Kerry Blue Terrier
Male: 15-18 kg, Female: 13-16 kg
44.5-49.5 cm at the shoulder
12-15 years
Ireland (County Kerry)
About the Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is the quintessential Irish working dog, celebrated for its striking blue coat and versatile abilities. Standing as a medium-sized, upstanding terrier, they possess a muscular yet graceful build that reflects their history as rugged hunters of the Irish countryside. Unlike many other terriers, the Kerry Blue is a 'one-man' or 'one-family' dog, forming exceptionally deep bonds with their owners while maintaining a vigilant and protective watch over their home. In the domestic environment, they are famously known for their 'human-like' intelligence and sense of humour. While they are spirited and can be assertive with other dogs, their loyalty to their human companions is unmatched. Their non-shedding coat makes them a popular choice for families with allergies, though this benefit comes with the trade-off of intensive grooming requirements. A well-socialised Kerry Blue is a charming, active, and deeply devoted companion suitable for active households.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a vision of controlled power and elegance, presenting a perfectly balanced, square silhouette. Their movement is a masterclass in economy and grace, featuring a reach and drive that covers the ground with effortless fluidity. The coat is the breed's crowning glory; it must be handled to appreciate its unique silken texture and wavy architecture, shimmering in shades of slate or silver-blue.
In Australia
The Kerry Blue Terrier was officially recognised in Ireland in 1920, when it became the first breed registered by the newly formed Irish Kennel Club. The breed was later officially recognised by The Kennel Club in the UK in 1922. The Kerry Blue Terrier was established in Australia in 1929, following the importation of 'Zonick of Kerry' and 'Brandy of Kerry' by Mr W.J. Wood of Melbourne.
Bred For
Versatile farm work, including hunting badgers, otters, and vermin, as well as herding sheep and cattle.
Temperament
Intelligent, spirited, loyal, courageous, and alert with a characteristically 'game' terrier attitude.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Cerebellar Abiotrophy (progressive ataxia), Factor XI deficiency (bleeding disorder), Keratosis (corns on paw pads), , skin cysts, and .
Grooming Needs
High; non-shedding but requires daily brushing and professional scissoring every 6-8 weeks to prevent matting.
Living Suitability
Ideally suited to a home with a secure yard; can adapt to apartment living only if given significant daily outdoor exercise and mental engagement.
Good with Kids
Generally good with older children who understand how to respect a dog's boundaries; their high energy may be overwhelming for toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Can be assertive or dominant with other dogs; high prey drive means they are often not suited to homes with small pets or cats unless raised with them.
Trainability
Highly intelligent but possesses a typical terrier independence; requires firm, consistent, and positive reinforcement-based training.
Coat & Colours
Soft, wavy, dense, and silky single coat with no undercoat.. Any shade of blue (from deep slate to light silver-blue), often born black and 'clearing' to blue by 18 months.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be aware that the Kerry Blue Terrier is a high-maintenance breed in terms of grooming; their non-shedding coat can quickly become a mass of painful mats if not brushed daily and professionally clipped. They are more likely to exhibit 'terrier fire,' which means they can be reactive or dominant toward other dogs, necessitating early and ongoing socialisation. Like many terriers, they possess a high prey drive and may be prone to digging if bored. Regarding health, they are predisposed to skin issues such as cysts and keratosis (corns on the pads), and some individuals may develop dietary sensitivities on standard commercial kibble; many owners find they thrive on a fresh, raw diet like Majestik. They are also predisposed to hereditary conditions like Cerebellar Abiotrophy and Factor XI deficiency, so purchasing from a breeder who performs DNA testing is vital. While these traits require a dedicated owner, the Kerry Blue’s profound devotion and spirited personality make the effort incredibly rewarding.
Feeding Guide for Your Kerry Blue Terrier
Healthy Weight
15-18 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
300-540 grams
For an adult Kerry Blue Terrier, a fresh or raw diet should be fed at approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. For a standard 17 kg dog, this equates to roughly 340g to 510g per day, split into two meals. Focus on high-quality proteins like kangaroo or beef to maintain lean muscle mass and support their skin health.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, protein-rich diet focusing on novel proteins to support skin health, supplemented with Omega-3 fatty acids for their unique coat.
At Majestik Pet Food, we recommend our Kangaroo or Beef varieties as primary protein sources. Kangaroo is particularly beneficial for Kerries prone to skin sensitivities. Include organ meats like liver and kidney for essential vitamins, and ground bone for calcium. Adding leafy greens and fish oil will further support their unique silky coat and maintain joint health.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Kerry Blue Terrier Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Kerry Blue Terrier? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
4-8 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.