Before You Adopt
Tips for finding the best cat or dog for you; plus: preparing for a puppy
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Energy
Exercise
Playfulness
Affection
Friendliness towards dogs
Friendliness towards other pets
Friendliness towards strangers
Ease of training
Watchdog ability
Protection ability
Grooming
Cold tolerance
Heat tolerance
A versatile terrier, the Kerry blue's personality is multifaceted. She can guard, hunt, herd or just be a fun-loving companion. She needs daily mental and physical activity in a safe area. She loves to run, chase, hunt, explore, play and dig. Indoors, She is well-mannered. She can be protective toward strangers yet greet verified friends with great enthusiasm. She is clever and independent, often stubborn. Some tend to bark.
The Kerry blue needs a good amount of exercise, but her needs can be met with either a long walk on leash, a vigorous play session or a chance to explore off leash in a safe area. Her coat needs combing about twice a week, plus scissoring and coat shaping every month.
Major concerns: PNA, cerebellar abiotrophy
Minor concerns: cataract, spiculosis, hair follicle tumors, entropion, KCS, narrow palpebral fissure distichiasis, CHD
Occasionally seen: retinal folds
Suggested tests: eye, (hip)
Life span: 12-15 years
American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Border Terrier
Bull Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Smooth Fox Terrier
Wire Fox Terrier
Irish Terrier
Some animal welfare organizations with Kerry Blue Terriers ready for adoption:
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