Kerry Blue Terrier
General Appearance - The typical Kerry Blue Terrier should be upstanding well
knit and in good balance, showing a well-developed and muscular body with
definite terrier style and character throughout.
Size, Proportion, Substance - The ideal Kerry should be 18 1/2 inches at the
withers for a dog, slightly less for a bitch. In judging Kerries, a height
of 18-19 1/2 inches for a dog, and 17 1/2-19 inches for a bitch, should be
given primary preference. The most desirable weight for a fully developed
dog is from 33-40 pounds, bitches weighing proportionately less. Legs
moderately long with plenty of bone and muscle.
Head - Long, but not exaggerated, and in good proportion to the rest of the
body. Eyes - Dark, small, not prominent, well placed with a keen terrier
expression. Ears - V-shaped, small but not out of proportion to the size of
the dog, of moderate thickness, carried forward close to the cheeks with the
top of the folder ear slightly above the level of the skull.
Neck, Topline, Body - Neck - Clean and moderately long, gradually widening to
the shoulders upon which it should be well set and carried proudly. Back
short, strong and straight (i.e., level) with no appearance of slackness.
Chest deep and of but moderate breadth. Tail should be set on high, of
moderate length and carried gaily erect, the straighter the tail the better.
Coat - Soft, dense and wavy.
Color - The correct mature color is any shade of blue gray or gray blue from
the deep slate to light blue gray, of a fairly uniform color throughout
except that distinctly darker to black parts may appear on the muzzle, head,
ears, tail and feet. Kerries go through a process of "clearing" where they
are black at birth to the mature blue gray or gray blue.
Disqualifications in the show ring - Solid black, dewclaws on hind legs.
Photograph and information courtesy of
Ron Zurek, Secretary
Kerry Blue Terrier Club of Southern California
