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There are many FAQ's available for this group. For a complete
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Kerry Blue Terriers

Author

* Daryl Enstone ([email protected])

Copyright 1994 by Daryl Enstone. This faq is intended only for
personal use. Single copies may be downloaded and printed for
individual use. This faq is not to be further copied, either whole or
in part, without the explicit permission of the author.

The material presented in this document is accurate to the best of my
knowledge. If errors or inaccuracies are found, or if additional
information is appropriate, please contact the author and the faq will
be updated as soon as possible.

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to the Kerry breeders and fanciers who have helped by
providing information and answering questions about Kerries.
Particular thanks are due to to Ed and Kay Greer, Thornton, ON. I am
also grateful to Cindy Tittle Moore for valuable editorial comments
and for getting this faq approved and posted.
_________________________________________________________________

Table of Contents

* Breed Description
* History
* Characteristics and Temperament
* Care and Training
* Special Medical Problems
* Frequently Asked Questions
* References
+ Books
+ Periodicals
+ Breed Rescue Organizations
+ Breed Clubs
+ Breeders

_________________________________________________________________

Breed Description

The Kerry Blue Terrier is recognized by all major kennel clubs.

Brief Summary of Breed Standards (CKC/AKC/KC)

Height: Dogs 18-19 1/2" (46-48 cm) at withers; bitches 17 1/2-19" (45-
47 cm). Weight: Dogs 33-40 lb (15-17 kg); bitches slightly less.
General Appearance: Upstanding, well knit and proportioned, well
developed and muscular body showing good balance. Character: A compact
and powerful, yet graceful terrier. Displays an attitude of alert
determination and definate terrier style and character throughout.
"Disciplined gameness."

Head is long and well-proportioned with V-shaped ears and dark eyes
showing a keen terrier expression. Neck is clean and moderately long,
set on well laid back shoulders. Chest deep, but of moderate breadth.
Legs straight, moderately long and well muscled. Back short, strong
and level. Tail is carried gaily erect. Coat is silky soft, dense and
wavy, any shade from deep slate through blue-grey to silvery. Colour
usually takes 18 months to clear. Solid black is a disqualification as
are dewclaws on hind legs.

The coat is one of the most attention-getting features of this breed.
Pus are born either solid blue-black (sometimes a tiny white patch on
the chest) or a very dark grey, and their skin, particularly on the
back,is blue. As they grow, the coat begins to "clear" or lighten
toward the mature colour. Often a brownish or tan tone appears during
the clearing process; this is normal and will usually disappear as the
pup matures. The standard specifies that the coat should clear by 18
months; prior to this a tan tone or solid black will be tolerated in
the breed ring. Despite the specification that mature colour should be
reached by 18 months, many Kerries take longer to clear and may not
reach their final colour for 2 or 3 years. Darker points on the legs,
tail and head can occur and are acceptable as long as the darker
colouration does not extend down the neck from the head.

While any shade of blue-grey is permissible, many breeders aim for a
medium blue. The very light, silvery coats tend to have poor texture;
they are often cottony and lack wave. These coats also grow more
slowly. At the other extreme, the darkest dogs often have excellent
coats; extremely dense with good texture and wave. However, solid
black is a disqualification and many judges favour medium toned dogs.
_________________________________________________________________

History

"In the morn they herd the cattle; at noon they come in and tread
the wheel to churn the butter; in the afternoon they herd again and
after supper are turned out to guard the sheep, the chickens and
geese and pigs. The last thing that they do before going to bed is
to take off the pants of an Irishman."

an Irish Kerry breeder writing in an 1924 magazine, quoted by
Montgomery.

The Kerry Blue Terrier (also known as the Irish Blue Terrier in
Ireland) is one of three closely related, long-legged, all-purpose
working terriers which were distilled from the great mixture of coat
colours, textures and dispositions that were found throughout the
Irish countryside over the last few centuries. The Kerry's two Irish
cousins are the Irish terrier and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier; the
latter is often considered an ancestor of the Kerry Blue.

Forbidden by law to own the ancient Irish wolfhound (that privilege
was reserved for the aristocratic class), the crofters concentrated on
breeding terriers to their own needs and tastes. These farm dogs
needed to combine herding, guarding, hunting, retrieving and vermin
destroying talents. They were also family members who played with and
watched over the children and curled up at the hearth. Crosses between
various groups of dogs including hounds were made to obtain these
traits and it is likely that a fair amount of Irish wolfhound blood
ended up in the terriers.

A popular story told of the Kerry is that during the invasion by the
Spanish Armada, a small spaniel with a soft blue-grey coat swam ashore
from a ship wreck and mated with the native terriers, producing off-
spring with terrier form and a soft bluish coat. Other variations of
this story cast the invading dog as a blue-coloured Russian terrier
from a wreck in Tralee Bay and as a Portuguese water dog from a
Portuguese trading ship.

The Kerry as a distinct breed showed up slightly later than the Irish
and Wheaten, emerging in the notes of dog enthusiasts in the latter
part of the 1800's. Although the Wheaten is considered one of the more
direct ancestors of the Kerry, most Kerry sources claim that the race
of blue terriers with soft coats were present for several centuries,
particularly in the south-west Irish county of Kerry and its environs.

Kerries were first at shown in England in the early 1920's and were
recognized by the Kennel Club in 1922. The first Kerry Blues in North
America were five pets imported in 1918-9; the breed first appeared at
shows in the very early 1920's.

Kerries have been used for retrieving small game and water fowl, for
herding sheep and cattle, as police dogs in the United Kingdom, and as
guard dogs at UK military installations during the Second World War.
_________________________________________________________________

Characteristics and Temperament

"The Kerry just isn't everybody's dog - he's too smart for that. If
you don't understand him or don't accept him as one of the family,
then he just doesn't turn on that personality for which he is
famous.

"To like a Kerry, you've first got to like the Irish, for a Kerry
is very much a part of his native land. The only Irish custom I've
so far not seen in the Kerry is the smoking of a clay pipe. He has
all the other traits: the rare blarney humor, the facile wit and
the blazing temper."

- Montgomery p137

Kerry Traits:
* stubborn, proud, tenacious, courageous, bold, can be pugnacious
* highly intelligent, curious, trainable, eager to please
* energetic, sometimes to the point of boisterous, and playful
* good sense of humour
* good-natured, merry, affectionate
* loyal
* a "family" dog, not a one-person dog
* good with children, has a gentle mouth
* has stamina, vigour, and endurance; is very stoical.

Kerry Owner Traits:
* firm, consistant, fair, and determined (more stubborn than the
Kerry!)
* fun-loving, affectionate, energetic, a good sense of humour.

"Uncertain, submissive, over-loving and demanding people have
trouble raising this breed. It is necessary to know and enforce
firmly and kindly your expectations of the dog."

- Helen Roy, Kel-Tara Kennels, BC, Canada (quoted in Kerry Blue
Notes, KBTCC, Winter 1994)

_________________________________________________________________

Care and Training

Feeding

Kerries are usually not picky eaters. Feed premium quality food for
good coat condition and lasting health. Breeders will supply detailed
information from their experience. Dry food is the most convenient,
since there is less tendency to gum up the whiskers. Tartar formation
is also reduced with dry food.

Grooming

Kerries have extensive grooming requirements, comparable to the amount
needed for a poodle. Weekly brushing is essential and daily brushing
is ideal to keep the coat and skin in top condition and free of mats.
Bathing and trimming is required about every 6-8 weeks. The coat may
be either clipped or scissored; the latter is usual for conformation
showing. Grooming tools include clippers with interchangable blades,
metal comb with medium and coarse teeth, slicker brush,
guillotine-type nail clippers, scissors, thinning shears, and
hemostats (forceps - e.g., the locking type with curved tips) to pluck
the ears. The Kerry books cited below and most good multi-breed
grooming books describe the proper cut. Choose a professional groomer
carefully - many are unfamiliar with Kerries and the dog will end up
looking like a Schnauzer.

Exercise

The Kerry Blue has a moderate exercise requirement. A fenced yard
where he can run is ideal. This should be supplemented with daily
walks. Kerries are enthusiastic retrievers and love to play ball and
frisbee, making them easy to exercise even in limited space. Most love
to swim, too.

Training

Start early; get into a puppy kindergarten class as soon as shots are
completed. Sixteen weeks not too early, but start with a flat buckle
collar at this age, not a chain or nylon slip ("choke") collar. Use
motivational, positive reinforcement training - the Kerry stubborn
streak and intelligence will respond best to training if it is made to
be "worth her while" and the instinctive desire to please is appealed
to. Lessons must be short and fun for both dog and trainer or the
Kerry will become bored. A Kerry's grasp of what is required is often
intuitive, and training can proceed remarkably quickly. Kerries do
well at obedience work; heeling can be the most difficult exercise to
train. Many Kerries have earned their U.D. title and some have
acquired the T.D. title. Kerries have also participated in agility and
flyball.

"Home Alone" Kerries

Although their preference is to accompany their packmates, Kerries are
flexible, adaptable dogs that can integrate into families where
everyone works outside the home during the day. This sort of
relationship will require extra dedication from all family members to
interact with the Kerry when they are home - exercise, play, training
etc. Discuss the matter with the breeder and have them assist in
selecting a pup with correct temperament for this lifestyle. An adult
Kerry may be advisable for people who cannot come home during the day
to care for a pup.

Crate training is highly recommended. The Vari-Kennel 300 or 400 are
appropriate sizes.

Special Medical Problems

Kerry Blues are typically healthy dogs that remain active all their
lives. The life-span of the Kerry ranges from about 10 to as much as
18 years and averages about 13 years. Inherited medical problems are
infrequent and are usually not life-threatening. Details of medical
conditions that have been reported in Kerries are listed below; in
general, these conditions are uncommon unless otherwise indicated.

* Lumps on the skin are very common in Kerries. These are usually
epidermal cysts/sebaceous gland cysts, or dermal cysts. Typically
they do not cause any problems, however, they can rupture or
become infected. Fast-growing or large lumps should be checked by
a veterinarian.
* Corns (footpad keratoses), warty growths, and calluses in and
between footpads may affect some dogs. These can be painful and
affect gait. Corns may be inherited and may be associated with
thin pads or flat feet. They can be surgically removed but may
recur. Antibiotics and corticosteroids are another treatment
option in some cases. Nasal keratoses may also occur.
* Juvenile cataracts is a very uncommon disorder and apparently only
occurs in some bloodlines. If the problem is present, it will
appear at an early age, i.e. before 6 months.
* Entropion (turning in of the eyelid and lashes toward the eyeball
causing irritation of the cornea) may be present as an inherited
or an acquired condition. Surgical correction is required.
* Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS, dry eye) is a condition resulting
from lack of tear production. The problem may be congential or
induced by a number of conditions. Veterinary treatment is
required and condition may be chronic.
* Kerry ears are quite prone to external ear canal infections
(chronic otitis externa) since there is often a large amount of
hair in the ear canal. If the ears are not kept clean, dry and
plucked, wax, dirt and moisture easily accumulate and foster
bacterial and fungal growth.
* Progressive Neuronal Abiotrophy (nerve disorder affecting gait) is
a rare condition which is inherited, progressive and untreatable.
Symptoms initially appear between 2 - 6 months. By one year of
age, the dog is incapable of standing. This disease was first
thought to come from one particular bloodline, but subsequent
cases have developed in other lines as well. Currently, there is
no method of testing for carrier status, however the USKBTC is
working on a method of genetic status detection. Contact the
Health and Genetics Committee for more info (address below).
* Missing teeth (particularly premolars) are fairly common in Kerry
Blue Terriers. While this is not a disqualification according to
the standard, breeders have been recommended to regard it as a
fault. Undershot and overshot bites also occur. Puppies with a
_slight case_ of these conditions may "out grow" it, but if the
dog is past its growth stage the condition will probably be
permanent.
* Canine hip displaysia occurs infrequently compared to other breeds
due to this terrier's moderate size and strong musculature. Many
breeders do have breeding stock x-rayed and certified by
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (in the US). As of 1992, of the
radiographs submitted to the OFA for grading, 11% were displasic
and 5% were borderline. Certified Hip graded percentages were
distributed as: Excellent (12%); Good (54%); Fair (18%). Please
note that these numbers only represent those radiographs submitted
to the OFA for certification; most dogs are not screened, so the
true breed incidence is unknown.
* Subluxation of the patella occurs occasionally. The kneecap is not
properly seated at the stifle, either as a result of weakened
ligament development and/or improperly formed knee assembly. This
can be an acquired (due to injury or trauma) or an inherited
condition.
* Hypothyroidism is not uncommon in Kerries as in many other breeds.
Ninety per cent of cases are caused by autoimmune thyroiditis. The
condition can be corrected with hormone supplementation.
* Autoimmune diseases have been reported to occur in the Kerry Blue
as in other breeds. The over 40 diseases grouped under this
heading share a common trait in that the dog's immune system has
been stimulated to attack the dog's own tissue. Four main
causative factors have been identified: genetic disposition;
hormonal influence; infections (especially viruses); and stress.
Current concerns include Factor XI deficiency (a rare inherited
blood clotting abnormality), von Willebrands disease (another rare
blood clotting abnormality), and Addison's disease (a rare adrenal
gland disorder).

_________________________________________________________________

Frequently Asked Questions

_Is that a ____? (poodle, schnauzer, poodleXschnauzer, Airedale,
Portugese water dog, scottie....)_

No. The Kerry Blue terrier is an uncommon breed and is not often
seen outside of dog shows. He will often attract a great deal of
attention in public.

_Are Kerries good with kids?_

Yes. They love kids and their rough-and-tumble games. Kerries are
sturdy and well-muscled and are not easily injured. Their tolerant
good-nature keeps them from becoming grouchy or snappy. Naturally,
any situation involving toddlers, young children or young puppies
should be well supervised to prevent accidental injuries or
tormenting behaviour. It's a good idea for older children to attend
training classes with the dog to ensure that the terrier does not
regard the child as its subordinate.

_Are Kerries good for people with dog allergies?_

Maybe. There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog. But because
Kerries are non-shedding they are sometimes recommended to people
with allergies and they may actually be more tolerable than a
shedding breed. However, allergic reactions are unique to each
person. The sufferer should spend as much time as possible with
Kerries in the dogs' living quarters to determine if the breed is
suitable before taking one home.

_Do Kerries make good watch dogs?_

Yes. They have business-like barks to alert their owners of
visitors (or prowlers) on the premises. A full grown Kerry barking
at the door is an imposing sight. However, once the visitor is
approved by the owner, the visitor is accepted by the dog and may
even be solicited to play.

_Do Kerries fight with other dogs?_

Kerry Blues display inter-male aggression. Like many terrier
breeds, early Kerries were quite prone to fighting and aggressive
behaviour. Careful breeding has greatly improved the Kerry
disposition. A Kerry can be trained to mind his own business, but
he will not back down from another dog if he is attacked. Early
training and firm, consistent handling will prevent problems in
most situations, but it is best to have only one intact male Kerry
in the household. Some Kerry experts advise having only one male in
the household, period, regardless of whether or not he is neutered.

_Are Kerries yappy or destructive?_

Most Kerries do not bark as a hobby. They tend to reserve their
barking for warning and welcoming. Because they are terriers,
Kerries have digging instincts. Digging can be minimized or
eliminated with training and by keeping the Kerry exercised and
entertained. Kerries also have strong jaws. Divert their chewing
instincts to sturdy chew toys.

_________________________________________________________________

References

Books

Izant, E. 1982. _The Kerry Blue Terrier_. W.W. Denlinger and R.A.
Rathman (eds.). Denlinger's Publishers, Ltd., Fairfax, VA. 112 pp.
ISBN 0-87714- 060-X. (A well-written compilation of information on
Kerries. A good series of line drawings to illustrate various aspects
of conformation complements the numerous photographic examples. Not as
detailed as Montgomery's book but contains more up-to-date
information. Rather expensive.)

Montgomery, E.S. 1965. _The New Complete Kerry Blue Terrier_. 2nd Ed.
Howell Book House, NY. 293 pp. No ISBN. (This book is now out of print
- it is limited to the last century and first half only of this
century - but it is an excellent source of information on all aspects
of Kerries and contains much information about the early breeders.
Check with libraries for copies - it is worth tracking down if you are
seriously interested in the breed.)

Schweppe, F. 1990. _Kerry Blue Terriers_. T.F.H. Publications, Inc.,
Neptune City, NJ. 191 pp. No ISBN. (A fairly short and superficial
treatment of the breed; most of the book is given over to generalized
dog care. This book is easier to find than the previous two and will
be useful to the novice owner. Includes grooming instructins)

United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, Inc. 1992. _The Kerry Blue
Terrier Handbook_. Goslin Printing Company, Winston-Salem, North
Carolina. 322 pp. No ISBN or ISSN. (An excellent source of breed
information and has the most comprehensive medical information section
of any book published on the Kerry. Includes US national and regional
club addresses and advertisements from numerous breeders. Available
from the club secretary for US$10, including shipping.)

Periodicals

_Kerry Blue Notes_. Quarterly newsletter of the Kerry Blue Terrier
Club of Canada. Jacqueline Irving, editor. Louise Lang, publisher,
Toronto , ON. No ISSN.

_Terrier Type_. 1988. Vol.28, No. 7. Special Issue: The Kerry blue
terrier in America. Ed./Publ. Dan Kiedrowski, LaHonda, CA. ISSN
0199-6495.

Breed Rescue Organizations

Some of this information was obtained from the Breed Rescue
Organizations FAQ Part 2/2, by Michael George Buening, which is
currently maintained by Janice Ritter ([email protected]).

UNITED STATES

_United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club_
Joanne K. Schindler, chair
12056 Cedar Creek
Cincinnati, OH 45240
513-742-3745

_Empire Kerry Blue Terrier Club_
Gwen Resk
645 Pine Brook Blvd.
New Rochelle, NY 10804
914-235-8555

_Greater Boston Kerry Blue Terrier Club_
Rhoda Bergman (N.E. Mass)
Off Cross Rd.
Lunenberg, MA 01462
508-342-5044

or Brian Lowney (S.E. Mass and R.I.)
1307 Gardners Neck Rd.
South Swansea, MA 02777
508-672-6086

_Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Northern California_
Carol Blundell
51201 Pine Canyon Rd, # 24
King City, CA 93950
408-385-6080

_The Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Southern California_
Mrs. Suzanne Stull
44027 Shad St.
Lancaster, CA 93536
805-949-1174

CANADA

_The Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Canada_
Rescue and Relocation Committee
Daryl Enstone
P.O. Box 72
Station "Q"
Toronto, ON
M4T 2L7
tel: 519-746-3039
fax: 519-746-6741
internet e-mail: [email protected]

_Western Canada Kerry Blue Terrier Club_
Lee Templeton, Sec.
561 West 65th Ave.

Vancouver, BC
V6P 2P6
604-325-3157

Breed Clubs

Full addresses are given for national clubs; telephone numbers only
are given for regional clubs.

UNITED STATES

_United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club_
Barb Beuter, Secretary
2458 Eastridge Dr., #10
Hamilton, OH 45001
513-863-5041

_Empire Kerry Blue Terrier Club_
Rose Marie Mace 516-289-3902

_Greater Boston Kerry Blue Terrier Club_
L. Scott Schlager 617-332-8240
Brian J. Lowney 508-672-6086

_Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Chicago, Inc._
Bob Tannhauser 708-885-2692
Bonnie Whelehan 312-585-9617

_Philadelphia Kerry Blue Terrier Club_
Margaret McDonough (Sec., 1992) 215-696-2936

_The Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Greater Pittsburgh_
PA 412-941-5204
NY 716-947-5895
OH 513-742-3745

_The Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Northern Ohio_
Barbara Beuter (Sec., 1992) 513-863-6230

_Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Northern California_
Carol Blundell (Sec., 1992) 408-385-6080

_The Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Southern California_
Mrs. Helen Bock (Sec., 1992) 310-398-1750

CANADA

_The Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Canada_
Louise Lang, Sec.
P.O. Box 72
Station "Q"
Toronto, ON
M4T 2L7
tel: 416-484-0008
fax: 416-484-8360

_The Western Canada Kerry Blue Terrier Club_
Lee Thompson, Sec., 604-325-3157

SCANDANAVIA

_The Kerry Blue and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of Finland_
Hannele Virtanen
Hovintie
37470 Vesilahti
Finland

_Svenska Kerry Blue Terrier Club_
Ulla Lethenstrvm
Nordanvdgen 8
17538 Jarfalla
Sweden

Breeders

Breeders of Kerry Blue Terriers are best located through the breed
club of your area or your national breed club.
_________________________________________________________________

Kerry Blue Terriers FAQ
Daryl Enstone, [email protected]

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