Kerry Blue Terrier - breed description and dog character

Kerry Blue Terrier is considered an Irish hunting dog. It is said that this breed has existed for only 150 years, but the people of Ireland themselves do not agree with this, because these beautiful animals have been living on their territory for a very long time.

The progenitor of this species is the English terrier with a black and tan color, which was knitted with an Irish wolfhound. But, besides them, the Bedlington with wheat terriers participated in the creation of the breed. Mixing so many bloods in one breed allowed to get a dog that is good at everything. It can be used by both the watchman and the hunter, and the dog very cleverly catches rats in the house. And they swim very well, which allows them to be used to catch otters. Blue terriers today are used not only as pets, but also as police assistants.

History of breed origin

This dog is considered a symbol of Ireland, as it came from here. The name comes from the county of the same name, which was located on a mountain, and where the first puppies of a gray-blue color appeared.

Regarding the origin of the breed, the opinions of experts are divided. Some of them consider the ancestor of Kerry the so-called aquatic Portuguese dog. This version has the right to exist, because the hair of this dog is quite thick and wavy, which makes it similar to the blue terrier. But, and other adherents believe that the ancestor of this dog was a wheat terrier. This version is confirmed by the fact that this breed also occurred in Ireland.

There is also a version that to breed this breed of black terriers, they were knitted with Spanish blue dogs, the appearance of which, unfortunately, became extinct. There is another version, adherents of which believe that Kerry received from crossing the Fox Terrier of wire-haired with Bedlington. Due to the fact that the last representative has a hairy face, experts do not recline this version.

The breed standards for this type of dog were described only after the First World War. It was then that Kerry enjoyed great success. In 1922, clubs for lovers of these dogs began to open actively, and exhibitions and competitions were held with their participation. And in 1928, at one of the exhibitions, this unusual dog received a special title, which called it an almost perfect dog. And after that, the blue terrier became a very popular animal not only in its own country, but also far beyond its borders.

External characteristics

The Blue Terrier is considered not a very big dog. He is classified as a medium sized pet. He is distinguished by his muscularity and direct posture and limbs. Kerry in its composition is very similar to a smooth-haired fox-terrier, but its main difference is considered to be wool.

Blue terriers have their own standards that distinguish them from other animals, and to which they must comply. Especially when it comes to dogs that take part in exhibitions:

• the head has a slightly elongated shape, the transition from the muzzle to the forehead is not at all noticeable;
• ears are close, have a triangular shape, with the ends down;
• the dog’s eyes are very dark, almost black, and the eyes of Kerry express wariness;
• wide nose with large nostrils;
• despite the narrow muzzle, the jaws of this dog are quite strong;
• dogs have a medium-long tail, high;
• the dog’s coat is very soft and wavy in appearance.

It is worth noting that Kerry with black wool is born, but by the age of two they acquire a color from silver to steel, with a slightly bluish tint. But it happens that the color does not acquire the desired color, and then the animal is not allowed to exhibit.

Regarding the tail, many owners stop it, but in European countries this is not a legal action.

Blue Terrier Character

These animals are quite friendly and curious. From a very young age, they manifest themselves as playful and active pets.

Kerry behave differently. They may be quiet, or they may make some noise. But these dogs have characteristic features in their behavior.

1. Blue terriers are considered quite friendly dogs, not only in relation to family members, but also to other people. Kerry also treats children well, but it is worth noting that they can not stand the pulling of the tail or ears, and can show their grin.
2. Like other sociable dogs, these are also not ready for loneliness, and do not tolerate time when they have to be alone.
3. Loyal to Kerry, basically, only to her master, but by communication he does not deprive a single member of the family.
4. Breeders celebrate the inborn pride of the dog. Due to the fact that this dog is of "blue" blood, it is difficult for her to endure cries and indecent attitude towards her person.

In order for Kerry not to show their aggression towards people and animals, it is necessary to take care of their socialization from an early age.

Breed application

This representative of the breed will become a faithful and loyal friend to a person for life, despite his sometimes explosive character. These dogs are great for guarding something. As noted above, Kerries have previously shown themselves to be hunters, so taking them with you on a hunt is a good idea.

Due to the structural features of their heads, they will be able to climb into a narrow hole. They will be useful when hunting small predators, as well as rodents and rabbits.

These dogs love nature, so you should often take them with you to the country or just for a picnic. There are fears that the animal’s coat may go astray, but to prevent this from happening, it is necessary to periodically cut the kerry.

If we talk about walking a pet in general, then it is worth learning a few rules:

1. It is not worth it to remove the leash from the dog, because then it will be difficult to catch the blue terrier until it only gets tired. The collar in this case is better not to use, but to purchase a harness because it will be much more convenient with it.
2. If the animal lives in its own house, then you should worry about strengthening the fence and increasing its height, because a frisky and active dog will want to get out.
3. If the pet feels any danger, he immediately begins to bark. But, as you know, not all neighbors like barking, so you need to know how to calm your own dog in time.

Fact! Representatives of this breed can even be brought to people suffering from allergies, because these pets almost do not fade, and they have no characteristic smell.

Animal care

In order to avoid problems with caring for a dog over time, it is worth accustoming him to this from a very young age. He must be accustomed to being calm while he is being cut and combed. If we talk about the nursery, then such procedures are carried out there periodically. But, besides this, they take care of the eyes and ears of the animal, and give practical advice to the future owners of the puppies.

Representatives of the blue terrier need everyday care with regards to rubbing the eyes. All this is because the discharge is collected in them.

The fur coat of the dog is covered with a special protective substance, so for bathing you need to use special products purchased at the pet store.

If the dog occasionally participates in exhibitions, then it is better not to engage in a haircut, unless there is the necessary knowledge and skills in this. It is better if a specialist deals with this matter, because the beauty of the pet and the opportunity to win will depend on the quality of the work performed.

Every time after a walk you need to inspect the wool of your blue terrier, because debris, insects or even ticks can get into its thick cover.

Haircut and combing

Starting from the youngest age, terriers need to be cut and combed, especially if the pet will continue to participate in contests. Grooming for dogs can be done daily. For this procedure, use sharp scissors and a typewriter.

Of course, before cutting, the dog’s coat must be washed and dried. Just before the procedure, you need to comb it well.

If the master performs the haircut, then with the help of this procedure he will be able to hide certain flaws of the Kerry figure and emphasize the advantages of the animal breed. After grooming, there should be no obvious transitions on the dog’s body. All parts of the body should have the same length of hair.

In order to care for a blue-terrier coat, it is necessary to have a comb with rare teeth and the second - with specially bent, preferably metal teeth. But also for this the host will need a furminator.

In kennels, they must strictly follow all the rules of care, because its cost depends on the quality of the procedures performed and the general grooming of the dog. A dog of this breed needs to be cut at least once every 3 months, and its hair should be combed at least three times a week.

If a pet is scheduled to exhibit, then it must be trimmed. This must be done at least half a month before the event, so that the wool can acquire a length of 5 cm.

Nutrition

Before acquiring a blue terrier, you need to find out all the information about him. An important part of this is all the nutritional features. Of course, you can give preference to dry food, but in this case it must be of high quality. And, accordingly, its cost is rather big.

From feeding poor-quality food, a pet can have problems with the digestive system, and an allergic reaction can also occur. If a pet eats food, then it should always have fresh water in a bowl. If there is no way to feed expensive high-quality food, then it is better to give preference to natural nutrition.

Kerry should eat at least 300 grams of lean meat daily. It can be either chicken breast or beef. The number of grams also depends on the age of the dog. Here are recommendations for an adult, active terrier.

With meat, you can give rice and buckwheat porridge, preferably well boiled. Cereals can be mixed with vegetables and added meat. Vegetables can and should be eaten raw. The exception is white cabbage and legumes. When giving raw vegetables, they need to be seasoned with a small amount of vegetable oil.

Do not forget about fermented milk products. This refers to cottage cheese, the presence of calcium in which has a positive effect on the condition of the bones of the animal.

With regards to different vitamins and mineral complexes - it is better to consult a veterinarian who will tell you when and how much they need to be given.

Puppies of the blue terrier must be fed 4 times a day. And when they are 3 or 4 months old, you can move on to three meals a day. Mature individuals can be taught to eat twice a day.

Health

Pets of this breed are distinguished by their excellent health. Even Kerry puppies do not get sick at all. They are always very active and prefer to frolic. The only way to get the disease is improper care for the animal.Such dogs can get cataracts and a dislocation of the patella. They may also develop a cancerous tumor.

For the prevention of diseases, it is necessary according to the schedule to drive the dog for vaccinations, which will relieve him of possible ailments. Before you get vaccinated, the pet must definitely have antihelminthic prophylaxis. The only thing is that when a puppy begins to grow milk teeth, it is not worthwhile to carry out any procedures with it.

As noted above, ears and eyes require special care. The ears of the pet must be cleaned with cotton buds so that there is no infection. It is also necessary to cut the hair from the inside.

Knitting blue terrier

At this time, you need to be vigilant about your own dog, and do not let it out alone or without a leash. An early unplanned pregnancy of a female can lead to the fact that puppies will be born very weak and will not meet the breed standards if the male was not purebred.

It is only necessary to bring your dog with the same representatives in order to avoid health problems and the fate of future puppies.

Where to buy a puppy and its cost

You can buy a blue breed puppy in a specialized nursery or at the breeder. Of course, it is better to give preference to buying an animal from the nursery, where he was properly looked after and did all the necessary procedures in a timely manner. In addition, there you can buy a puppy with a pedigree and documents.

The cost of such a baby depends on its future destination. If Kerry is chosen as a companion and family member, then its price starts at $ 270. And if the future owner aims to buy a future champion from titled parents, then he will cost him in the amount of $ 400.

Video: Kerry Blue Terrier dog breed