At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 12-15 kg (dogs) and 10-13 kg (bitches); the AKC standard gives 33-40 lb (about 15-18 kg) for dogs, with bitches proportionately less.
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.453
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.25
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Up to about an hour of exercise a day, plus games that use its brain.5
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.5
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.25
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.25
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 1922.532
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Kerry Blue puppies are born black and gradually 'clear' to blue by about 18 months of age.5
- 2
Irish leader Michael Collins owned a Kerry Blue named Convict 224 and hoped to make it Ireland's national dog.3
- 3
A Kerry Blue won Best in Show at Crufts in 2000.3
- 4
The first show of the Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club led directly to the founding of the Irish Kennel Club.3
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 2005.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Terrier group; recognised in 1922; listed as a vulnerable native breed.5
- AKC
- Terrier Group; current standard approved 10 October 2005, effective 1 January 2006.4
- 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.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kerry Blue Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI nomenclature: Kerry Blue Terrier (3) fci.beused for recognition
- AKC Kerry Blue Terrier breed page akc.orgused for temperament, origin
- Kerry Blue Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, size, lifespan, history, fun facts
- AKC Kerry Blue Terrier breed standard images.akc.orgused for size, coat, colour
- The Royal Kennel Club: Kerry Blue Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, history, colours
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.