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A Kerry Blue Terrier is a dog breed that comes from Kerry, Ireland. It was used for hunting, cattle herding, dog fighting, and guarding. Today, the Kerry is 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 term for "gray" in dog coats).
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.
Grooming: The coat care is extensive. The Kerry Blue
Terrier doesn't shed. The coat is close to the structure of
human hair, similar to that of the Poodle or Maltese, and
might be suitable for some people with allergies. But the
Kerry owner will pay his dues.
The coat never stop growing and the Kerry requires weekly
brushing to prevent matting. They also need to be trimmed
every six to eight weeks. The coat has only one layer and does
not protect from the weather, cold, water, or mud. The Kerry
should not be kept outside all the time and should dried
immediately when back at home.
Temperament: Kerry Blue Terriers are strong-headed
and highly spirited. They are, together with the Airedale
Terrier, one of the best-suited terriers for work. They are
fast, strong, and intelligent. They do well in obedience, dog
agility, sheep herding, and tracking. They have been used as a
police dogs in Ireland. They require an active, skilled owner
who can provide them with early socialization and obedience
training.
Because they can be dog aggressive and vocal, socialization
from puppyhood is an absolute necessity to prevent future
problems and veterinary bills. As a long-legged breed, the
activity level of the Kerry Blue Terrier ranges from moderate
to high. Kerries require exercise daily; such as walks, jogs,
agility-training, or other day care activities to keep them
busy and occupied. Kerries are loyal and gentle towards
children.
Health: Kerries are fairly healthy, however there
are some genetic disorders that are prevalent in the breed.
They are prone to eye problems such as Keratoconjunctivitis
sicca (dry eyes), cataracts, and entropion. They sometimes get
cysts or cancerous growths in their skin, but these are rarely
malignant. Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism have
also been reported. Progressive neuronal abiotrophy (PNA) is
also seen.
This condition is also referred to as Cerebellar cortical
abiotrophy (CCA) or Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA). PNA is a
disease of the nervous system, in which the cerebellum loses
its ability to coordinate movement. PNA is believed to be
genetic, but there is no test available that can detect
carriers. PNA is degenerative, with affected dogs beginning to
be visibly uncoordinated and unable to stand or move without
stumbling at around one year of age.
There is no known cure for PNA, and affected dogs will have
very poor quality of life, often not able to even sit up or
eat as the disease progresses, and should be destroyed.
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