Kerry Blue Terrier
Ireland's blue-coated all-rounder — a farm terrier with a poet's coat and a fighter's heart.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium · 44–50 cm |
| Weight | 15–18 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Moderate-high — 60 min/day |
| Shedding | Minimal — coat grows and needs trimming |
| Coat | Soft, dense, wavy · slate to silver blue |
| Group | Terrier · FCI №3 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred as the Irish smallholder's everything-dog — rats, rabbits, herding, guarding, even churning butter by treadmill in some tellings — the Kerry Blue is confident, versatile and always slightly amused. At home it's affectionate and playful with its family, watchful with strangers, and inclined to settle arguments with other dogs rather than avoid them.
Habits & quirks
The beard inspection
That splendid beard collects water, food and garden debris, then delivers all three to your lap.
Job hunting
A farm dog by wiring, it patrols, supervises and appoints itself to household tasks.
The Kerry stare
Direct, intelligent eye contact — half affection, half negotiation.
Silent stalking
Less barky than many terriers; it prefers to act first and comment later.
Care
| Grooming | Brush and comb weekly to the skin, with a full scissor or clipper trim every 4–8 weeks — the coat never stops growing. |
| Dog manners | Early, ongoing socialisation matters: same-sex dog aggression is the breed's classic fault. |
| Training | Bright and quick but self-employed; keep it fair, consistent and interesting or it renegotiates the contract. |
| Exercise | A solid hour of varied activity — walks, play, brain work — keeps the farm dog satisfied. |
Common questions
Do Kerry Blue Terriers shed?
Barely — the soft coat grows continuously like hair rather than dropping out. In exchange you take on brushing and a professional-quality trim every month or two.
Are Kerry Blues good with other dogs?
It's the breed's weak spot: many are fine with familiar dogs but combative with strangers, especially of the same sex. Early socialisation and sensible management make all the difference.
Why are Kerry Blue puppies black?
The breed carries a progressive greying gene: puppies are born black and the coat gradually lightens, or 'clears', to blue-grey by around 18 months. Judges even allow young dogs their darker coats.