The history of the appearance of the Kerry Blue Terrier, external parameters, behavioral traits and health, the nuances of care: walks, food, procedures, education. The price of the puppies. Remember the cartoon about the blue puppy, based on the fairy tale by D. Urban? Once it caused a stir because of its name, which was not understood by everyone. But, such dogs with a blue coat color do exist. Anyone who is familiar with this breed falls in love with it more and more every day. She has a combination of all the best qualities that can be in a dog. It is of medium size. Pets do not shed and have no wool smell. They have a great nervous system. Dogs are active at any time of the day and are very intelligent. They are extremely friendly to people. And what kind of pets are pleasant to the touch. When you stroke them there is a feeling that under the palm of your hand there is a soft karakul. The beautiful cover of these animals is genetically determined.
The history of the emergence of the Kerry Blue Terrier breed
The birthplace of the Kerry Blue Terriers is Ireland. It was there, in County Kerry, that these blue dogs were bred. The breed was officially recognized in the twenties of the XIX century, however, in its homeland it has been known for more than one hundred and fifty years. They were versatile farm dogs. They guarded the house, nursed children, grazed sheep, secured fishing tackle in deeper waters, and also helped the Irish in hunting the beast.
They were greatly appreciated for their ability to drive game with dexterity. Dogs took part in hunting foxes, wild boars and any burrowing animals. If the dog could not climb into the hole, then it would dig it up and drive the animal out of the shelter. Despite their small stature, they are fearless and courageous hunters. Carries retain their qualities of a universal dog to this day. They perfectly fulfill the functions of a hunter, guard and of course a companion dog.
Thanks to their gray-blue coat, many people consider these dogs to be the most beautiful among terriers. It is not in vain that the Irish are proud of these dogs and call them a national pearl. In the old days, when they lived and hunted in County Kerry, their wonderful coat was cut very short so that it would not get dirty and would not interfere with the dogs at work. Their ears, like many other terriers, are pressed to the head so that the fox or badger cannot injure them.
The breed got its name, you guessed it, thanks to the name of the area where it was born and the beautiful color of its "coat". The coat on the head and legs of the Kerry Blue Terrier is black, and on the body it is much lighter. Cynologists call such a silvery-gray shade "blue", which is blue in English. This is the basic breed and distinctive color of these dogs. Individuals that are pure black are discarded. They are forbidden to exhibit and breed.
Cynologists admit that the breed was formed with an admixture of the blood of Irish Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Dandy Terriers, and maybe other types of canines. The modern appearance of the Kerry Blue Terrier received its final parameters by the end of the 19th century. An official breed criterion was established and adopted in 1922.
Description of the external parameters of the dog Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers have an elegant appearance. Dogs are taller than average. The animals are proportionally built and covered with soft, curly hair of blue-gray color. They have mesomorphic muscles, well-developed, strong and knocked down bones. They are distinguished by their endurance and versatile working data. They are used as companions, guards and protectors.
Kerry are distinguished by obedience, great affection for the owner and all family members. They have a balanced disposition, an active and energetic temperament. They are fearless and courageous. Evil and fearful individuals are discarded.
According to norms, the height at the withers in males is from 47 cm to 50 cm, in bitches from 45 cm to 48 cm. The parameters of individuals can vary within 1-3 cm. The weight of breed specimens reaches from 15 kg to 17 kg. They move easily, energetically, in a straight line.
- Head elongated, medium size. Aesthetically set on the neck, with dry muscles, harmonious with the body. It is covered with a thick coat, which is cut in such a way as to perfectly emphasize its rectangular shape. The frontal part is slightly flattened in the upper zone, of moderate width. The furrow on the forehead is insignificant. The cheekbones are well defined and flat. The brows are not high, smoothed. The bump on the back of the head is not pronounced. The bones at the temples are flat.
- Muzzle parallel to the line of the skull, as well as equal to it in length. It is elongated, but not narrow; it has a volumetric filling in the region of the eyeballs. The bridge of the nose is straight. The stop is not pronounced, rather smoothed. The lips are dry, moderately thin, compressed, close tightly, pigmented black. The mucous membrane of the mouth also has a black color. Scissor bite. The flews slightly overlap the lower jaw. The jaws are well developed and strong. The teeth are powerful, white, with perpendicular incisors.
- Nose - voluminous, with dilated nostrils. Lobe pigmentation is coal-black.
- Eyes Kerry Blue Terrier of medium rise, located on the front line. They are slightly above average in size, round-almond-shaped. Their color ranges from dark brownish to coal black and hazel. The darkest shades are preferred. The eyelids are dry, dark. They have an intelligent, attentive and discerning eye.
- Ears posted high. They are of medium size, triangular in shape, hanging from cartilage. The cartilage is moderately thin, the ends are pointed. The auricles with the front edge are adjacent to the skull. When alert, the dog raises them more on the cartilage. It is recommended to glue them at three months so that the ends are directed forward to the eyeballs.
- Neck of moderate length, oval in shape, with strong, dry muscles. It is beautifully curved, gradually expanding, gradually merging into the shoulders. Set harmoniously high. Has a beautiful bend. The withers are well developed, there is no dewlap.
- Frame elongated format, knocked down, with dense muscles. The rib cage is moderately widened, oval in shape, drooping down to the elbows. The back is shortened, straight, muscular. The loin is widened, voluminous, short in length. The croup is slightly sloping. The ribs are harmoniously developed and arched, elastic. The line of the abdomen is pulled up smoothly to the groin area.
- Tail - thickened at the beginning of growth, narrower towards the end. Placed high. When moving, the dog raises it above the level of the spine up. Breeders recommend docking at a distance of one third of its length. The dog looks more aesthetically pleasing, and the length of the tail does not bother them.
- Limbs front - erect, parallel to each other, with a dry muscle system. The shoulders fit perfectly to the body, strong. The elbows are close to the ribcage and level under the withers. The forearms are vertical and straight. The pasterns are slightly sloping, slightly shortened. Hindquarters - when judging from the rear, parallel to each other, level, but wider than the front. On the thighs, relief, strong musculature, sloped. The shins are slightly shorter than the thighs. The knee joints are well developed. The hock joint is harmoniously arched, low and dry. The hock is vertical, short, extending slightly beyond the pelvic bones. Feet - tight, rounded. Fingers with curved, hard claws, pressed against one another. The nails are pigmented black. The pads are dense, elastic, voluminous.
- Coat The Kerry Blue Terrier is curly, long, thick, shiny, with a uniform soft and silky texture. The outer hair covers the body of the animal abundantly. There is no undercoat. The hair on the tail is thicker and slightly longer, which makes it more voluminous.
- Leather - tight, fits the body well.
- Color - uneven, blue. In the shade or in the sun, you will always see that the kerry has a blue tint. It comes in a variety of shades, with or without black endings on the guard hair. The head, ears and limbs should be painted black. Instances of pure black color will be disqualified.
Kerry Blue Terrier behavioral traits
Kerry Blue Terriers in the modern world are primarily companion dogs. They are ready to accompany you on walks. At home, they watch with interest what all family members are doing. The dogs will not bother you, but they are always there. Despite the fact that kerries are very temperamental dogs, they behave calmly in the apartment and do not bother anyone. But remember that pets need community. Smart and loyal doggies are not suitable for indifferent people who pay little attention to their four-legged friend.
These dogs love the family they live in. It is good to have them for married couples with children, moreover, of different ages. Kerry Blue Terriers are excellent nannies. They take great care of children, do not allow them to move far from their parents and home. At the same time, they perfectly protect them from strangers. These dogs are not for one person. In their human "flock" they share their love among all. Carries feel comfortable in the apartment, they love to sleep on sofas and armchairs. The only thing that needs to be paid attention and time is their fur. Pets are trained well. They are very smart and grasp everything on the fly.
Kerry Blue Terrier dog health
Kerry Blue Terriers have excellent immune systems. They live from ten to fourteen years. For your dog to be healthy, you must properly feed and physically load it. It is important to vaccinate the dog for its entire life and carry out treatment procedures for parasites.
Nuances of carry blue terrier care
These canines must be carefully looked after.
Their coat does not shed, but at the same time remains on the dog. Therefore, it must be cleaned regularly. Up to one year old kerry puppies are recommended to be combed daily. Adults are combed out every two or three weeks.
They bathe from two to three times a month or as they become dirty. Concentrated cosmetics for "bath" procedures for dogs. Therefore, it should be diluted with warm water so that the pet does not have dandruff. When the animal is washed, a dense foam is formed, which provides deep penetration, helps to remove stubborn dirt from the coat.
For Kerry Blue Terrier hair, you need to choose a targeted anti-mats shampoo with a high content of conditioner. This concentrate gives the wool elasticity, eliminates dryness, and provides additional volume. For the second wash, use a shampoo that enhances the color of the coat and gives it aesthetics.
After bathing, apply a universal conditioner with vitamins. It must also be diluted with warm water and sprayed evenly over the entire coat of the dog from a spray bottle. Let the pet stand for a minute or two. We wash everything thoroughly. A spray conditioner that does not wash off is applied before blow-drying to protect the coat from drying out and prevent it from tangling in the future.
It is necessary to use a hairdryer after the "bath" procedures so that the "fur coat" of the kerry does not overwhelm or wrinkle. Dry the pet with the warm air of a hair dryer, in the direction of hair growth, while constantly combing.
Every two months, the dog is trimmed and trimmed. If the pet is for show, then it happens that the manipulation is carried out every week. "Hairstyle" Kerry, one of the calling cards of the breed. In addition to the fact that the dog acquires a wonderful appearance, it is also convenient and practical. Longer hair is left on the legs, the back is trimmed. The hair is cut between the pads. Also, the haircut provides for long bangs and a wonderful beard. It must be washed every day with natural feeding of the dog. If the terrier eats dry food, then this is not necessary. In everyday life, the bangs are tacked with rubber bands so as not to interfere with the pet's vision.
The teeth of a four-legged pet will be in wonderful shape if you teach him to brush them constantly. If this is not done, then over time, tartar will be deposited on them. Its presence leads not only to the destruction of dental tissues, but also to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the animal's mouth. The procedure can be carried out using zoological pastes and brushes. As all dogs love to chew on something, buy preventive edible bones and special toys for your terrier in the store.
The ears of the Kerry Blue Terrier have a drooping shape. Therefore, clean them in a timely manner with lotions that soften the sulfur. Trimming (plucking of hairs) can be carried out inside the auricle, this will improve their ventilation.
Check your pet's eyes after walking and going out into forest park areas. If foreign particles enter them, it can cause redness and infection. And mechanical injuries cause more serious diseases. If you are in doubt about the diagnosis, do not risk it, take your pet to the veterinarian.
Claws should be regularly trimmed with claws.
Feeding your Kerry Blue Terrier is up to you. The natural food of the carnivore consists mainly of non-fatty meat and offal. And the dog, as we know, is a predator. The minimum addition is boiled porridge (buckwheat, rice, barley), low-fat cottage cheese, eggs and a small amount of vegetables and fruits (apple, carrot). The dog must consume vitamins and minerals from professional producers every day.
In the modern world, almost all professional dog breeders have switched to feeding their pets with dry food, since it is well balanced and contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Only ready-made concentrates should be professional, super-premium, for active dogs. Regularly consuming high-quality food, the animal's body will receive everything it needs for endurance and wonderful external and internal physical shape.
Walking should be long and active. The dog must not only run and play uncontrollably, but also receive appropriate physical and mental exercise. A pet who has not received the full load will feel out of place and it is not clear how it will behave. He can get bored or destructive in the house. The Kerry Blue Terrier should not be kept outdoors in cold weather, as it does not have a warming undercoat. With pets at a young age, they go out three times a day, and then twice.
Features of raising a Kerry Blue Terrier and interesting facts
Kerry Blue Terriers perfectly understand all household commands. With age, they become not only wise, but also smart. But of course, for this you need to regularly deal with them.
All blue terriers are born black only. And by the age of one and a half, they begin to “change color”. This color in kerry is unstable during life. It can darken and brighten. It happens that some individuals remain black all their lives. Such dogs are discarded from breeding.
Purchase and price of kerry blue terrier puppies
If you want such a pet, be prepared for the fact that you will have to wait for it for a while, as the breed is not common and rather rare. Buying a puppy must be approached responsibly and first you need to talk to the breed experts. And the most detailed consultations can be provided to you in the dog breed club.
You need to carefully study the characteristics of the species. It is necessary to seriously approach the question of the character of the animal. Know what to expect from a carry. To have a thoroughbred, healthy pet with a balanced psyche, buy it from professionals. The approximate cost per puppy ranges from $ 300 to $ 800. You will find out the specific price at the place of purchase in the nursery.
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