Kerry Blue Terrier

This stunning blue breed is a native of Ireland, the Emerald Isle; the pups are born black and don't turn blue for nearly 2 years.

History:

The Kerry Blue Terrier or Irish Blue Terrier originated in the mountainous Kerry County of Ireland. They are all-purpose dogs and were used to herd cattle, kill rats, foxes and badgers, as well as retrieve game and serve as a guard dog. This impressive list of skills leaves you in no doubt as to why they are considered the national dog of the Republic of Ireland.

There is a cloud of mystery over the development of the breed, even as to when it first arrived in Ireland. Some say that it is a pure Irish breed, coming from Bedlington Terrier and Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier stock. Others say that it descended from Spanish dogs that reached the Irish coast from shipwrecks in the 1580s.

Physical characteristics:

Height: 17 - 20 in (44 - 51 cm). Weight: 33 - 40 lb (15 - 18 kg). The head of the Kerry Blue Terrier is its most outstanding feature, or rather the coat on the head. The hair on the head is short and smooth, except for a large bushy beard and extremely profuse moustaches. The ears are v-shaped and fall forward onto the cheeks. The coat is very soft, thick and curly, and is an unusual blue-gray color.

The coat on the neck is short, medium on the body and tail, and longer on the legs. These Terriers have a short body compared with their leg length, and a deep well-sprung chest. Their tails are customarily docked to about one third of the natural length, and are carried pointing straight to the sky.

Behavior:

The Kerry Blue Terrier makes a wonderful companion animal. However, this is not a dog for the meek and mild person. It is essential that this charming dog be strictly controlled when it is young. Although the Kerry Blue is happy to be a companion animal, it needs plenty of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. If these dogs are allowed to become bored, they can become destructive. The Kerry Blue is rather a hardy dog and is only subject to the common ailments

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