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The well-dressed Kerry Blue Terrier wears a soft, dense, wavy coat of silvery blue, ranging in shade from deep slate to light blue gray. This all-purpose native of the Emerald Isle hails from County Kerry, a mountainous region where it was used for hunting small game and birds, retrieving from land and water, and even for herding sheep and cattle. Early Kerry Blues were unkempt and rough looking, but since their introduction to the world of British dog shows in 1922, they have been transformed into the most well tailored of terriers. Males average 18 to 19.5 inches at the shoulder; females a half-inch less. Weight ranges from 33 to 40 pounds for males; females weigh proportionately less. At birth the coat is black but clears to gray by the age of 18 months. It takes considerable grooming skill to maintain the breed's sculpted look. The breed is smart, so start training at an early age. Like most terriers, the Kerry enjoys playing with children and is a true-blue watchdog. It has a high energy level and a rollicking, rambunctious temperament, so give it lots of daily outdoor exercise. This is a strong-willed dog that needs an assertive owner who will provide firm leadership.

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