The Kerry Blue Terrier, as its name suggests, is a member of the Terrier group of breeds. Though originally developed to be an all-purpose farming and hunting dog, the Kerry is now mainly utilized as a family pet. (This handsome breed performs highly in dog shows as well.) Overall, Kerry Blues are best suited as companions to active families, preferably those with large yards to accommodate these dogs' high exercise requirements. And since this breed may not get along with other dogs, it's best if a Kerry lives in a "one-dog" household.

A few Kerry Blue Terrier facts: these dogs are medium-sized, averaging 18 inches tall and 35 pounds in size, and they have medium-length, soft, thick coats in various shades of blue-gray. A few good (and not so good) qualities of the breed:

Kerry Blue Terrier dogs 101: this breed is attractive, energetic, bold, and stubborn--yet playful and fun-loving, especially with family members. These dogs' defining characteristics (and one reason for the breed name) are their soft, blue-gray coats. But interestingly, Kerry puppies are born jet-black, and develop their blue-gray color as they mature.

Some specific Kerry Blue Terrier information: first, a bit of unfortunate history. When the breed was originally being developed hundreds of years ago in Kerry County, Ireland--another reason for the breed name--its creators actually chose aggression as a desired trait. Apparently, the breeders wanted a dog with the courage to both hunt and kill small animals and to protect livestock--and though modern breeders have tried to selectively breed this trait out of Kerry Blues, some of it remains, especially with other dogs. New Kerry owners are urged to provide obedience training and socialization as early in the dogs' lives as possible so they can learn proper, peaceful behavior as they become adults.

Aggression aside, Kerry Blues are fun-loving and even goofy, and they make great playmates for kids. The typical Kerry is like an older brother: proud, protective, and at times frustrating--but like that brother, the dogs loves its people deeply!

Also like older brothers, these dogs are quite strong for their size, and they're pretty darn active. Regardless of their living situation, owners will need to provide a fair amount of daily outdoor activity to help channel the Kerry's energy.

The Kerry Blue Terrier has no known sub-types, nor do the American Kennel Club or the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club (the AKC's official breed organization) recognize any breed variations. Within the standard breed itself, individual dogs may have slight variations in features like head or ear size and leg length, but these are naturally occurring and do not signify a specific sub-type.

The Kerry Blue's coat is consistent: soft, dense, and wavy, in various shades of blue, gray, and black. No major differences from this standard, such as a long-haired Kerry Blue Terrier, are known.

Size is consistent in this breed as well. Some mixed breeds, especially the Kerry Blue Terrier x Miniature Schnauzer cross, strongly resemble a small Kerry Blue. Dishonest breeders may in fact advertise these crossbreeds as Miniature Kerry Blue Terrier dogs--but again, no true breed variations exist.

Intelligent, proud, fun-loving, and stubborn, the Kerry Blue Terrier temperament is one of hard work, attempts at dominance, and plenty of affection. Typical of terrier breeds, these dogs are scrappy and energetic, and will need owners willing to show them that the humans are the bosses! Even so, a Kerry is normally friendly with kids and other family members (and even strangers once the dog gets to know them). Other pets, though, not so much--particularly other dogs. Kerry Blues have aggression towards other animals in their history, so they may not get along with other dogs, cats, birds, or rodents. Early socialization with other animals is an absolute must for these dogs.

A Kerry is normally intelligent, though, so training usually comes fairly easily to these dogs. Note that their stubbornness will mean they need firm, consistent (but never harsh) training methods, and trainers will definitely need to play the "alpha" role.

Kerry Blues are devoted and protective, so they make great watchdogs. While not especially vocal, these dogs will certainly sound a barking alarm if they detect a potential threat.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is generally healthy overall, but may suffer from joint problems (hip dysplasia, luxating patella), eye and ear issues, and various skin disorders. Rarely, this breed is known to develop cancer.

Kerry Blue Terrier life expectancy is 12-15 years.