Kerry Blue Terrier

People usually start searching for the Kerry Blue Terrier when they’re weighing up whether this striking “blue” dog will fit their household—or when they’ve already brought one home and want to get the coat, exercise, and training right. The decisions matter: this is a bright, athletic terrier with a coat that keeps growing, and a mind that needs steady direction.

Below is a clear snapshot of what the breed is like in day-to-day life: what “blue” really means, how big they tend to be, how much grooming is realistic, and the health issues worth asking a breeder and vet about.

Kerry Blue Terrier at a glance

• Origin: Ireland
• Size: Medium; ideal height about 46–48 cm for adult males, females slightly less^{1, 2}
• Weight: Commonly 15–17 kg for adult males; females proportionately less (some standards allow up to around 18 kg for males)^{1, 2}
• Coat: Soft, silky, dense and wavy; low-shedding but not “no maintenance”¹
• Colour: Any shade of blue; puppies are often born black and “clear” to blue as they mature (typically by around 18 months)^{3, 4}
• Life expectancy: Often cited around 12–15 years (individual dogs vary, as always)⁵
• Temperament: Confident, alert, people-focused with their family; can be reserved with strangers and may be pushy with other dogs if not well socialised⁶

History and origin

The Kerry Blue Terrier is closely associated with County Kerry in south-west Ireland. Like many working terriers, it was valued for versatility—able to turn its paws to farm and field tasks depending on what was needed that day.

Even respected breed authorities note that the exact origin story is still uncertain, with more than one tale attached to the breed’s early days.⁴

Physical characteristics: what they look like in real life

A typical Kerry is medium-sized and athletic, with a compact body and a distinctive coat texture: soft, plentiful, and wavy rather than harsh or wiry.¹ The head is strong and rectangular in outline, and the expression is keen without looking sharp.

Colour is where new owners are often caught out. Kerry pups may begin life very dark—often black—and then gradually “clear” through stages towards the adult blue shade, which can range from light silver-blue to dark slate-blue. Breed standards allow darker puppy colour up to about 18 months.^{1, 3}

Temperament: bright, bold, and not a background dog

The Kerry Blue Terrier tends to be deeply attached to its people, quick to learn, and lively in the home. Many are friendly with familiar visitors, but it’s common for them to be more reserved with strangers and selective with other dogs, especially if early social experiences are thin.⁶

This is classic terrier territory: intelligent, observant, and inclined to make their own decisions if the rules are vague. With calm handling, they’re often a delight. With inconsistent boundaries, they can become noisy, reactive, or simply hard to live with.

Training and exercise needs

Kerries usually do best with training that is short, regular, and practical—done in the places they actually need to behave: the footpath, the park gate, the front door. They respond well to reward-based methods, and they learn patterns fast (including the ones you didn’t mean to teach).

Plan for daily movement plus mental work. Many enjoy structured activities such as obedience, scent work, or agility-style games, because they get to run their body and use their brain in the same session.

• Start early: gentle handling, grooming practice, and calm exposure to people and dogs while the puppy is still open to the world.
• Keep it fair: clear cues, consistent routines, and rewards that matter to the dog.
• Teach “switch-off” skills: settling on a mat, quiet time after walks, and alone-time training if you work away from home.

Grooming and coat maintenance

The Kerry Blue’s coat is one of its defining features, but it comes with a reality: it needs ongoing care. The coat is soft and wavy and, because it’s low-shedding, loose hair tends to stay in the coat until you brush or clip it out.^{1, 6}

Most pet Kerries need:

• Brushing and combing: at least weekly (more often if the coat is kept longer) to prevent mats forming close to the skin.
• Professional grooming or clipping: roughly every 6–8 weeks, depending on coat length and lifestyle.
• Routine checks: ears, nails, and teeth as part of the weekly pattern—small work done often.

Common health issues to know about

No breed is “problem free”, and individual risk depends on family lines, screening, and general care. Kerry Blue Terriers are commonly described as generally healthy, but there are several conditions that are repeatedly flagged by veterinary references.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn’t form as well as it should, which can lead to pain and osteoarthritis over time. Signs can include stiffness, reduced willingness to jump, lameness after exercise, or a “bunny-hopping” gait. Diagnosis typically relies on veterinary examination and x-rays.⁷

Eye and skin problems

Breed references commonly mention eye conditions (including dry eye/keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and a tendency to skin issues such as allergies or secondary infections. Any persistent redness, rubbing, discharge, or recurrent itch warrants a proper veterinary check rather than guesswork at home.⁶

Bleeding disorders (von Willebrand disease)

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is a hereditary bleeding disorder reported in the breed. It’s one reason many vets recommend testing ahead of elective procedures (such as desexing), particularly if a dog’s family history is unknown.⁶

Kerry Blue Terrier as a family dog: practical pros and cons

Often a good match if you want

• A companion that’s engaged: they notice everything and like to be involved.
• A dog that can learn a lot: when training is consistent and reward-based.
• A low-shedding coat: helpful for some households (though not a guarantee for allergy sufferers).⁶

Think twice if you need

• A “set and forget” dog: Kerries are usually too bright and active for that.
• Minimal grooming: the coat doesn’t shed much, but it does require regular brushing and clipping to stay comfortable.
• A guaranteed dog-park socialite: some Kerries are fine, others are selective, and early socialisation matters.⁶

Choosing a puppy (or rescue): quick checks

• Ask what health testing is done in the line (hips, eyes, and any known breed-related issues).
• Meet at least one parent if possible, and notice how they respond to visitors and handling.
• Look at coat and skin condition: clean ears, clear eyes, no persistent itch or strong odour.
• Expect the coat colour to change: a dark puppy isn’t “the wrong colour” in this breed.^{3, 4}

References

1. Dogs NSW (ANKC): Kerry Blue Terrier breed standard
2. The Kennel Club (UK): Kerry Blue Terrier breed standard
3. United Kennel Club (UKC): Kerry Blue Terrier breed standard (colour clearing by 18 months)
4. American Kennel Club (AKC): Kerry Blue Terrier background and coat colour change
5. The Spruce Pets: Kerry Blue Terrier overview (typical lifespan range and coat description)
6. PetMD: Kerry Blue Terrier health and care (temperament, grooming, common conditions)
7. Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner Version): Hip dysplasia in dogs