Kerry Blue Terrier

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The Kerry Blue Terrier is a well-built, muscular, medium-sized dog with true terrier style and character.

Born black at birth the coat changes color through one or more transitions. Black to very dark blue (darker than deep slate) shades or tinges of brown to different shades of blue gray.

The correct mature color is from slate blue to light gray. The color should "clear" by the time they are 18 months old. Solid black after the age of 18 months is not permissible in the show ring. Black or dark blue points on the Head, muzzle, feet and tail are permissible at any age. Some adults never lighten properly.

Adults may retain dark points even when the rest of the coat lightens. The long, well-balanced head sports abundant whiskers, beard and eyebrows. In show dogs, the eyebrows reach all the way to the bridge of the nose. The ears are v-shaped and crease above the skull to fall toward the outside corner of the dark, keen eye. The ears are pasted while the puppy is of teething age to create the necessary crease.

The nose is black and the keen eyes are dark. Dewclaws are removed, especially those on the hind legs. The limbs are straight with a powerful bone structure. The tail is docked and carried upright - the straighter the better.

Temperament: Affectionate, Alert, Gentle, Loyal, Strong Willed, Spirited

Health Problems: There are some genetic disorders that are prevalent in the breed. They are prone to eye problems such as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), cataracts, and entropion. They sometimes get cysts or tumorous growths in their skin, but these are rarely malignant. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism have also been reported occasionally.