Are Kerry Blue Terriers easy to train?

Kerry Blue Terriers have moderate trainability. They are known for being alert, spirited, people-oriented. They benefit from consistent, patient training methods.

Are Kerry Blue Terriers good with children?

Kerry Blue Terriers have high compatibility with children. As with any breed, supervision and proper introductions are recommended.

How much exercise does a Kerry Blue Terrier need?

Kerry Blue Terriers have high energy levels. 1-2 hours daily. Vigorous exercise including running, playing, and interactive activities.

How long do Kerry Blue Terriers live?

The average lifespan of a Kerry Blue Terrier is 12-15 years with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Terrier group · Ireland

Kerry Blue Terrier

Also called Irish Blue Terrier, Kerry.

What makes them remarkable

Kerry Blue puppies start out black; their characteristic blue-grey colour develops as they grow.

Alert
Spirited
People-Oriented
Versatile
Strong-Willed

Get the app 1-to-1 training

AI-generated illustration

Size: Medium
Weight: 15 to 18 kg33 to 40 lb
Lives: 12 to 15 years
Energy: High
Trains: Moderate
Barks: Moderate

Training

Training a Kerry Blue Terrier

Terrier breeds. Impulse control and a rock-solid leave it. Short, high-value sessions; they bore fast.

Consistent and Fair
Start here
Kerry Blues need calm, consistent handling. They will test the rules, so keep them the same every day and reward the right choices.
Other dogs
Can be aggressive with other dogs, especially the same sex. Socialise early, and set walks up so a fight cannot happen: a lead, distance and no dog parks.
Channel Their Energy
Highly versatile, excel at many activities. Give them jobs to prevent problem behaviours.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Kerry Blue Terrier and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to go to ground after vermin. Fearless, quick, and not built to back down.

Gets on with

ChildrenHigh
Other dogsLow
StrangersModerate
CatsLow

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise: 1-2 hours daily. Vigorous exercise including running, playing, and interactive activities.
Grooming: High maintenance. Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Daily brushing to prevent matting.
Drool: Low
Coat: Soft, Wavy, DenseBlue, Slate Blue, Light Blue Grey
In a flat: Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint malformation causing pain and mobility issues
Dry Eye
Moderate
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, insufficient tear production
Skin Cysts
Mild
Prone to developing various skin cysts and bumps

Where they come from

History

Originated in County Kerry, Ireland, where they were all-purpose farm dogs used for herding, guarding, and hunting. The national terrier of Ireland. Puppies are born black and develop their blue coat colour over their first 18 months.