Kerry Blue Terrier Characteristics: The zesty and faithful Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1922). The Kerry Blue Terrier, is characterized by its determined, alert appearance with a distinctive wavy, silky blue coat and a resolute expression. Other characteristics include powerful, muscular jaws; dark, small, round eyes; folded, button ears; a small, straight, high set tail and a purposeful gait. The temperament of the Kerry Blue Terrier can be described as Spirited, Alert, Loyal. The coat type of the Kerry Blue Terrier is described as thick, wavy coat in black, blue, silver, gray colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Kerry Blue Terrier demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "County Kerry Beauty". The origin of the Kerry Blue Terrier dog breed was in Ireland where it was developed in the 1700's. Fast Facts about the Kerry Blue Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Kerry Blue Terrier breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1922) *** Nick name: "County Kerry Beauty" *** Origin: Ireland *** Male Height: 18? - 20 inches (46 - 51 cm) *** Female Height: 17 inches - 19 inches (44 - 48 cm) *** Male Weight: 33 - 40 pounds (15 - 18 kg) *** Female Weight: 33 - 40 pounds (15 - 18 kg) *** Coat Type: thick, wavy coat *** Coat Colors: black, blue, silver, gray colors *** Litter Size: 4-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Entropion, Cataracts *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes Kerry Blue Terrier Breed Group and Dog Type - Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1922): The Kerry Blue Terrier is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1922). Other names for the Kerry Blue Terrier: The Kerry Blue Terrier is known by the nickname of the "County Kerry Beauty". Other names for this breed of dog include the Kerry, Irish Blue Terrier and Bluey. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Kerry Blue Terrier" derives from its place of origin in County Kerry in Ireland and description of the dog's coat color. The word 'Pointer' refers to its ability to point out small game to hunters. The origin of the word 'terrier' is derived from the Latin word 'terra' meaning "earth" as so many of the terrier breeds were originally bred and trained as hunting dogs to pursue their prey, such as rats, foxes, squirrels and badgers into their burrows and bolt holes. Kerry Blue Terrier History and Origin: The country of origin of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed was in Ireland during the 1700's. The dog was bred as a hunter primarily to catch mice and rats but it was also used to help hunt otters. The Kerry Blue was found mostly in the mountains of Kerry around Lake Killarney. The Kerry Blue is actually born with a black coat, but its coat color gradually changes to blue before the dog reaches the age of two. The Kerry Blue Terrier breed is said to have been bred by the commoners in Ireland as a farming dog and was also used by poachers. The ancestors of the Kerry Blue breed are believed to be the Portuguese Water Dog, who according to legend swam ashore from a shipwreck, and was cross bred with the Irish Terrier. Irish Immigration to America significantly increased in the 1800's, inspired by the American ideals of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" and employment opportunities offered by Industrialization. Over 7 million Irish people immigrated to the United States and the Kerry Blue was introduced to America during this period. The Kerry Blue was the first dog to be registered with the Irish Kennel Club when it was founded in 1922 and it was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the same year. Kerry Blue Terrier Modern History: The modern history of the Kerry Blue Terrier moved on and the breed is still ised as a versatile farm and watch dog but is also enjoyed as a popular family pet. Kerry Blue Terrier Height: The Kerry Blue breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 18? - 20 inches (46 - 51 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 17 inches - 19 inches (44 - 48 cm). Kerry Blue Terrier Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 33 - 40 pounds (15 - 18 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 33 - 40 pounds (15 - 18 kg). Kerry Blue Terrier Coat Type: The coat type is described as thick, wavy coat. Many Kerry Blue Terriers have a Melanistic Mask (a dark coloration of the skin or hair typically on the muzzle and face of the dog) because of a high concentration of melanin. Kerry Blue Terrier Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include black, blue, silver, gray colors. Blue is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. In Kerry Blue Terriers "blue" refers to coloration that is black at birth and progressively turns 'blue / gray as the dog gets older. Kerry Blue Terrier Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4-8 puppies. Kerry Blue Terrier puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Kerry Blue Terrier puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Zesty, Spirited, Alert, Loyal and Faithful. Kerry Blue Terrier Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Kerry Blue Terrier requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a purposeful, strident gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Kerry Blue Terrier Grooming - VERY HIGH Grooming Needs: The grooming requirements of the Kerry Blue Terrier is fairly minimal, one grooming session per week is generally enough to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. Casual brushing is all that's generally required although more intense grooming and brushing is required during the shedding period, in order to remove dead hairs. Kerry Blue Terriers enjoy self grooming to keep themselves clean. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Kerry Blue Terrier Diet: A fully grown Kerry Blue Terrier should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Kerry Blue Terrier Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed include Entropion, Cataracts. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Kerry Blue Terrier dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Kerry Blue Terrier Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed is 12-15 years. Kerry Blue Terrier Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Kerry Blue Terrier names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Felan *** Griffin *** Lyam *** Devlyn *** Malachy *** Tavin *** Finn *** Tyrone *** Gadhra *** Lany. Kerry Blue Terrier Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Kerry Blue Terrier names are Breena *** Graina *** Fallyn *** Dympna *** Eila *** Bree *** Grainne *** Cait *** Darci *** Doon. Fast Facts about the Kerry Blue Terrier: The following facts provide fast information about the Kerry Blue Terrier breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Terrier Dog Group (AKC:1922) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Ireland *** History / Date: 1700's *** Male Kerry Blue Terrier Height: 18? - 20 inches (46 - 51 cm) *** Male Kerry Blue Terrier Weight: 33 - 40 pounds (15 - 18 kg) *** Coat Type: thick, wavy coat *** Litter Size: 4-8 puppies *** Kerry Blue Terrier Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Kerry Blue Terrier Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 