What should you look for in a Kerry Blue Terrier puppy? This is a bit of a tricky question.
First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Kerry Blue Terrier males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of. You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog.
No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines. Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter. In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first.
A Kerry Blue Terrier puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition.
Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.
The Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed of dog. In Ireland it is often called the Irish Blue Terrier. Originally bred to control "vermin" including rats, rabbits, badgers, foxes, otters and hares, over time the Kerry became a general working dog used for a variety of jobs including herding cattle and sheep, and as a guard dog.
Today the Kerry has spread around the world as a companion and working dog.
Appearance
Some characteristics of the Kerry Blue Terrier include a long head, flat skull, deep chest, and a soft wavy-to-curly coat that comes in several shades of "blue", the general term outside this breed being progressive grey.
Puppies are born black; the blue appears gradually as the puppy grows older, usually up to 2 years of age. The ideal Kerry should be 18-1/2 inches at the withers for a male, slightly less for the female. The most desirable weight for a fully developed male is from 33-40 pounds, females weighing proportionately less. The coat is the key feature of the Kerry. It is soft and wavy with no undercoat.
The texture is similar to that of fine human hair and like human hair does not shed but continues to grow throughout the year. This means the Kerry Blue requires very regular grooming (at least once per week) and clipping an average of every 6 weeks.
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. 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. As a long-legged breed, the activity level of the Kerry Blue Terrier ranges from moderate to high. They require an active, skilled owner who can provide them with early socialization and obedience training. Kerries require daily exercise.
First, you should agree if you want a male or female puppy. Kerry Blue Terrier males and females are alike in many respects but there are distinct differences between the sexes that you should be aware of. You have to ensure that you are aware of what you expect from your new addition so you can advise the breeder. Let him/her know if you want a companion, show dog, or a competitive performance dog.
No matter what the function you desire in your puppy, all puppies in the litter will have the same bloodlines. Most well-bred litters from ethical breeders are bred to emphasize the health, character, and trainability of every puppy in the litter. In the pursuit for your puppy, you want to examine the puppies together at first.
A Kerry Blue Terrier puppy should have, first and foremost, a good temperament. They should be inquisitive, outgoing, and unafraid in his advances towards everything and everybody. They will also demand and display affection without inhibition.
Many times puppies will choose one of the litter to pick on. This does not mean this puppy is defective in any way. Take this puppy aside and he will usually contend himself when he is away from his littermates.
The Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed of dog. In Ireland it is often called the Irish Blue Terrier. Originally bred to control "vermin" including rats, rabbits, badgers, foxes, otters and hares, over time the Kerry became a general working dog used for a variety of jobs including herding cattle and sheep, and as a guard dog.
Today the Kerry has spread around the world as a companion and working dog.
Appearance
Some characteristics of the Kerry Blue Terrier include a long head, flat skull, deep chest, and a soft wavy-to-curly coat that comes in several shades of "blue", the general term outside this breed being progressive grey.
Puppies are born black; the blue appears gradually as the puppy grows older, usually up to 2 years of age. The ideal Kerry should be 18-1/2 inches at the withers for a male, slightly less for the female. The most desirable weight for a fully developed male is from 33-40 pounds, females weighing proportionately less. The coat is the key feature of the Kerry. It is soft and wavy with no undercoat.
The texture is similar to that of fine human hair and like human hair does not shed but continues to grow throughout the year. This means the Kerry Blue requires very regular grooming (at least once per week) and clipping an average of every 6 weeks.
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. 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. As a long-legged breed, the activity level of the Kerry Blue Terrier ranges from moderate to high. They require an active, skilled owner who can provide them with early socialization and obedience training. Kerries require daily exercise.
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