Kerry Blue Terrier
This traditional working dog from Ireland is incredibly intelligent and extremely loyal to those he loves. An energetic and rare breed makes him perfectly suited to an active household looking for something a little special to join their home.
Kerry Blue Terrier At A Glance
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Temperament | Known for their spirited and outgoing nature, Kerry Blue Terriers exhibit a confident and friendly temperament. They are loyal, intelligent, and often thrive on human companionship. |
| Suitable | Kerry Blue Terriers are well-suited for active families or individuals who can provide them with the mental stimulation and regular exercise they crave. Their adaptable nature makes them suitable for various living environments. |
| Health | While generally a robust breed, Kerry Blue Terriers may be susceptible to certain health issues such as dermatitis, cataracts, and hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and preventive measures can contribute to their overall well-being. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Lumps & Bumps | $2,686.73 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $1,064.39 |
| Fracture or Tissue Damage | $1,267.72 |
| Neoplasia | $4,250.85 |
| Cruciate Disease | $5,681.67 |
| Foreign Body Ingestion | $712.40 |
*Petsure Data 2024
Trainability
This breed loves to work and please, making him prime candidate for a dog obedience partner. However, in saying this, he will require a good strong leader and isn’t suited to the first-time dog owner. This breed thrives on consistent training that is fun and light. Being an independent breed who is highly intelligent can spell disaster for those who do not understand how to handle a smart working breed. They need positive reinforcement and a loving yet sturdy hand. Being a strong athlete, they excel in many dog sports and simply love to flex their muscles. Like with all dogs, early socialisation is a must, as too training. Enrolling in your local puppy-preschool is a great way to start your socialisation off to a safe start. Many owners have stated possible inter-dog aggression issues with this breed, making socialisation incredibly important to ensure you active and happy dog will tolerate other dogs and grow into a well-rounded dog.
Grooming
The Rottweiler is easy to groom but will shed during seasonal changes. Getting into the habit of grooming your pup twice a week will dramatically decrease the amount of hair on your dog and around your home. These dogs don’t typically smell but will benefit from a bath every few months unless they have rolled in something particularly stinky! Start nail clipping early so that your fully grown dog will tolerate his needed monthly nail maintenance.
Protect Your Pet Today
Your pet’s health is priceless. Don’t leave it up to chance.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
Common Health Complaints – Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers are generally a healthy and hardy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Responsible breeding practices, regular veterinary check-ups, and proper care can contribute to the overall well-being of Kerry Blue Terriers. Here are some common health concerns associated with this breed:
- Dermatitis - Kerry Blue Terriers may be prone to skin issues, including dermatitis. This can be caused by allergies, parasites, or environmental factors. Regular grooming, maintaining a clean living environment, and identifying and addressing potential allergens can help prevent and manage dermatitis.
- Cataracts - Cataracts, a clouding of the eye lens, can occur in Kerry Blue Terriers. Regular eye check-ups, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and early detection can contribute to managing cataracts.
- Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition that can affect Kerry Blue Terriers, leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Responsible breeding practices, including hip screenings, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise, can help prevent and manage hip dysplasia.
- Thyroid Issues - Kerry Blue Terriers may be susceptible to thyroid disorders, which can impact metabolism and overall health. Regular thyroid function testing, a balanced diet, and prompt veterinary intervention can help manage thyroid issues.
- Hyperkeratosis - Hyperkeratosis is a condition where the skin on the nose and footpads becomes thickened and dry. Moisturizing the affected areas and ensuring a well-balanced diet with proper nutrients can help manage hyperkeratosis.
- Ear Infections - Due to their drop ears, Kerry Blue Terriers may be prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning, proper grooming, and prompt veterinary attention at the first signs of infection can help prevent and manage ear issues.
- Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) - Similar to hip dysplasia, CHD is a hereditary condition affecting the hip joint's development. Responsible breeding practices, maintaining a healthy weight, and appropriate exercise can help manage CHD.
- Bladder Stones - Kerry Blue Terriers may be predisposed to the formation of bladder stones. Providing a well-balanced diet, ensuring proper hydration, and regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent and manage bladder stones.
Looking to protect your pet? Learn more about our dog insurance for your Kerry Blue Terrier here.
Exercise Requirements
Being an energetic working breed this dog needs to move to stay fit, healthy and more importantly happy. They will need a good amount of exercise each day including a brisk on-leash morning walk, followed by an evening off-leash romp. This of course will depend on your dog’s level of training and socialisation. Remembering that in some instances these dogs do not get along well with other dogs, so ensuring you correctly socialise your pet is vital to help this possibility from occurring.
Intelligence
The Kerry Blue is also highly intelligent making him the perfect working dog. However, this intelligence can get dog owners into trouble if they do not consider the need to not only flex their dog’s muscles but also their brains. Consider clever boredom busting techniques when you are away from the home and always adequately exercise your dog before you leave for a few hours. This may include a good brisk walk or a 15-20min training session. These dogs excel in all forms of dog sports and will certainly turn heads with their abilities and also good looks.
Family Friendly
The Kerry makes a wonderful energetic family companion and will happily get along with children and other pets. However, like with all dogs this will depend on the level of socialisation alongside other pets and children, during puppyhood. If you do not have children but are intending on becoming parents, it is vital you expose your Kerry to lots of young children of all ages during puppyhood. All dogs and children should be actively supervised and young children taught how to correctly interact with a dog. It’s also important to remember that the Kerry has been bred for generations to hunt small game and birds and also kill rodents as well herding requirements. Meaning…he may tolerate the cat but don’t be surprised if he occasionally gives chase. Even with a cat he has grown to love.
Indoor/outdoor?
This breed will need backyard to stretch their legs and run around. Being a terrier, it is important to check fences regularly and even consider concreting under the fence to prevent digging. You will need to enrich your pet’s area to avoid boredom or your precious pup may find some wonderful entertainment in the form of digging, barking or escaping. Like with all dogs, the Kerry is a companion animal and should be invited inside to be a part of the home environment. Leaving any dog for endless hours alone in a backyard is not recommended. Always ensure you have ample water and weatherproof areas for your pet.
Responsible Breeding
It is very important to only source your new Kerry Blue Terrier from a reputable breeder, to ensure you are investing in a healthy puppy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Rottweilers. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
