Pet Wiki

Kerry Blue Terrier

Also called Irish Blue Terrier, Kerry

An animated, alert and adaptable dog that combines a stylish look with a bold, feisty terrier spirit.

SizeMedium
Weight10 to 18 kg (22 to 40 lb)males 12 to 18 kg, females 10 to 16 kg12
Height44 to 49.5 cm (17 to 19 in)males 46 to 49.5 cm, females 44 to 48.5 cm12
Lifespan10 to 12.4 years31
CoatSoft, dense, wavy single coat
OriginIreland, County Kerry.451
GroupTerriers (FCI group 3)
Recognised breedShort profile
alert, adaptable watchdog
lively family companion
spirited terrier character
53

Personality what they are like

An animated, alert and adaptable dog that combines a stylish look with a bold, feisty terrier spirit. It makes a keen watchdog and a fun, engaged companion for an active family.53

Coat and looks how to spot one

soft, dense, wavy single coat

A strong, well-balanced terrier with a soft, silky, wavy coat that is usually trimmed to show off its outline, including a neat beard and fall over the eyes.231

Coloursany shade of blue-grey or grey-blue, from deep slate to light blue-greyblack points allowedpuppies are born black and clear to blue231

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Kerry Blue Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Up to about an hour of exercise a day, plus games that use its brain.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush about once a week; the coat does not shed much, so regular professional trimming keeps its shape.3

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to town or country homes as long as it gets daily walks and play; a secure garden helps.53

Company who they like around

A devoted family dog that likes to be involved in daily life; early socialisation helps it mix well with other dogs.53

The story where it all began

The Kerry Blue developed as an all-round farm dog in County Kerry, hunting vermin, going after otters in rivers and even herding. It was first shown in 1913 as the Irish Terrier (Blue), took the name Kerry Blue Terrier at a Killarney show in 1916 and was recognised by The Kennel Club in 1922.315

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Kerry Blue puppies are born black and gradually 'clear' to blue by about 18 months of age.3

  2. 2

    Irish leader Michael Collins owned a Kerry Blue named Convict 224 and hoped to make it Ireland's national dog.1

  3. 3

    A Kerry Blue won Best in Show at Crufts in 2000.1

  4. 4

    The first show of the Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club led directly to the founding of the Irish Kennel Club.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named for County Kerry in Ireland, where it originated, and for its blue-gray coat.6

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

FinnSaoirseCúánBlueAislingRustyBradyKerryShamrockPaddyCloverMurphy

A day in the life told by a Kerry Blue Terrier

This morning, I woke up to the smell of dew on the grass and immediately dashed to the window to bark at a cheeky squirrel. After a quick patrol of the garden, I helped my human find a missing sock (I knew where it was all along). Then we played a brilliant game of fetch with a squeaky ball, and I used my clever nose to find the treat hidden in the living room. In the afternoon, I curled up on the sofa, keeping one eye on the postman. The best part was the evening walk, where I met my friend, a spotted spaniel, and we chased shadows together. A perfect, busy day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 3, Group 3 Terriers, Section 1 large and medium-sized terriers; accepted 4 February 1963; standard dated 5 November 2005.4
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group; recognised in 1922; listed as a vulnerable native breed.3
AKC
Terrier Group; current standard approved 10 October 2005, effective 1 January 2006.2
Irish Kennel Club
Breed standard held in Ireland; the first show of the Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club led to the founding of the Irish Kennel Club.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Kerry Blue Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Kerry Blue Terrier at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. The exact times can fit your routine, but consistency helps. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.8

What should a Kerry Blue Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for specific dietary advice.9

How often should I bathe a Kerry Blue Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least every three months. Adjust based on how dirty your dog gets.10 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Kerry Blue Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Kerry Blue Terrier about once a week to keep its soft, wavy coat tidy. Since it doesn't shed much, weekly brushing is usually enough.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Kerry Blue Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 4 weeks. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask a vet or groomer.10 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Kerry Blue Terrier need?

Your Kerry Blue Terrier needs up to about an hour of exercise daily, plus games that challenge its mind. Daily walks and playtime will keep it happy and healthy.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Kerry Blue Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for dirt or redness. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki suggests daily brushing and a fortnightly ear check.10 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Kerry Blue Terrier live?

A Kerry Blue Terrier typically lives between 10 and 12.4 years, with proper care and regular vet visits.31

Is a Kerry Blue Terrier good with children and other pets?

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a devoted family dog that can be good with children when raised together, but its feisty terrier nature means early socialisation is important. It generally gets along with other dogs if introduced properly, but supervision is advised.53

Can a Kerry Blue Terrier be left alone?

Kerry Blue Terriers are devoted and like to be part of family life, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. It varies by individual; ask a good breeder or your vet for advice on your dog's needs.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Kerry Blue Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, size, lifespan, history, fun facts
  2. AKC Kerry Blue Terrier breed standard images.akc.orgused for size, coat, colour
  3. The Royal Kennel Club: Kerry Blue Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, history, colours
  4. FCI nomenclature: Kerry Blue Terrier (3) fci.beused for recognition
  5. AKC Kerry Blue Terrier breed page akc.orgused for temperament, origin
  6. britannica.com britannica.com
  7. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  8. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  10. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.