KERRY BLUE TERRIER
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Personality
You don’t think any dog can smile .. laugh? Just watch a Kerry Blue Terrier for a few minutes – he is a born clown – and he’s got the Irish sense of humour that poets write about. A sense of curiosity? Well, he has one, he wants to know what you are doing every minute – and why.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
The Kerry makes an ideal house pet. He is not a bundle of nerves as are some terriers. A natural hunter, a born retriever and a fine herd dog…. He has been used for these purposes in the old country. His coat never sheds hair to get all over your clothes, Rugs or furniture .. and he has no “doggy” odour. Believe it or not; it’s true. So add these items to the credit side of his ledger. The best home is one that is tolerant of a very busy dog. Kerrys are people dogs. They love to be part of a family and have a strong affinity With children. They are lively and active when the occasion demands, but are just as happy lounging in front of the fire or upside down on the settee.
Where do I get my pup from?
There are few breeders in South Africa. KUSA can help find a breeder or any of the Terrier Clubs know of breeders. Wait for that special puppy.
Which other breeds are most compatible?
As Kerrys are very robust for their size almost any other breed of a similar size or larger - preferably not with smaller breeds. They would prefer one who would be busy along with them.
You don’t think any dog can smile .. laugh? Just watch a Kerry Blue Terrier for a few minutes – he is a born clown – and he’s got the Irish sense of humour that poets write about. A sense of curiosity? Well, he has one, he wants to know what you are doing every minute – and why.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
The Kerry makes an ideal house pet. He is not a bundle of nerves as are some terriers. A natural hunter, a born retriever and a fine herd dog…. He has been used for these purposes in the old country. His coat never sheds hair to get all over your clothes, Rugs or furniture .. and he has no “doggy” odour. Believe it or not; it’s true. So add these items to the credit side of his ledger. The best home is one that is tolerant of a very busy dog. Kerrys are people dogs. They love to be part of a family and have a strong affinity With children. They are lively and active when the occasion demands, but are just as happy lounging in front of the fire or upside down on the settee.
Where do I get my pup from?
There are few breeders in South Africa. KUSA can help find a breeder or any of the Terrier Clubs know of breeders. Wait for that special puppy.
Which other breeds are most compatible?
As Kerrys are very robust for their size almost any other breed of a similar size or larger - preferably not with smaller breeds. They would prefer one who would be busy along with them.
Do they get on well with other animals?
They are quite alright with cats if introduced when a puppy. As they still have instinct to herd, a bunch of ducks may be herded.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Yes if age between are spaced about 2 years apart. One must be top dog.
Training requirements and grooming.
Puppy socialising is a must. Kerrys are very intelligent and quick to learn.
Kerrys need to be groomed by the breeder at 8 or so weeks and by 16 weeks should be going to a grooming parlour on a regular basis. They should be groomed at a parlour no later than 4 months. A puppy is not so easily frightened by the event of going to a parlour as an older dog may be. Every owner should be in a position to bath and brush the coat on a regular basis.
Health concerns
Kerrys are generally very healthy dogs. They have no exaggerations and if you shaved all their hair off you would see a very square and plain structure. Unlike some dogs that have legs too long or too short, heads that are squashed in or pulled out they are very basic. Their beauty lies in their coat and personality. They do occasionally have cysts in their skin, but it is not a real problem. Cancer of various types affect Kerrys, just the same as any other breed. Hair in ears need taking care of and eyes too sometimes.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy - 14 years and even 18 have been known
Kerrys have a remarkable long active life. A Kerry Blue remains playful and a real companion years longer than most breeds. Those who know from experience how attached one becomes to a good dog will realise how important a characteristic this is.
Do’s and Don’ts of this breed
They have been given a bad reputation in the past of being terrible fighters. Yes they are quite formidable if provoked. The answer is early socialisation with as many different situations and other breeds as possible. It is said they are more assertive than aggressive. The other side to this wonderful breed is their love of their family and in many instances quite protective of their humans. They are never stubborn like some of the other terriers, but would rather please their humans. There are far more Do’s with this breed than Dont’s.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Yes if age between are spaced about 2 years apart. One must be top dog.
Training requirements and grooming.
Puppy socialising is a must. Kerrys are very intelligent and quick to learn.
Kerrys need to be groomed by the breeder at 8 or so weeks and by 16 weeks should be going to a grooming parlour on a regular basis. They should be groomed at a parlour no later than 4 months. A puppy is not so easily frightened by the event of going to a parlour as an older dog may be. Every owner should be in a position to bath and brush the coat on a regular basis.
Health concerns
Kerrys are generally very healthy dogs. They have no exaggerations and if you shaved all their hair off you would see a very square and plain structure. Unlike some dogs that have legs too long or too short, heads that are squashed in or pulled out they are very basic. Their beauty lies in their coat and personality. They do occasionally have cysts in their skin, but it is not a real problem. Cancer of various types affect Kerrys, just the same as any other breed. Hair in ears need taking care of and eyes too sometimes.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy - 14 years and even 18 have been known
Kerrys have a remarkable long active life. A Kerry Blue remains playful and a real companion years longer than most breeds. Those who know from experience how attached one becomes to a good dog will realise how important a characteristic this is.
Do’s and Don’ts of this breed
They have been given a bad reputation in the past of being terrible fighters. Yes they are quite formidable if provoked. The answer is early socialisation with as many different situations and other breeds as possible. It is said they are more assertive than aggressive. The other side to this wonderful breed is their love of their family and in many instances quite protective of their humans. They are never stubborn like some of the other terriers, but would rather please their humans. There are far more Do’s with this breed than Dont’s.
