Can adapt to apartments with exercise. Better with a yard. Active dogs that need daily outdoor time.
Ideal Family
Experienced dog owners. Active families. Those who can commit to grooming. Not for households with other dogs ideally.
Intelligence
Highly intelligent and versatile. Quick learners for owners who provide firm leadership. Excel at various tasks.
Barking
Frequency
Alert
Separation
Quiet Indoors
Moderate barkers that alert reliably. Training can manage excessive barking.
Shedding
Year-Round
Seasonal
Vacuum Factor 🧹
Hypoallergenic
Non-shedding coat. Regular grooming prevents matting. Excellent for allergy sufferers.
Weather Tolerance
☀️
Heat
❄️
Cold
🌧️
Rain
🌨️
Snow
💧
Humidity
Breed Ratings
Fun Facts
The national terrier breed of Ireland
Puppies are born black—the blue color develops over 18 months
Originally an all-purpose Irish farm dog
Michael Collins owned Kerry Blues and tried to make them the national dog of Ireland
They can swim exceptionally well
Famous Dogs
Doreen
A Kerry Blue who became the first Irish dog show champion in the 1920s
Common Myths
"Their blue coat is dyed"
The blue color is natural—puppies are born black and the coat gradually clears to blue over 18 months
"They're too aggressive for families"
Well-socialized Kerry Blues are devoted, gentle family dogs—their assertiveness is with other dogs, not people
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is their coat blue?
Kerry Blues carry a gene that causes their black puppy coat to gradually lighten to various shades of blue-gray.
Do they shed?
No—they have a non-shedding coat that grows continuously, requiring regular grooming like human hair.
Puppy Guide
Kerry puppies are born black. Start grooming and socialization early. Their coat changes color over 18 months.
Senior Care
Senior Kerry Blues stay spirited. Watch for eye and joint issues. Continue moderate exercise. Grooming remains important.
Ownership Costs
Estimated Lifetime Cost
$16,000-$24,000
Pros and Cons
Pros
Non-shedding coat
Versatile athlete
Loyal and devoted
Unique blue color
Intelligent
Cons
Can be dog-aggressive
Expensive grooming
Strong-willed
Needs experienced owner
High exercise needs