(AKC Terrier Group)
Intelligent and game, the Kerry Blue Terrier is truly an all-purpose
dog. Originally bred to hunt and retrieve, Kerries can be found today
in the show, obedience, agility, herding and earthdog rings. The
Kerry’s trademark soft, wavy coat can range from deep slate gray blue
to light blue gray. Kerry Blues are born black and, if correct, possess
the dominant gene for coat fading. They will fade and acquire their
adult color by 18 months.
General Appearance
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.
Size, Proportion, Substance
The ideal Kerry should be 18½ inches at the withers for a dog, slightly less for a bitch. In judging Kerries, a height of 18-19½ inches for a dog, and 17½-19 inches for a bitch, should be given primary preference. Only where the comparative superiority of a specimen outside of the ranges noted clearly justifies it should greater latitude be taken. In no case should it extend to a dog over 20 inches or under 17½ inches, or to a bitch over 19½ inches or under 17 inches. The minimum limits do not apply to puppies. The most desirable weight for a fully developed dog is from 33-40 pounds, bitches weighing proportionately less. A well-developed and muscular body. Legs moderately long with plenty of bone and muscle.
Head
Long, but not exaggerated, and in good proportion to the rest of the body. Well balanced. Eyes-Dark, small, not prominent, well placed and with a keen terrier expression. Anything approaching a yellow eye is very undesirable. Ears-V-shaped, small but not out of proportion to the size of the dog, of moderate thickness, carried forward close to the cheeks with the top of the folded ear slightly above the level of the skull. A "dead" ear, houndlike in appearance, is very undesirable. Skull-Flat, with very slight stop, of moderate breadth between the ears, and narrowing very slightly to the eyes. Foreface full and well made up, not falling away appreciably below the eyes but moderately chiseled out to relieve the foreface from wedginess. Little apparent difference between the length of the skull and foreface. Jaws deep, strong and muscular. Cheeks-Clean and level, free from bumpiness. Nose-Black, nostrils large and wide. Teeth-Strong, white and either level or with the upper (incisors) teeth slightly overlapping the lower teeth. An undershot mouth should be strictly penalized.
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.
Forequarters
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. Feet should be strong, compact, fairly round and moderately small, with good depth of pad free from cracks, the toes arched, turned neither in nor out, with black toenails.
Hindquarters
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.
Coat
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.
Color
Color is important. The correct mature color is any shade of blue gray or gray blue from the deep slate to light blue gray, of a fairly uniform color throughout except that distinctly darker to black parts may appear on the muzzle, head, ears, tail and feet. Kerry color, in its process of "clearing," changes from an apparent black at birth to the mature gray blue or blue gray. The color passes through one or more transitions--involving a very dark blue (darker than deep slate), shades or tinges of brown, and mixtures of these, together with a progressive infiltration of the correct mature color. The time needed for this “clearing” process varies with each dog. Small white markings are permissible. Black on the muzzle, head, ears, tail and feet is permissible at any age. A black dog 18 months of age or older is never permissible in the show ring and is to be disqualified. Disqualification - A black dog 18 months of age or older is to be disqualified. (White markings on a black dog 18 months of age or older does not constitute clearing or mature color and the dog is to be disqualified.)
Gait
Full freedom of action. The elbows hanging perpendicularly to the body and working clear of the sides in movement; both forelegs and hind legs should move straight forward when traveling, the stifles turning neither in nor out.
Disqualifications
A black dog 18 months of age or older is to be disqualified. (White markings on a black dog 18 months of age or older does not constitute clearing or mature color and the dog is to be disqualified.)
Approved October 10, 2005
Effective January 1, 2006
Kerries are fairly healthy, however there are some genetic disorders that are prevalent in the breed. They are prone to eye problems such as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), cataracts, and entropion. They sometimes get cysts or cancerous growths in their skin, but these are rarely malignant. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism have also been reported. Progressive neuronal abiotrophy (PNA) is also seen. This condition is also referred to as Cerebellar cortical abiotrophy (CCA) or Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA). Another skin-related health issue is spiculosis. This is a skin disorder that produces abnormally thick hairs that are also called thorns, spikes or bristles.
Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament
Kerry Blue Terriers are strong-headed and highly spirited. They have
always been loyal and affectionate towards their owners and very gentle
towards children but were often considered downright mean toward other
animals including other dogs. In the early days of competitive dog
showing the Irish Kennel Club required Kerries had to pass a "gameness" test, known as Teastas Mor
certification, before they were deemed worthy of being judged. These
tests included catching rabbits and bringing a badger to bay in its set.
They are fast, strong, and intelligent. They do well in obedience, dog agility,
sheep herding, and tracking. They have been used as police dogs in
Ireland. Modern breeders have attempted to retain high spirits whilst
breeding out aggression.
Kerry Blue Terrier AKC Breed Standards
General Appearance
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.
The ideal Kerry should be 18½ inches at the withers for a dog, slightly less for a bitch. In judging Kerries, a height of 18-19½ inches for a dog, and 17½-19 inches for a bitch, should be given primary preference. Only where the comparative superiority of a specimen outside of the ranges noted clearly justifies it should greater latitude be taken. In no case should it extend to a dog over 20 inches or under 17½ inches, or to a bitch over 19½ inches or under 17 inches. The minimum limits do not apply to puppies. The most desirable weight for a fully developed dog is from 33-40 pounds, bitches weighing proportionately less. A well-developed and muscular body. Legs moderately long with plenty of bone and muscle.
Head
Long, but not exaggerated, and in good proportion to the rest of the body. Well balanced. Eyes-Dark, small, not prominent, well placed and with a keen terrier expression. Anything approaching a yellow eye is very undesirable. Ears-V-shaped, small but not out of proportion to the size of the dog, of moderate thickness, carried forward close to the cheeks with the top of the folded ear slightly above the level of the skull. A "dead" ear, houndlike in appearance, is very undesirable. Skull-Flat, with very slight stop, of moderate breadth between the ears, and narrowing very slightly to the eyes. Foreface full and well made up, not falling away appreciably below the eyes but moderately chiseled out to relieve the foreface from wedginess. Little apparent difference between the length of the skull and foreface. Jaws deep, strong and muscular. Cheeks-Clean and level, free from bumpiness. Nose-Black, nostrils large and wide. Teeth-Strong, white and either level or with the upper (incisors) teeth slightly overlapping the lower teeth. An undershot mouth should be strictly penalized.
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.
Forequarters
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. Feet should be strong, compact, fairly round and moderately small, with good depth of pad free from cracks, the toes arched, turned neither in nor out, with black toenails.
Hindquarters
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.
Coat
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.
Color is important. The correct mature color is any shade of blue gray or gray blue from the deep slate to light blue gray, of a fairly uniform color throughout except that distinctly darker to black parts may appear on the muzzle, head, ears, tail and feet. Kerry color, in its process of "clearing," changes from an apparent black at birth to the mature gray blue or blue gray. The color passes through one or more transitions--involving a very dark blue (darker than deep slate), shades or tinges of brown, and mixtures of these, together with a progressive infiltration of the correct mature color. The time needed for this “clearing” process varies with each dog. Small white markings are permissible. Black on the muzzle, head, ears, tail and feet is permissible at any age. A black dog 18 months of age or older is never permissible in the show ring and is to be disqualified. Disqualification - A black dog 18 months of age or older is to be disqualified. (White markings on a black dog 18 months of age or older does not constitute clearing or mature color and the dog is to be disqualified.)
Gait
Full freedom of action. The elbows hanging perpendicularly to the body and working clear of the sides in movement; both forelegs and hind legs should move straight forward when traveling, the stifles turning neither in nor out.
Disqualifications
A black dog 18 months of age or older is to be disqualified. (White markings on a black dog 18 months of age or older does not constitute clearing or mature color and the dog is to be disqualified.)
Approved October 10, 2005
Effective January 1, 2006
Kerry Blue Terrier Health Issues
Kerries are fairly healthy, however there are some genetic disorders that are prevalent in the breed. They are prone to eye problems such as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), cataracts, and entropion. They sometimes get cysts or cancerous growths in their skin, but these are rarely malignant. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism have also been reported. Progressive neuronal abiotrophy (PNA) is also seen. This condition is also referred to as Cerebellar cortical abiotrophy (CCA) or Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA). Another skin-related health issue is spiculosis. This is a skin disorder that produces abnormally thick hairs that are also called thorns, spikes or bristles.
Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament
Did You Know?
- It is thought that the peasantry of Ireland developed the Kerry as an answer to the nobility using Irish Wolfhounds. The Irish Wolfhounds were used to protect noble hunting grounds from poachers. The Kerry was used to help the peasantry to silently hunt the noble hunting grounds.
- The Kerry Blue Terrier originated in Ireland.
- The Kerry is an all-round working and utility terrier. The breed was used in Ireland and England for hunting small game and birds, and for retrieving from land and water.
- The Kerry’s most distinguishing characteristic is its coat. Described in the breed standard as "soft, dense, and wavy," it does not shed and can be tolerated by many people with pet allergies.
- 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.
- Kerry Blues are born black and, if correct, have the dominant gene for coat fading. The color begins to fade to gray and acquires its adult solid slate gray color by 18 months.
Kerry Blue Terrier History
The Kerry Blue Terrier originated in Ireland, having been noticed
first in the mountainous regions of County Kerry, hence the name. The
dogs had been pure-bred in that section for over a hundred years.
Gentle, lovable, and intelligent, the Kerry is an all-round working and utility terrier, used in Ireland and England for hunting small game and birds, and for retrieving from land and water. He is used quite successfully, too, for herding sheep and cattle.
These dogs were always considered as working and sporting terriers, no thought being given to them as a bench-show dog. However, after the formation of the Republic, they began to appear on the bench and met with quick favor. The first few came out at the Dublin show The Kerry in Ireland is fostered by the Irish Blue Terrier Club of Dublin, organized by H. G. Fotterell.
English fanciers were quick to realize the Kerries’ possibilities if
properly groomed, and the Kennel Club there provided regular
classification for them. Their rise to popularity was almost instant,
and each show brought out increasing numbers of entries.
The Blue Terrier Club of England, organized by Captain Watts Williams, is the supporting organization back of the Blues for England. The English standard is with a few minor exceptions identical with the American standard in that coats must be trimmed.
There is more or less conjecture as to who imported the first Kerry and where it was first shown in this country. However, it appears that the first important show at which Kerries appeared was at Westminster in 1922. For two years following their initial exhibition at Madison Square Garden they were relegated to the Miscellaneous Class, but in 1924 they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as a breed and given championship rating.
During the Westminster show of 1926, a group of fanciers met at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City and organized the Kerry Blue Terrier Club of America. Their stated purpose was to encourage the breeding of the Kerry, assist its fanciers, adopt a standard, and foster both the utilitarian and sporting qualities of the dog (with aim toward field trials as well as dog shows).
Gentle, lovable, and intelligent, the Kerry is an all-round working and utility terrier, used in Ireland and England for hunting small game and birds, and for retrieving from land and water. He is used quite successfully, too, for herding sheep and cattle.
These dogs were always considered as working and sporting terriers, no thought being given to them as a bench-show dog. However, after the formation of the Republic, they began to appear on the bench and met with quick favor. The first few came out at the Dublin show The Kerry in Ireland is fostered by the Irish Blue Terrier Club of Dublin, organized by H. G. Fotterell.
The Blue Terrier Club of England, organized by Captain Watts Williams, is the supporting organization back of the Blues for England. The English standard is with a few minor exceptions identical with the American standard in that coats must be trimmed.
There is more or less conjecture as to who imported the first Kerry and where it was first shown in this country. However, it appears that the first important show at which Kerries appeared was at Westminster in 1922. For two years following their initial exhibition at Madison Square Garden they were relegated to the Miscellaneous Class, but in 1924 they were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as a breed and given championship rating.
During the Westminster show of 1926, a group of fanciers met at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City and organized the Kerry Blue Terrier Club of America. Their stated purpose was to encourage the breeding of the Kerry, assist its fanciers, adopt a standard, and foster both the utilitarian and sporting qualities of the dog (with aim toward field trials as well as dog shows).
Kerry Blue Terrier Pics
AKC Registered Breeders
Kerry Blue Terrier
Parent Club: United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, Inc.
Breeder Referral: Barbara Beuter, 25818 Tamra Ct, Leesburg, FL 34748; EST (352) 787-7055
Breeder Directory: website
Parent Club: United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, Inc.
Breeder Referral: Barbara Beuter, 25818 Tamra Ct, Leesburg, FL 34748; EST (352) 787-7055
Breeder Directory: website
No comments:
Post a Comment