Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of whom were first used for hunting vermin and therefore now have an innately spirited and aggressive character with a tendency to chase moving creatures and objects), the Kerry BlueTerrier is one of the more misunderstood wits of the group. That is, to the Kerry Blue lovers, it is.
First, the history of the Kerry BlueTerrier is not well enough known as it is not well enough documented to study and learn from. The stories and sagas hold that after the 1588 wrecks of the Spanish Armada, the first «puddle dog» swam to the shore of the Emerald Isle coast in Ireland . Then it is said that the dog was interbred with local terriers in County Kerry and used»as many terrier breeds were»to assist the crofters in ratting, herding, hunting, guarding, and even churning butter.
With all that the Kerry Blue Terrier, the 18-19 ½ inch, 33-40 pound worker went through, it makes sense that its unique blue-grey coat was often wiry, matted, and messy. Today, while its hair is less messy and askew, it still is wavy and still requires a twice-yearly hand-stripping and a weekly brushing. In addition, it is usually groomed in a unique way: it is sculpted, to let the beard and eyebrow areas speak to an original shape and look.
The Blue Kerry Terrier also requires regular exercise, as it is energetic. And it is feisty. While it is exceptionally intelligent, it is also sharp-witted and clever, too, and will attempt to outwit its humans. So sharp, on-your toes training is necessary if it is to exist in the family household, which it is very happy to do, loving and proud, and protective as it is with its humans.
But the Kerry Blue Terrier does not favor other animals, and is also stubborn and stoic at different times with any living thing, so an ideal living environment would allow for it to be a devoted and affectionate as it is at times while giving it room to expend that energy and to be left unbothered by anything or anyone that can be antagonistic.
Yet, as little as is known about the Kerry Blue Terrier in history, as much is known»by those who have spent devoted time with the elegant and dignified breed»about what many have described as a sense of humor. The Kerry Blue has a wit that is all Irish, and therefore is as spunky, intelligent, feisty, and yet fun and funny as the country people whom it first honored with its presence. If you understand that, you»ll understand, appreciate, and love the Kerry Blue Terrier.
