Kerry Blue Terrie is a beautiful, well-proportioned dog kept as a popular pet and a show dog. Its coat, which can be any shade of blue, needs attention on a regular basIs
Origin and history
The Kerry Blue originates from the county of Kerry in southwestern Ireland. The I[ish Terrier had a hand in its make-up, to which the Bedlington Terrier and Bull Terrier are also said to have contributed.
The Kerry started life as a hunter of badgers and foxes and has also done its share of otter hunting, being a keen, strong swimmer. It has guarded livestock and has seen army service during World War II. Now, however, it is predominantly kept as a popular pet and show dog. A Kerry Blue Terrier, Champion Callaghan of Leander, won the Best in Show award at Crufts in 1979.
The exact origins of the Kerry will probably never be known. There is a romantic story of a blue dog swimming ashore from a shipwreck. The coat of this dog was so lovely that it was mated with all the female Wheaten Terriers in Kerry (or in all Ireland according to some) producing the Kerry Blue. Maybe this is not entirely fantasy as the Portuguese Water Dog is often suggested as part of the Kerry's make up. The Kerry is known as a good swimmer and one of the few breeds used for hunting otter in deep water. Others suggest the Kerry was produced by the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier crossed with the Bedlington Terrier with (or without) some Irish Wolfhound or Irish Terrier blood. The extinct Gadhar herding dog is also mentioned as another possible branch of the Kerry's family tree. One certain fact is the breed became very popular as an all around farm dog in rural Ireland.
National Dog of Ireland
With the development of dog shows in the late 19th and early 20th century the breed became standardised and tidied up for the show ring. It was closely associated with Irish nationalism with the nationalist leader Michael Collins owning a famous Kerry Blue named Convict 225. Indeed Collins made an attempt to have the Kerry blue adopted as the national dog of Ireland.
It should be stated, however, that the love of dogs crossed political divides. The first show of the Dublin Irish Blue Terrier club took place outside official curfew hours and was entered by those fighting for and against an Ireland Republic! The Dublin Irish Blue Terrier Club was so successful it led directly to the foundation of the Irish Kennel Club. A Kerry blue was the first dog registered with the Irish Kennel Club
Temperament
Kerry Blue Terriers are strong-headed and highly spirited. They have always been loyal and affectionate towards their owners and very gentle towards children but were often considered downright mean toward other animals including other dogs. In the early days of competitive dog showing the Irish Kennel Club required Kerries had to pass a "gameness" test, known as Teastas Mor certification, before they were deemed worthy of being judged. These tests included catching rabbits and bringing a badger to bay in its set. They were not nicknamed "Blue Devils" for nothing!
Modern breeders have attempted to retain high spirits whilst breeding out aggression. They have achieved a great deal but the Kerry can still be dog aggressive and vocal so socialization from puppy-hood is an absolute necessity to prevent future problems and veterinary bills.
Together with the Airedale Terrier, the Kerry is 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 police dogs in Ireland.
As a long-legged breed, the activity level of the Kerry Blue Terrier ranges from moderate to high. They require an active, skilled owner who can provide them with early socialization and obedience training. Kerries require exercise daily; such as walks, jogs, agility-training, or other day care activities to keep them busy and occupied. Combine this with the grooming needs and you have a dog that requires considerable time spent on it. Kerries are not for everyone but in the right home they are a good family companion.
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 humanely destroyed.
Another health issue that is skin related is that of spiculosis. This is a skin disorder that produces abnormally thick hairs that are also called thorns, spikes or bristles. These cause pain and need to be removed by hand or when necessary surgical
Background
The badger is a usually quiet and docile creature in its own domain; however, when cornered or when a threat is perceived it can possess impressive courage. Weighing up to thirty-five pounds when fully grown, the badger has an extraordinarily dangerous bite, which it is willing to use recklessly when threatened. A formidable adversary for any dog, the badger was a sought-after participant for the fighting pit.
The History of Badger Baiting & Digging
Badger Baiting was made illegal in 1835, but the 'sport' of badger digging remained legal. Badger digging continued to be so popular that in the 1960's the badger population was believed to be under threat and in decline. Badgers were first protected in Britain by the Badger Act 1973 (amended in 1981 and 1985), designed to stop widespread persecution but has done little to help. At that time, the legislation protected badgers but not their setts and so, in October 1991, a further Badger Protection Act was introduced to protect badger setts as well. The Protection of Badgers Act 1992, consolidated and improved previous legislation. This protection has always been acknowledged to be welfare-based: that is, it is intended to defend the species against cruelty such as badger baiting rather than to conserve it for ecological reasons.
Drawing the badger
Entertainment
Towards the middle 1800's Badger-bating declined in popularity to be replaced by dog fighting.
Badger dogs
Some dog breeds were specifically developed for badger-baiting whilst several other breeds were used in this task in addition to more general vermin control. In the United kingdom and Ireland terrier breeds such as the Airedale terrier, Bedlington terrier, Blue Paul terrier, Fox terrier, Glen of Imaal terrier, Sealyham terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, Welsh terrier, Wheaten terrier and Kerry blue terrier were most often used. In other parts of Northern Europe Dachshund and Basset hound types were to the fore and in Southern Europe breeds such as the Portuguese Podengo were used.
Teastas Mor
Strict Irish Kennel Club rules governed the Teastas Mor (certificate of gameness). It was considered that the discipline ensured contests between dog and badger were fair. In the past, to become an Irish Kennel Club terrier champion, it was necessary for a terrier to be in possession of a Teastas Mor. These continued until the kennel ceased to license trials in 1968.
In addition, there were many other badger clubs; each had their own rules, which varied considerably. Frequently, the badger was afforded little protection.
