| The Kerry Blue Terrier is one of the most mysterious | | | | prevent this, you need to ensure that your Kerry is |
| breeds of terriers. This is because of the fact that | | | | properly socialized. Usually, this is taken care of by |
| even though the breed has been known by the Irish | | | | the breeder before you take your dog home. |
| for at least 150 years, nobody really knows where | | | | Most people, when they are getting a pet, often ask |
| they came from or how they were first bred. They | | | | the question of whether or not a pet can be |
| are also coined as the Irish Blue Terrier. | | | | housebroken easily. Thankfully enough, the Kerry Blue |
| Various legends are told in order to explain the | | | | Terrier is easily trained and is, actually, quite eager to |
| appearance of the Kerry blue terrier breed. Some | | | | learn and please their owner, making it a fast learner. |
| say that the peasants bred them for hunting | | | | Although a Kerry Blue Terrier can become an |
| purposes since noblemen monopolized the use of | | | | excellent playmate for children, they should be |
| wolfhounds. Thus, noblemen hunted with their | | | | supervised to ensure proper behavior, and so that |
| wolfhounds, while peasants poached with their KBTs. | | | | you can nip any unacceptable behavior in the bud. |
| Another legend speaks of a wrecked Russian ship | | | | Children should be taught that they cannot be cruel |
| that contained a blue dog. This dog swam into Irish | | | | or aggressive with your Kerry. In fact, they should |
| shores and there, mated with the local terrier | | | | never be cruel or aggressive with any dog. |
| population. This, of course, started the genetic pool | | | | The KBT is also one of the more hardy types of |
| of blue Kerry terriers. | | | | terriers because they have very few genetic |
| Whatever the case, the blue Kerry terrier sure has a | | | | problems. Before buying a Kerry, however, it is |
| colorful history, and today, is quite an uncommon | | | | important and a good idea that you ask for eye |
| terrier breed. It started as a working dog, helping | | | | certifications and hip x-rays. These are the most |
| hunters bring in prey. It would also be trained as a | | | | commonly afflicted parts of the KBT. |
| police dog by the English. Today, it is considered to | | | | Kerry Blue Terriers are not for everyone. Some |
| be one of the best breeds of dogs that one can | | | | people may find it a bit too playful, or may not |
| own. This is in part of it's excellent abilities as a | | | | appreciate a Kerry Blue's curiosity. Don't forget, the |
| watchdog. | | | | word terrier comes from In fact, the word terrier |
| One thing that is amazing about owning a Kerry Blue | | | | comes from the Middle French "terrier", and before |
| Terrier as a pet is that this breed is adaptable to | | | | that, the Latin terra, meaning earth. |
| every situation. It can be a hardworking hunting dog, | | | | They were originally bred to hunt rats, rabbits, |
| a vigilant watchdog, or a champion in a dog show. | | | | badgers, foxes, otters and hares and dog fighting. |
| People who are blessed to have a Kerry Blue Terrier | | | | They like to dig, and discover. Since they were |
| even say that once you are a Kerry lover, you are | | | | intended as companions, especially as hunting |
| forever a Kerry lover. That's just how we all feel | | | | partners, they have a habit of following their owners |
| about our terriers! | | | | around, and are very loyal. |
| There are some terrier characteristics which may | | | | Today, the integrity of this terrier breed lies in the |
| cause a bit of trouble for your dog. Like all terriers, | | | | hands of the Kerry Blue Terrier breeders who care |
| the Kerry Blue Terrier can get into fights with other | | | | for them, nurture them, and make sure that they |
| dogs due to their protective personality. In order to | | | | have great homes to stay in. |