The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
The typical Kerry Blue Terrier should be upstanding well knit and in good balance, showing a well-developed and muscular body with definite terrier style and character throughout. Correct coat and color are important. A low-slung Kerry is not typical.
Long, but not exaggerated, and in good proportion to the rest of the body. Well balanced.
Neck, Topline, Body: Neck – Clean and moderately long, gradually widening to the shoulders upon which it should be well set and carried proudly. Back short, strong and straight (i.e., level), with no appearance of slackness. Chest deep and of moderate breadth. Ribs fairly well sprung, deep rather than round. A slight tuck-up. Loin short and powerful. Tail should be set on high, of moderate length and carried gaily erect, the straighter the tail the better.
Shoulders fine, long and sloping, well laid back and well knit. The elbows hanging perpendicularly to the body and working clear of the side in movement. The forelegs should be straight from both front and side view. The pasterns short, straight and hardly noticeable.
Correct coat is important it is to be soft, dense and wavy. A harsh, wire or bristle coat should be severely penalized. In show trim the body should be well covered but tidy, with the head (except for the whiskers) and the ears and cheeks clear.
Strong and muscular with full freedom of action, free from droop or crouch, the thighs long and powerful, stifles well bent and turned neither in nor out, hocks near the ground and, when viewed from behind, upright and parallel with each other, the dog standing well up on them.
Of course, we begin with the show-stopping coat that turns heads wherever Kerries go. It comes in shades of blue—from a deep slate to a light blue-gray—and is so soft that it’s as pleasing to the touch as it is to the eye. The dense coat covers a muscular, well-developed body standing below 20 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 40 pounds. A sporty beard and dark, keen eyes accentuate the nobility of the long terrier head.
The Kerry Blue Terrier should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Kerries do not shed, so their coat must be thoroughly brushed and combed once a week to avoid matting. Combined with regular brushing, a full grooming every six to eight weeks will keep the coat manageable. The head, neck, ears, and abdomen are done with clippers, but the coat is trimmed with scissors. Your breeder or another Kerry owner is your best resource when trying to learn how to trim your dog. There are excellent charts and guides available on the website of the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club , and videos on YouTube. Trim the nails at least once a week, and clean ears at least twice a month.
Kerries have two speeds: They enjoy getting exercise through outdoor play, playing fetch, or jogging alongside their owner. They also love one-on-one time sitting by their owner as the family watches TV or sits around the fireplace. Most Kerries essentially want to be with their owners, engaging in whatever the activity is at the time. The breed especially enjoys exercising mind and body by participating with their human partner in a number of canine sports, including obedience, herding, dock diving, and barn hunt.
Kerries are very smart, and most enjoy participating in agility, obedience, rally, barn hunt, herding, and even dock diving. Keeping their mind and body engaged will help develop a happy and well-adjusted member of the family. Socialization is important, as is a beginning obedience class with an instructor who has worked with Terriers. It is always a good idea to take your puppy to a puppy training class and to consider earning an AKC Canine Good Citizen title. Regular outings—although not to dog parks—contribute to a well-rounded, well-socialized dog.
Kerries are a healthy breed. Responsible breeders are constantly monitoring new tools, including new DNA tests, that are available to help ensure the absence of hereditary defects in their breeding programs. Ask your dog’s breeder for his or her recommendations about health testing. Many breeders do basic DNA testing as a best practice, and will make you aware of test results. The website of the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club is a good resource for the latest breed health information.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement.
The typical Kerry Blue Terrier should be upstanding well knit and in good balance, showing a well-developed and muscular body with definite terrier style and character throughout. Correct coat and color are important. A low-slung Kerry is not typical.
Long, but not exaggerated, and in good proportion to the rest of the body. Well balanced.
Neck, Topline, Body: Neck – Clean and moderately long, gradually widening to the shoulders upon which it should be well set and carried proudly. Back short, strong and straight (i.e., level), with no appearance of slackness. Chest deep and of moderate breadth. Ribs fairly well sprung, deep rather than round. A slight tuck-up. Loin short and powerful. Tail should be set on high, of moderate length and carried gaily erect, the straighter the tail the better.
Shoulders fine, long and sloping, well laid back and well knit. The elbows hanging perpendicularly to the body and working clear of the side in movement. The forelegs should be straight from both front and side view. The pasterns short, straight and hardly noticeable.
Correct coat is important it is to be soft, dense and wavy. A harsh, wire or bristle coat should be severely penalized. In show trim the body should be well covered but tidy, with the head (except for the whiskers) and the ears and cheeks clear.
Strong and muscular with full freedom of action, free from droop or crouch, the thighs long and powerful, stifles well bent and turned neither in nor out, hocks near the ground and, when viewed from behind, upright and parallel with each other, the dog standing well up on them.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| Black | Check Mark For Standard Color | 007 |
| Blue | Check Mark For Standard Color | 037 |
| Blue & Black | Check Mark For Standard Color | 038 |
| Blue & Gray | Check Mark For Standard Color | 048 |
| Blue & Silver | Check Mark For Standard Color | 043 |
| Silver | Check Mark For Standard Color | 176 |
| Silver Blue | Check Mark For Standard Color | 185 |
| Slate Blue | Check Mark For Standard Color | 192 |
| Gray | 100 |
