Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a relatively rare breed; however, if you see one, they are easily recognizable. These dogs are medium-sized, muscular and have a distinct blue coat with a grey tint. Their coats are soft, dense, and curly and require daily maintenance. These pups must be brushed daily to prevent matting and discomfort. In addition to their distinct coats, the Kerry Blue Terrier has a square-shaped head with long, floppy ears.

This dog breed originated in the early 19th century in County Kerry, Ireland hence their name. Their original purpose was as an all-around working dog - these guys can seriously do it all. The Kerry Blue Terrier was capable of hunting small game, ratting, herding sheep and cattle, and being an excellent watchdog. Their incredible hunting capabilities earned them the nickname ‘Blue Devil,’ we do not doubt that this is how rodents think of them too. Excelling in so many different areas sounds impossible, but these dogs have the perfect traits for a working dog. They are highly intelligent, athletic, have plenty of stamina, have a high prey drive, and are extremely hard workers. Given that these traits are suitable for the field, it is no surprise that not many families are ready to take on the challenge.

While the Kerry Blue Terrier sounds like they can only do well in the field, they are also great family dogs. They become very attached to their families and love them unconditionally. They are loyal and make excellent watchdogs, as they are always on high alert. This dog breed is friendly towards all people, but they have more difficulty when it comes to interacting with other dogs. Especially if they are intact, The Kerry Blue Terrier is known to become territorial and aggressive towards other dogs. This can pose a big challenge for many dog owners when it comes to taking their dog out in public. Tons of socialization as a puppy can potentially curb this behaviour; however, it is important to know about this trait before bringing one of these dogs home.

Like most working dogs, the Kerry Blue Terrier has very high energy levels. They need to run intensively daily; otherwise, they can quickly become destructive in the house and will become especially stubborn. In general, these dogs are most suitable for owners that have a large area on their property where their dog can run freely. Given their rarity, most people will not see one of these dog breeds in real life. However, if you are fortunate enough to meet one, it will be a treat as they are beautiful, unique, and proud-looking dogs with incredible capabilities!