Appearance

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium sized dog with a stocky and robust, angular build. The body has a short and straight back, deep chest, strong bones and muscular, well balanced limbs, with an upright tail that is normally docked. The head is long with small erect ears, dark beady eyes, and distinctive whiskers, beard and eyebrows. The soft coat is abundant and wavy, and the colouring tends to be black at birth but then eventually fades to grey.

History

Named after Ireland’s County Kerry region, the Kerry Blue Terrier was originally developed to hunt and retrieve small game across British fields, lakes and streams. Kerry Blue Terriers served as tireless working dogs for centuries, herding sheep and cattle, but they eventually hit to dog show circuit once English breeders realized the handsome potential of a groomed Kerry Blue.