I've never had a dog before. Is this the breed for me?

The Kerry Blue can be a great dog for a first time owner if you remember a few things.  This is a bigger terrier, possibly 40 - 50 lbs, that requires firm, consistent discipline all its life.  It is a breed that loves its people, but can be pushy and dominant without clear limits.  The average life span for a Kerry in good health is 12 - 15 years.  That's a big committment.  Many breeders are reluctant to sell Kerries to people with little to no terrier experience.  Owning a Kerry Blues places more demands on the owner for socialization, excercise, training and grooming than many people are prepared to do.  

I want a dog for my kids, just like President Obama.  Are Kerries and kids a good match?

Kerry Blues are a high energy breed that are usually up for anything and enjoy the rough-housing of older kids.  Many seem to instinctively love children.  However, most Kerries have a high pray drive and sometimes the screaming and running of young children can trigger this response. On the plus side, a well made Kerry Blue is sturdy, healthy and quick on its feet, making it harder to be hurt by rough play than some breeds. As a dominate breed, the Kerry Blue needs to know exactly what his place in the family order is. Without training, this is a breed that can take over a house and you will find yourself constantly fighting for control.  

We just spent a fortune on new carpet and furniture. And my daughter has allergies.  Is this breed really non-shedding?

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a true non-shedding breed.  This doesn't mean it's a hypo-allergenic dog.  People with allergies to dog dander or saliva may still react in the presence of this breed.  Non-shedding also doesn't mean non-grooming.  The coat of a Kerry Blue is really hair, not fur like most dogs, and there is no genetically set length of the coat.  The hair will grow to the ground and twist into cords without proper care.  Regular brushing is essential. Also, since the Kerry Blue is soft coated, the hair is a magnet for stickers, weeds,  burrs. and general debris that will be tracked into the house. 

Ok, what about the grooming? Can I do it myself or is it a job for a professional?

Kerries need to be brushed a couple of times a week.  A once a month bath and trim are ideal. Since the Kerry Blue doesn't shed, brushing removes dead hair and conditions the skin.  Most breeders can refer buyers to competent groomers in the buyer's area and you can check out the grooming section on this website for more info.  Everybody struggles with the grooming at first, but it is something that can be learned with a little time and patience.  You might find it is an excellent bonding experience with you and your dog. 

While we're talking about the grooming, I don't like the hair covering up the eyes.  What's that about?

The Kerry Blue was used as a utility dog on Irish farms where the breed was developed.  It is thought the hair over its face and eyes, called a fall, was grown long to protect the dog's eyes from the claws of the larger vermin he was charged with eradicating.  In modern times, it has become part of the stylish look of the breed for the show ring.  The hair can be cut away somewhat to reveal more of the small, dark eyes or tied up in a rubber band.    

I have a lot of friends with dogs and I'd like to take my Kerry Blue to the local dog park.  I've heard terriers are dog aggressive and hard to train.  Is that true?

The thought of taking an intact Kerry Blue to a dog park makes many long-time breeder/owners cringe.  However, there is a breeder in the Northwest who encourages her puppy buyers to take their puppies to doggy day-care and dog parks regularly.  Her line has excellent temperaments and she reports great success with even intact males in this setting. With firm and consistent training some Kerries can get along with other dogs.  Generally, the Kerry Blue is prone to inter-sex aggression and won't back down from a perceived challenge.  A Kerry can be quite single-minded when he decides to fight and is not easy to control.  Kerries are trainable if approached with creativity and positive reinforcement.  Repetition will bore this breed.  Kerry Blues are great problem solvers and learn quickly.  Harsh methods and punishment only yield negative results.  Raising a teenager is great training for living with a Kerry. 

I've heard dogs need the companionship of their own kind.  I work and don't want my Kerry to be lonely all day.  How about getting two litter mates?

Most responsible breeders won't sell litter mates together.  As a pack animal,  the natural competition between siblings raised together will  usually continue their whole lives. If you work away from home all day, be sure to spend some quality time with your Kerry once you return home.  Go for a walk or run.  Kerry Blues are very people oriented and many owners find their dogs follow them everywhere around the house.  This is a breed that needs to be part of the family and not relegated to the yard or basement.  The more you include your Kerry in household activities, the better the dog you will have.  Don't substitute another canine for your attention.