Kerry Blue Terrier breed guide

Kerry Blue Terriers are very smart and most enjoy agility, obedience, rally, barn hunt, herding and even dock diving. Keeping mind and body engaged helps make a happy, well-adjusted member of the family.

AKC says socialization is important, as is a beginning obedience class.

Kerry Blue Terriers live 12 to 15 years. AKC calls them a healthy breed. Responsible breeders keep monitoring new DNA tests that help ensure hereditary defects are absent from their programs and many do basic DNA testing as a best practice.

Kerry Blue Terriers do not shed, so the coat must be thoroughly brushed and combed once a week to avoid matting. Along with regular brushing, a full grooming every six to eight weeks keeps it manageable: clippers do the head, neck, ears and abdomen and scissors trim the coat.

Kerry Blue Terriers have two speeds. They enjoy outdoor play, fetch or jogging beside their owner. They love sitting beside the owner as the family watches TV or sits by the fireplace.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is named for its home county. The mystery of its beginnings has produced charming blarney about leprechauns, shipwrecks and other fanciful origin tales, but Kerry Blue Terriers were hardworking all-around farm dogs cherished for their versatility.

The breed was a mascot for patriots in the struggle for Irish independence and since the early 20th century Kerry Blue Terriers have been top winners in the show ring.