Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is Ireland's national dog and one of the most versatile terrier breeds in existence — used historically for hunting otter, badger, fox, and hare; herding sheep and cattle; retrieving from water; guarding the farm; and killing vermin.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Ireland
Lifespan
12–15 years
Weight
15–18 kg (33–40 lbs)
Height
44–51 cm (17.5–20 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — quality medium breed kibble
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Kerry Blue Terrier is Ireland's national dog and one of the most versatile terrier breeds in existence — used historically for hunting otter, badger, fox, and hare; herding sheep and cattle; retrieving from water; guarding the farm; and killing vermin. The iconic steel-blue coat is unique among dog breeds and develops gradually from the black puppy coat over 18 months to 2 years. Michael Collins, the Irish revolutionary leader, championed the Kerry Blue as a symbol of Irish independence, and the breed was exhibited at the first dog show held in the newly independent Irish Free State in 1922.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Kerry Blue Terrier's most distinctive feature is its soft, dense, wavy coat in any shade of blue-grey — from deep slate to light silver-blue. The coat is single-layered (no undercoat) and non-shedding. Puppies are born black; the blue develops between 9 months and 18 months, with the process sometimes taking up to two years. The head is long and lean with a full beard. The body is compact and athletic.
Grooming
High
Shedding
None
Brushing
3-4x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-3-4-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Kerries are spirited, loyal, and headstrong — they combine the working terrier's independence and tenacity with a genuine affection for their family. They are adaptable and respond well to training with positive methods, though their independent streak means compliance is never guaranteed. Their dog-aggression inheritance from terrier fighting heritage means same-sex dog interactions require management.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
4/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
aggression towards other dogs, barking, destructive behaviour, guarding
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Daily vigorous exercise of 45–60 minutes. The soft non-shedding coat requires professional grooming every 6–8 weeks and brushing 3–4 times weekly to prevent matting. The coat is scissored, not stripped. Dental care important.
Nutrition Notes
Skin cysts/tumours more common than most breeds — anti-inflammatory diet may help. Eye problems. Moderate to high calorie needs for an active terrier.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). Entropion. Skin tumours. Hip dysplasia. Hypothyroidism. Born black — coat gradually turns blue-grey by age 2 (colour change is unique). Ireland's national terrier. Michael Collins owned one. Professional grooming intensive. 12-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1000 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
700 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Cerebellar abiotrophy (a progressive neurological condition) is documented in Kerry Blues. Hip dysplasia occasionally occurs. Hypothyroidism is seen. Eye conditions including entropion occur. Blood clotting disorders have been reported.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Born black, turns blue-grey by age 2. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. India: rare.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
Michael Collins, the Irish revolutionary leader, was such a passionate advocate of the Kerry Blue Terrier that he proposed making it the national dog of Ireland — a proposal that succeeded, making the Kerry Blue one of very few breeds whose national status was championed by a head of state.
The Kerry Blue Terrier's coat colour development is unique — puppies are born completely black, with the blue developing gradually through kittenhood and adolescence, a colour change that continues until approximately 18 months of age.
Kerry Blues were used as official police and military dogs in Ireland after independence — their versatility and Irish heritage made them natural choices for the new Irish state's institutions.
