Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is one of Ireland's most distinctive native breeds, originating in County Kerry where it served as a versatile working dog for hunting, herding, guarding, and retrieving from water.
The breed's most striking feature is its soft, dense, wavy coat, which transitions from black in puppyhood to characteristic blue-grey shades in adulthood, a process that can continue until around eighteen months of age.
25-34kg
Weight
Medium
Size
12-15yrs
Lifespan
About the Kerry Blue Terrier
Standing 51–61 centimetres tall and weighing 25–34 kilograms, the Kerry Blue is a medium-sized, well-muscled terrier with a long head, distinctive beard, and proud bearing that reflects its confident nature. The non-shedding coat requires regular brushing and professional trimming every six to eight weeks to maintain its neat appearance. Temperamentally, Kerry Blues are spirited, intelligent, and deeply loyal to their families, displaying the boldness and independence typical of working terriers. They can be dominant with other dogs and possess a strong prey drive, so they benefit from experienced handling and early socialisation. Within the home, they are affectionate and playful, responding well to positive training methods. With exercise needs of up to one hour daily, they make rewarding companions for experienced terrier owners seeking an active and characterful partner with a lifespan of 12–15 years.
Kerry Blue Terrier at a Glance
⚠ Vulnerable Native Breed
The Kerry Blue Terrier is listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed by the Royal Kennel Club, meaning fewer than 300 puppies of this breed are registered each year in the UK. These are British and Irish breeds at risk of disappearing simply because not enough people know they exist. Choosing one of these breeds helps keep an important part of our heritage alive.
- Group
- Terrier
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- No
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Kerry Blue Terrier Lifestyle
The Kerry Blue Terrier is well suited to a smaller house and does well with a modest garden. They are equally happy in town or country.
Dog Food for Kerry Blue Terrier
Top-rated foods for Medium breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Kerry Blue Terrier weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Kerry Blue Terrier Characteristics
The Kerry Blue Terrier thrives with vigorous daily activity and lots of space to burn off energy and is one of the easier breeds to train. They are well known for being gentle and patient with young children, but manage alone time well enough, though they certainly prefer company. The coat isn't too demanding but does need consistent brushing and sheds at a typical rate for the breed type. This is a very clever breed that benefits from puzzle toys and training to keep their mind busy.
Kerry Blue Terrier Pros & Cons
Pros
- Their distinctive wavy blue-grey coat shifts beautifully in colour as the dog matures
- Highly intelligent and responds well to consistent, positive reinforcement training
- Alert and reliable as a watchdog, always attentive without being excessive
- Playful and loyal with older children, a dependable family companion
Cons
- Needs daily vigorous exercise along with mental stimulation to stay well-rounded
- Strong prey drive means secure containment and good recall are essential
- Requires professional grooming every six to eight weeks to keep the coat in shape
- Better suited to experienced owners who are familiar with terrier temperament
