Kerry Blue Terrier

A Kerry Blue Terrier’s coat maintenance is high compared to other breeds, which means a potential Kerry parent will need to set aside some time every week to brush and comb their fur well to prevent mats and tangles from forming.

The best tools for Kerry Blue grooming include a comb and slicker brush for removing loose hair and scissors or electric clippers for trimming the head, neck, ears and belly fur. You can also give your Kerry’s beard a haircut if you like (overly long whiskers get wet and splatter when Kerries drink).

Your best bet? Visit an experienced groomer for some clipping tips before you start to trim. And get a complete professional grooming every six to eight weeks.

A monthly bath is a good goal for your Kerry, as is a weekly nail trim and a twice-monthly ear cleaning. You can ask your vet for help with these tasks, including which cleansers work best. Fortunately, Kerry Blue Terrier shedding is extremely low, so clean-up around the house should be minimal.

Don’t forget your Kerry’s pearly whites! Brush your dog’s teeth every day using a toothpaste made for dogs. Schedule your Kerry Blue Terrier puppy for professional teeth cleaning by the vet every year. Again, your pet’s vet can give you brushing pointers so you can keep those canines plaque-free.

When you start to train your pup, you’ll appreciate the Kerry Blue Terrier’s innate intelligence. Kerries are smart dogs and love to engage with their family, whether competing in a race, sitting for a treat, or following other obedience commands. Still, take note of the headstrong nature that’s a key Kerry Blue Terrier trait. The same toughness that enables terriers to track and hunt vermin can also make them somewhat stubborn during training. But you’re headstrong, too, right? So it’s all good. That’s why you two will get along.

A good Kerry strategy is to keep your training methods positive and consistent. Consider a puppy training class with a canine expert with deep terrier breed knowledge. Training young in puppyhood is also essential as Kerry Blue Terrier puppies need proper socialization to adjust to family life at home. Take your pup on walks to meet new dogs and other people and enroll in puppy school, where they’ll learn to play nicely with other puppies and meet other pet parents in one location.

Determining your Kerry Blue Terrier’s food needs is easy if you stick to high-quality commercial dog food and remember to factor in your dog’s age. Read food labels carefully, so you pick the one that fits the correct stage in life (puppy, adult, senior).

Ask your vet about a feeding chart if you have questions or concerns about your dog’s diet. A clear plan can indicate how much food to serve and how often.

As for treats, every pet parent loves to give them, and offering tasty nuggets is an important training enhancement. Still, don’t lavish your Kerry with too many, as this practice can lead to excessive weight gain. Lastly, water is important for good health, so always keep a bowl of fresh H2O on hand for your pet.

The Kerry Blue Terrier exercise needs are on the high side, so plan on taking your pet outside for at least two walks a day for 30 minutes each—and possibly a third if you’re an apartment dweller without a yard out back for your dog to romp in. Because the Kerry Blue Terrier’s energy level is also high, one daily outing should consist of active exercise such as playing fetch, jogging in the park or chasing the pet parent around in a circle. Hope you don’t get dizzy much!

As a former working animal, the Kerry Blue Terrier’s speed is innate, making the breed a good candidate for a canine agility course, scent games (hide a toy with a treat tucked inside!) or even dock diving if you have access to a lake, pond or pool. Multi-sport days may be in order to keep these Kerry Blue Terrier types thoroughly entertained.

A Kerry Blue Terrier’s qualities thrive in a home with active, exercise-loving pet parents who are willing to put up with some strong-willed behavior as they work to train. Combining a Kerry Blue Terrier dog with kids goes well if early socialization and obedience lessons are also in place, but this terrier might not be as accepting of other canines and cats as they are of children (thanks to their history as hunters). So, if you plan to have more than one pup in your home or love to foster kittens, skip over the Kerry in favor of another breed.

Outdoor space is a major bonus when considering adding the Kerry Blue into your life, partly because it’s easier for this animal to get the exercise they need right out the back door. But if you live in an apartment or small home with a little grass to play on, you can still keep this dog happy with an extra walk a day or by engaging in some fun doggie training exercises.
Kerries do best with experienced pet parents since terriers aren’t typically super easy to teach to sit and heel. But if you’re terrier-savvy and know what to expect, a Kerry might suit you and your living situation.