Overview
The Kerry Blue was the Irish farmer's dog that did everything: ratting, herding a few cattle, guarding the yard and occasionally retrieving from water. Puppies are born black and lighten to the distinctive slate blue over their first two years. The coat is soft, dense and does not shed, which means regular clipping.
It is a proper terrier in temperament, with the confidence and drive that implies, wrapped in a body big enough to make it count. Well-raised Kerries are affectionate and steady. Under-socialised ones can be sharp with strange dogs, and that is the main thing a walker has to plan for.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour or a little more each day in two walks suits most adults. They like a brisk pace, a bit of rough ground and something to think about. Fetch, tug and simple scent games all go down well.
A Kerry with too little to do becomes noisy and inventive. Variety matters more than distance, and a dog that has solved a few problems on a walk settles better than one that has only covered ground.
On the walk
- Other dogs: The weak point. Many Kerries will not back down from a challenge and some will issue one. Keep greetings brief and avoid eyeballing on narrow paths.
- Recall: Decent for a terrier when there is a relationship, patchy when there is a squirrel. A long line in open spaces is a fair compromise early on.
- Lead: Confident rather than frantic, with the occasional surge. A harness keeps things comfortable.
- Coat: Picks up burrs and twigs and holds mud. Check the beard and legs before loading the van.
Tips for professional walkers
- Walk alone or with a steady, known dog until you have seen how this one handles other dogs.
- Give the dog a job on the walk, even a few sits and recalls, to keep that busy mind occupied.
- Wipe the beard after drinks and muddy puddles; it stays wet for hours otherwise.
- Watch for stiffness after exercise in older Kerries and mention it to the owner.
What to ask the owner
- How is the dog with other dogs of its own sex, and have there been any incidents?
- When is the next clip, and do you need to keep the coat out of deep mud beforehand?
- Any eye or skin issues the groomer or vet has flagged that affect walks?