Kerry Blue Terrier
凱利藍㹴
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Kerry Blue Terrier is one of the largest terriers, an all-purpose Irish farm dog famous for a soft, wavy coat that is born black and clears to blue-grey by about 18 months. Intensely intelligent and quick to learn — and just as quick to try to outwit you — it is an alert, animated watchdog that wants to be in on whatever its people are doing, but it can be feisty with other dogs and has a high prey drive. The non-shedding coat needs weekly combing and a full groom every six to eight weeks.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 44–50cm |
| Weight | 15–18kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: terrier FCI: 3 |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Medium coat |
| Shedding | 1/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 4/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 2/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Behaviour
Smart enough to outwit you
The CKC calls the Kerry intensely intelligent — quick to learn and just as quick to try to outwit you; it enjoys human company but some are a bit feisty with other dogs and it can have a high prey drive. A true terrier, it thrives on activity, likes to be kept busy and appreciates lots of outdoor time.
Two speeds: play hard, then sit by you
The AKC says Kerries have two speeds — outdoor play, fetch or jogging, then one-on-one time beside their owner in front of the TV; most simply want to be with their people, whatever the activity. It recommends socialisation, a first obedience class with an instructor who knows terriers, and regular outings — though not to dog parks.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Kerry Blue Terrier
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Kerry Blue Terrier (Terriers)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Kerry Blue Terrier
Breed characteristics (size medium, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 10 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Kerry Blue Terrier (standard no. 3, group 3)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Kerry Blue Terrier — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Kerry Blue Terrier — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Kerry Blue Terrier — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Kerry Blue Terrier — FCI standard no. 3 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.