Kerry Blue Terrier
Breed Profile
The Kerry Blue Terrier (also known as the Irish Blue Terrier) is a breed of dog. Originally bred to control “vermin” including rats, rabbits, badgers, foxes, otters and hares. Over time the Kerry became a general working dog used for a myriad of jobs including herding cattle and sheep, and as a guard dog. Today the Kerry has become known globally as a companion and working dog.
Temperament
Kerry Blue Terriers are stubborn and energetic. They are known to be faithful and harbour affection towards their owners. Whilst they can be tender-hearted towards children, they can be nasty toward other animals, including other dogs. They are quick, strong, and smart, and they excel in obedience, dog agility, sheep herding, and tracking. They have been used as police dogs in Ireland. Modern breeders have attempted to retain their energetic side whilst breeding out their belligerence personality.
Color & Coat
Coat: Kerries coat is soft, dense, and wavy.
Color: They come in Black, Blue, Silver, and Grey color.
Health
Kerries are quite healthy, but they can be confronted by genetic disorders that are common in the breed. They are prone to eye problems such as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), cataracts, and entropion. They sometimes get cysts or tumorous growths in their skin, which are fortunately rarely malignant. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism have also been reported.. Progressive neuronal abiotrophy (PNA) is rare.