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Kerry Blue Terrier

By Stacy Painter and medically reviewed by Jennifer Coates, DVM
published: May 21, 2025 - updated: June 17, 2025 • 5 min. read
kerry blue terrier lying down against white background

The Kerry blue terrier is a spirited and intelligent breed known for its striking blue-gray coat and boundless enthusiasm. Originally from Ireland, this lively dog combines affectionate companionship with impressive working abilities.

Interestingly, Kerry blue terrier puppies are born black. Their coat gradually transitions into the signature blue shade over the first 18 months, making the transformation part of the breed’s unique appeal. 

At Healthy Paws, we celebrate every breed’s special qualities. In this breed guide, we explore the Kerry blue terrier’s personality, health needs, care, feeding and why pet insurance can be a smart choice for your furry companion.

Size of Kerry Blue Terriers

When fully grown, a Kerry blue terrier will typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. Males stand about 18 to 19.5 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller at 17.5 to 19 inches. These dogs are medium-sized, sturdy and athletic without being bulky.

Kerry blue terrier puppies grow steadily through their first year and often reach half their adult weight by 6 months. Here’s a general look at their growth patterns:

AgeMale Kerry Blue TerriersFemale Kerry Blue Terriers
3 months12 – 18 lbs.10 – 16  lbs
6 months20 – 28 lbs.18 – 26 lbs
9 months26 – 34 lbs.24 – 32 lbs.
12 months30 – 40lbs.28 – 38 lbs.
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Characteristics of Kerry Blue Terriers

The Kerry blue terrier dog was originally bred as a working farm dog, capable of hunting vermin, herding sheep and guarding property. These instincts still influence the breed’s modern personality.

Kerry blues are affectionate with family members and enjoy being included in everyday activities. Their intelligence and spunky attitude make them lively companions who thrive on attention and stimulation.

Here’s what you can expect based on the breed’s typical characteristics:

Breed CharacteristicLevel (High, Medium, Low)
Affectionate with PeopleHigh
Good with KidsMedium
Good with PetsMedium
Need for ExerciseHigh
Energy LevelHigh
Intelligence LevelHigh
Able to be TrainedHigh
Amount of BarkingMedium
Amount of SheddingLow
a very beautiful Kerry Blue Terrier dog stands in a stand on a brown background

History of Kerry Blue Terriers

The blue terrier was developed in County Kerry, Ireland, and served as a multipurpose working dog for farmers and hunters. These dogs needed to hunt vermin, guard property, herd sheep and retrieve game from land and water — a true jack-of-all-trades.

While the exact origins of the breed are unknown, it is believed that Irish wolfhounds and soft-coated wheaten terriers may have contributed to the development of the blue terrier. By the early 20th century, the Kerry blue terrier had gained enough popularity to earn a spot in dog shows and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1922.

Today, Kerry blue terriers are celebrated both for their working skills and their joyful companionship.

Kerry Blue Terrier Standard Information

The breed standard describes a Kerry blue terrier as well-balanced and muscular. Here are some key features of the breed standard:

Head:

  • Long and proportionate
  • Flat skull with a moderate stop (the indentation where the nose meets the forehead)
  • Dark, medium-sized eyes with a keen expression
  • V-shaped ears that fold forward
  • Strong jaws and a black nose

Neck, Topline, Body:

  • Neck is clean and moderately long
  • Topline is level and strong
  • Chest is deep and broad
  • Tail is set high and carried erect (traditionally docked where permitted)

Forequarters:

  • Shoulders are fine and sloping
  • Legs are straight and well-boned
  • Feet are fairly round and compact

Hindquarters:

  • Thighs are long and muscular
  • Hocks near the ground

Coat:

  • Soft, dense, and wavy

Color:

  • Any shade of blue gray from the deep slate to light blue gray
  • Uniform coloration preferred but small white markings or darker areas are permissible
  • Puppies are born black and transitions (a process called clearing) to the mature gray blue or blue gray color by 18 months of age

Gait:

  • Full freedom of action
Kerry Blue Terrier standing on the green grass

Caring for Kerry Blue Terriers

Kerry blue terriers are lively, fun, loyal and full of personality, but they do require attentive care to thrive.

Here are some tips for providing the best environment for a Kerry blue:

Best Living Environments:

  • Homes with fenced yards are ideal
  • Apartments may work if rigorous exercise needs are met
  • Thrive when close to their human family

Type of Exercise:

  • Daily walks, vigorous play, and agility training
  • At least an hour of activity per day
  • Enjoy hiking, running, and canine sports

Mental Enrichment:

  • Puzzle toys and games to challenge their minds
  • Regular training sessions
  • Opportunities to explore new environments

Training Strategies:

  • Respond well to positive reinforcement
  • Start early socialization with people and pets
  • Firm yet gentle leadership helps manage stubborn tendencies

Grooming Tips:

  • Brush thoroughly two to three times a week
  • Schedule professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks or learn how to properly scissor coat yourself
  • Check ears regularly and clean as needed
  • Brush teeth daily
  • Trim nails as needed (often monthly)

Even though they do not shed much, grooming is important to keep their skin healthy and their coat free from mats.

Common Health Problems of Kerry Blue Terriers

The average Kerry blue terrier lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years. They are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic conditions.

Some potential health concerns include:

  • Cancer
  • Skin conditions like cysts and warts
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Progressive neuronal abiotrophy (a rare nervous system disorder)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye conditions, such as cataracts and dry eye
  • Von Willebrand’s disease (a blot clotting disorder)
  • Thyroid disease

Choosing a reputable breeder who tests for conditions like these can help support your puppy’s long-term health. Routine vet visits are also essential to catch any issues early. The Canine Health Information Center recommends that Kerry blue terriers be screened for the following conditions before breeding:

  • Degenerative myelopathy (a neurologic disorder affecting the spinal cord)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye problems
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Factor XI Deficiency (a blood clotting disorder)
The blue terrier stands sideways on the green grass.

Diet and Nutrition for Kerry Blue Terriers

A high-quality, balanced diet is important for keeping your Kerry blue terrier fit and healthy.

Most adult Kerry blue terriers will thrive when eating high-quality, nutritionally complete and balanced dog food. If you feed your wire fox terrier homemade dog food, make sure you are working from a recipe that is designed by a veterinary nutritionist and appropriate for your dog’s age and health status.

General tips include:

  • Feed adult dogs two portioned meals a day.
  • Puppies should eat three to four meals a day.
  • Offer puppy food formulated for medium breeds until around 12 months.
  • Feed the amount of dog food needed to keep your pet slim.
  • Avoid overfeeding treats, which can lead to obesity.
  • Always have fresh water available.

Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about your Kerry blue terrier’s diet or health.e to reduce the risk of bloating or digestive upset.

Where to Adopt or Purchase Kerry Blue Terriers

If you’re considering adding a Kerry blue terrier to your family, start by connecting with reputable sources.

Whether you adopt or purchase, it’s important to find a responsible source who prioritizes health, temperament, exercise and proper socialization.

Related Breeds

If you love the Kerry blue terrier’s personality and charm, you might also be interested in these similar breeds:

Each has its own special quirks and qualities but shares a love for life and family loyalty.

Pet Insurance for Kerry Blue Terriers

We highly recommend signing your Kerry blue terrier up for pet insurance as soon as possible. Healthy Paws offers insurance plans for Kerry blue terrier puppies and adults, covering accidents, illnesses, chronic conditions, hereditary issues, emergency care and alternative treatments.

With our top-rated Kerry blue terrier plans and quick claims processing, you can visit any licensed vet in the United States and receive reimbursement for covered treatments. Most claims are processed within 2 days, and submitting claims is simple through our app or website.

Please visit our quote page today to see your Kerry blue terrier insurance rate and take the next step in protecting your pet.

Stacy Painter profile
By Stacy Painter

Stacy has always been an animal lover and has worked in the pet industry and pet insurance specifically for over a decade. As a writer since early childh...Show more

Stacy has always been an animal lover and has worked in the pet industry and pet insurance specifically for over a decade. As a writer since early childhood, content writing for Healthy Paws pet insurance was a natural career path to combine her two passions. She currently lives in Florida with her boyfriend and Taiwanese rescue dog, Kaya.

jennifer coates
By Jennifer Coates, DVM

Dr. Jennifer Coates received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. After graduation, she worked f...Show more

Dr. Jennifer Coates received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. After graduation, she worked for several years in the fields of conservation and animal welfare before pursuing her childhood dream—becoming a veterinarian. She graduated with honors from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and has worked as an Associate Veterinarian and Chief of Staff in Virginia, Wyoming, and Colorado. Jennifer is also a prolific writer about all things related to veterinary medicine and the well-being of our animal friends. She has published several short stories and books, including the Dictionary of Veterinary Terms, Vet-Speak Deciphered for the Non-Veterinarian. She currently contributes to the Healthy Paws pet insurance blog as a freelance writer. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys life in Colorado with her family and friends… many of whom walk on four legs.