Terrier group

Kerry Blue Terrier

Ireland’s blue-coated all-rounder — smart, playful and strong-minded.

Kerry Blue Terriers are versatile Irish farm dogs with a soft, wavy blue-grey coat. They are affectionate, clever and playful, but often dog-aggressive and in need of consistent training and regular professional grooming.

Height
17.5–19.5 in44–50 cm
Weight
30–40 lb14–18 kg
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
Medium
Group
Terrier
Origin
County Kerry, Ireland

Coat: Soft, dense, wavy single coat; low shedding. Colours: Blue-grey (puppies are born black).

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation4.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness2.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Kerries are people-oriented, playful and protective. They enjoy family life and are usually good with children they know. Many are clever, clownish dogs.

They are strong-willed and can be combative with other dogs. Their prey drive is high. Socialise early, train consistently and supervise dog interactions.

Living with a Kerry Blue Terrier

Exercise

About an hour of daily exercise with walks, play and training. They enjoy agility and herding.

Grooming

Brush several times a week and book professional grooming every four to six weeks. Very low shedding.

Training

Smart and trainable but strong-willed; firm, consistent, reward-based training works best.

Kids & other pets

Good with children in their own family. Often intolerant of other dogs; unsafe with small pets.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time but may become destructive when bored.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Kerry Blue Terrier right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Kerry Blue Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Kerry Blue Terrier typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Progressive neuronal abiotrophy

    An inherited neurological disease causing loss of coordination in young dogs; a DNA test is available.

  • Factor XI deficiency

    An inherited bleeding disorder; a DNA test identifies carriers.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Eye disease

    Dry eye and entropion occur; eye exams are recommended.

  • Skin cysts

    Benign skin cysts and growths are common in the breed.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • DNA tests: progressive neuronal abiotrophy and factor XI deficiency

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Kerry Blue Terrier; United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Kerry Blues were all-purpose farm dogs in the mountains of County Kerry: hunting vermin, herding sheep and cattle and guarding the home. Their origins are uncertain and the subject of colourful legends.

The breed became a symbol of Irish nationalism in the early 20th century. The AKC recognised the Kerry Blue Terrier in 1924.

Did you know?

  • Kerry Blue puppies are born black and turn blue-grey by about 18 months.
  • The Kerry Blue is the national terrier of Ireland.
  • Kerries were used for herding as well as hunting.

Library guides for Kerry Blue Terrier owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Kerry Blue Terriers hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Kerries shed very little.
Are Kerry Blues good family dogs?
Yes, for experienced owners. They are affectionate but often dog-aggressive.
How much grooming does a Kerry Blue need?
A lot — regular brushing and professional grooming every four to six weeks.