Discover Everything About Kerry Blue Terrier
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Kerry Blue Terrier overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Kerry Blue Terrier is genetically very robust, with hip dysplasia (HD) being the only significant mandatory health test. Since other serious conditions such as degenerative myelopathy or hereditary eye diseases rarely affect this breed, the overall risk is low. Buyers should simply check the HD status of the parent dogs to prevent potential joint issues later on.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
44–49 cm
Weight
13–18 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Curly, medium length, no undercoat
- Origin: Ireland
Typical coat colors
- Any shade from blue to gray
- often with black dots
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Kerry Blue Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Kerry Blue Terrier right for you?
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an intelligent, spirited character—bred as a long-legged terrier and versatile farm dog, expected to handle everything from ratting to guarding the homestead with iron determination.
Perfect for you if:
- You want to incorporate real daily tasks like dog sports or scent games—a long-legged terrier needs a job, otherwise he will find one for himself.
- You are looking for a dog that doesn't shed, but you are prepared to regularly invest time and money into elaborate coat care.
- You lead with confidence, fairness, and a good sense of humor, as blind obedience is completely foreign to this headstrong Irishman.
- You enjoy active, long walks in all kinds of weather and ideally have a securely fenced garden.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that loves every other dog at the park—as a true terrier, he tends to settle disagreements quite physically if provoked.
- You are a beginner dog owner looking for an uncomplicated companion who will easily overlook inconsistencies in training.
- You share your home with cats or small animals and don't want to take any risks—the prey drive for anything that runs is deeply anchored in his DNA.
- You live in a thin-walled apartment and are bothered by alertness, as he will reliably report any unusual noises in the hallway.
The real vibes check
A Kerry Blue Terrier is not a dog that simply walks passively by your side—he is an Irish leprechaun in a blue coat who recognizes your every weakness and charmingly exploits it. You won't get a submissive follower, but a true partner on equal footing who will go through fire with you unconditionally, as long as he understands the purpose behind it.
Breed Profile
The Kerry Blue Terrier, often referred to simply as Kerry, is a medium-sized dog with an expressive head and a slim, muscular build. His eyes are small and dark, his ears are medium-sized and v-shaped, and his nose is always black. This strong and well-built dog is particularly notable for its soft, wavy and dense coat, which can range in color from a deep dark blue to a light silver gray. Coat care for the Kerry Blue Terrier is quite demanding because its dense, curly coat requires regular care to avoid knots and matting. A professional trim is necessary every few months to keep the coat in shape and preserve the characteristic look. However, the breed is hypoallergenic and hardly sheds any hair, which makes it interesting for allergy sufferers. The Kerry Blue Terrier is a dog in FCI Group 3, the terrier group. The breed is not differentiated in performance and show lines, but there are slight differences in appearance between American and European bred Kerry Blues, with the American dogs often being slightly heavier and larger.
| Height | 44 - 48 cm (Female), 45 - 49 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 13 - 16 kg (Female), 15 - 18 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Bright, playful, independent |
| Coat | Curly, medium length, no undercoat |
| Coat Color | Any shade from blue to gray, often with black dots |
| Price | 1800 - 3000 € |
History
The Kerry Blue Terrier, as the name suggests, comes from County Kerry in Ireland. It is an ancient breed that originated in the 18th century and was used as an all-round farm dog in Ireland for centuries. The Kerry Blue Terrier is believed to have originated from a mix of different breeds, including the Irish Wolfhound, the Irish Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. As an all-rounder, the Kerry Blue had to be versatile and robust. It was used for hunting smaller animals such as foxes and otters, for rat control, as a guard dog and even for herding sheep and cattle. His courage, intelligence and strong work ethic made him an indispensable companion for Irish farmers. The breed was not officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club until 1922 and received its first breeding regulations in 1924. After that, the popularity of Kerry increased Blue Terriers are growing rapidly, both in Ireland and internationally. Today the Kerry Blue Terrier is a recognized breed by the F"d"ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and many other major breed associations worldwide.
The Kerry Blue Terrier was used for hunting small animals and as a working dog on farms.
Ireland
1700
Character & Temperament
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an energetic, happy and bright dog with a certain independence. His character is characterized by a mixture of intelligence, playfulness and tenacity. His history as a working dog has made him an extremely capable and adaptable dog who enjoys both physical and mental challenges. In the house he is a pleasant family dog, but he likes to be the center of attention and enjoys the attention of his people. His people-oriented nature makes him a loyal and affectionate companion who seeks and values close contact with his family. He generally gets along well with children and can also get along well with other pets if properly socialized. However, his tolerance towards other dogs, especially of the same gender, is often limited and he can sometimes be territorial. Kerry Blues are generally alert and curious and are therefore often referred to as good watchdogs. However, they are not overly loud dogs and their alert behavior is limited to paying attention and alerting their people rather than aggressive behavior. In terms of temperament, the Kerry Blue Terrier is active but not hyperactive. He needs enough exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. Regular walks, games and training sessions are a must for this breed. However, despite their energy, Kerry Blues are capable of remaining quiet indoors as long as they get enough exercise. The Kerry Blue Terrier has a strong hunting instinct, which comes from its history as a working dog. He can have a tendency to prey on small animals such as birds or squirrels, so it is important that he is well controlled in unfenced areas. However, he can learn to control these urges if properly trained and socialized. One of the things you should keep in mind is that the Kerry Blue Terrier is quite a character in its own right. He is intelligent and capable of learning, but he can also be stubborn and have a mind of his own. A balanced approach to training based on positive reinforcement usually works best with this breed. The ability to stay alone can vary from dog to dog, but in general Kerry Blues should not be left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy the company of their humans and can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone too often or for too long.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Kerry Blue Terrier is also known as the "Irish Blue" is known and only reaches its unique blue coat color at around 18 months of age?
What Awaits You
The Kerry Blue Terrier is considered an independent, alert dog. He is motivated to hunt. He needs active owners with experience and the appropriate education and employment.
Housing & Care
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an active and intelligent dog that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore, he is best cared for in a home where he has enough opportunities to play and run around. He can also be kept in the city as long as he gets regular exercise and enough activity. In relation to other pets and children, the Kerry Blue Terrier shows different behavior. Some Kerry Blues get along well with other dogs and pets, while others tend to exhibit dominant or aggressive behavior. It is therefore important that the dog is well socialized from a young age. Dealing with small children is usually not a problem, although an adult should always be present to monitor interactions.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Usually gets on fine with other dogs. | Generally tolerant |
| City Friendly Adapts well to city living and urban environments. | Well-suited to city life |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Raising the Kerry Blue Terrier can be challenging as he has an independent and sometimes stubborn personality. However, he is very trainable and intelligent, and with the right approach and a lot of patience he can learn many different commands and tricks. When it comes to training, it is important to remember that the Kerry Blue Terrier is an active and energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore, it can be useful to train him in various dog sports such as agility or obedience. This not only helps meet his energy needs, but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Despite his activity, the Kerry Blue Terrier is not prone to being a "ball junkie." to become. Nevertheless, it is important that he finds a healthy balance between play and rest. Too much play and stimulation can lead to stress and unwanted behavior, so it is important that the dog also learns to respect rest periods.
Nutrition & Care
The Kerry Blue Terrier's diet should be balanced and varied. You should get high-quality dog food that contains all the necessary nutrients. The energy content of the food should be adapted to the dog's activity level. Caring for the Kerry Blue Terrier is a little more complex than many other breeds. Its fur is soft and wavy and tends to become matted if not treated regularly is brushed moderately. It is recommended to brush the dog about once a week to avoid mats and keep the coat clean and healthy. The Kerry Blue Terrier sheds little and has no undercoat. Therefore, it usually copes well with the climate in Germany, but it should be protected accordingly in extremely cold weather.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Kerry Blue Terrier is genetically very robust, with hip dysplasia (HD) being the only significant mandatory health test. Since other serious conditions such as degenerative myelopathy or hereditary eye diseases rarely affect this breed, the overall risk is low. Buyers should simply check the HD status of the parent dogs to prevent potential joint issues later on.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
Inform your vet early about potential blood clotting disorders before any surgeries and ensure joint-friendly exercise so that your terrier stays fit for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips and eyes of the parent animals checked and use specific tests to minimize the risks of neurological conditions and blood clotting disorders in the lineage.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Kerry Blue Terrier
Betty S., Halterin aus Baden-Württemberg (Hündin, 1999–2011)
Meine Kerry-Hündin war mein absoluter Traumhund – ein echter Gute-Laune-Hund, der für jeden Spaß zu haben war. Wir waren im Hundesport unglaublich aktiv, haben Agility und Flyball gemacht und an Spaß-Turnieren teilgenommen. Wo Action war, waren wir dabei. Das Tolle war aber, dass sie im Haus auch völlig abschalten konnte. Sie konnte problemlos mehrere Tage mit mir auf der Couch rumgammeln, ohne unruhig zu werden oder Beschäftigung einzufordern.
Der Freilauf war bei uns überhaupt kein Problem, da der Rückruf super saß und ihr Jagdtrieb nur mäßig ausgeprägt war. Mit etwas vorausschauendem Blick hatte ich das super im Griff. Auch mit anderen Hunden gab es im Alltag nie Probleme.
Die einzige wirkliche Herausforderung war ihre Bellfreudigkeit. Gerade beim Hundesport auf dem Platz war sie oft extrem aufgeregt, ungeduldig und hat sich regelrecht ins Bellen reingesteigert. Da fehlte mir damals einfach die Erfahrung, um das von Anfang an richtig zu lenken.
Anonym, Halterin aus einem Hundeforum (Hündin, seit 2015)
Bevor ich mir meine Hündin geholt habe, hatte ich oft gehört, dass Kerry Blue Terrier – besonders die Rüden im Erwachsenenalter – extrem unverträglich sein sollen und quasi alles attackieren, was ihnen vor die Nase kommt. Ich kann das von meiner Hündin überhaupt nicht behaupten. Wir hatten bei Begegnungen mit anderen Hunden, egal ob Rüden oder Hündinnen, nie Probleme.
Sie ist im Alltag tiefenentspannt und ignoriert pöbelnde oder stänkernde Artgenossen einfach. Sie geht souverän vorbei und lässt sich nicht provozieren. Allerdings ist sie kein Hund, der sich alles gefallen lässt: Wenn sie tatsächlich mal von einem anderen Hund attackiert wird, wehrt sie sich natürlich.
Man muss sich einfach bewusst sein, dass man hier einen echten Terrier mit Charakter an der Leine hat. Mit der richtigen Führung und Sozialisierung sind sie aber wunderbare, alltagstaugliche Begleiter.
Melanie S., Halterin aus Niedersachsen (Rüde, Welpe 2010)
Wir stecken mit unserem 5 Monate alten Kerry-Rüden mitten in einer ziemlich anstrengenden Phase. Die Spaziergänge machen im Moment leider wenig Spaß, weil er jeden Hund schon aus weiter Entfernung wie verrückt anbellt. Er will dann unbedingt hin und spielen, steigert sich komplett rein und ist überhaupt nicht mehr ansprechbar.
In diesen Momenten nützt auch das beste Leckerli nichts – er ignoriert Futter komplett, wenn er einen anderen Hund sieht. Wir versuchen konsequent zu bleiben und lassen ihn in solchen Situationen natürlich nicht zum anderen Hund hin, aber es zerrt extrem an den Nerven.
Im Urlaub am Hundestrand war es anfangs der absolute Horror, auch wenn er nach ein paar Tagen dort etwas ruhiger wurde. Wieder zu Hause geht das Theater beim Gassigehen aber direkt weiter. Es zeigt mir einfach, wie viel Geduld und konsequente Erziehung diese Rasse fordert.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Kerry Blue Terrier
Is a Kerry Blue Terrier the right dog for me?
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Kerry Blue Terrier live?
The average life expectancy of a Kerry Blue Terrier is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Kerry Blue Terrier need?
Kerry Blue Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Kerry Blue Terrier good for families with children?
The Kerry Blue Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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