Kerry Blue Terrier — size comparison

The Kerry Blue Terrier has a strong, shapely outline and a soft, wavy coat. Longer muzzle hair forms a pronounced beard, and small ears fold forwards. Its puppy coat gradually lightens into characteristic steel-blue shades. Unlike many terriers, its hair feels soft, without a harsh, wiry texture.

It descends from Irish farm dogs used for duties including rodent control and everyday assistance. Its early ancestry is poorly documented; descriptions of similar-looking dogs appear in the nineteenth century. Later breeding established the bluish coat and recognisable head type. Its working roots survive in agility, alertness and persistent interest in its surroundings.

The Kerry is usually lively, confident and deeply engaged with household members. It enjoys play and quickly learns new tasks but can also firmly insist on its own ideas. It may be more assertive with other dogs than with people. Its expressiveness is clear in movement and facial expression: it watches attentively, quickly becomes animated and rarely ignores an interesting stimulus.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec FCI
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia