EST. 2013
The Kerry Blue Terrier Standard
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. Correct coat and color are important. A low-slung Kerry is not typical.
The Hotlick's crew, from left to right, Joey, Fannie, and Daizie Jayne. Photo courtesy of breeder/owner, Monica Doyle-Adair.
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. Only where the comparative superiority of a specimen outside of the ranges noted clearly justifies it should greater latitude be taken. In no case should it extend to a dog over 20 inches or under 17 1⁄2 inches, or to a bitch over 19 1⁄2 inches or under 17 inches. The minimum limits do not apply to puppies. The most desirable weight for a fully developed dog is from 33-40 pounds, bitches weighing proportionately less. A
well-developed and muscular body. Legs moderately long with plenty of bone and muscle.
Carter, GCH Kellsenberg Go Fly a Kite, and breeder/owner/handler Megan Vandenberg, at the prestigious Montgomery Kennel Club BOB line up, 2023.
Photo courtesy of Jenna DePollo.
Head
Long, but not exaggerated, and in good proportion to the rest of the body. Well balanced. Eyes-Dark, small, not prominent, well placed and with a keen terrier expression. Anything approaching a yellow eye is very undesirable. 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 folded ear slightly above the level of the skull. A “dead” ear, hound-like in appearance, is very undesirable. Skull-Flat, with very slight stop, of but moderate breadth between the ears, and narrowing very slightly to the eyes. Foreface full and well made up, not falling away appreciably below the eyes but moderately chiseled out to relieve the foreface from wedginess. Little apparent difference between the length of the skull and foreface. Jaws deep, strong and muscular. Cheeks-Clean and level, free from bumpiness. Nose-Black, nostrils large and wide.Teeth-Strong, white and either level or with the upper (incisors) teeth slightly overlapping the lower teeth. An undershot mouth should be strictly penalized.
Nora, Low Country's International Love Affair, enjoying a day on the lake. Photo courtesy of owner, Jenna DePollo.
Neck, Topline, and 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 moderate breadth. Ribs fairly well sprung, deep rather than round. A slight tuck-up. Loin short and powerful. Tail should be set on high, of moderate length and carried gaily erect, the straighter the tail the better.
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Gait
Full freedom of action. The elbows hanging perpendicularly to the body and working clear of the sides in movement; both forelegs and hind legs should move straight forward when traveling, the stifles turning neither in nor out.
Pip, Teagan's Pip Pip Hooray! at 14 months of age. Photo provided courtesy of breeder/owner/handler, Heather Hunter.
Pooka, Ch. Connell's Mid Summer Night's Dream, RATCH, CA sprinting in FastCAT (Course Ability Test-100m Dash). Photo courtesy of breeder/owner, Sarah Lagassa.
Forequarters
Shoulders fine, long and sloping, well laid back and well knit. The elbows hanging perpendicularly to the body and working clear of the side in movement. The forelegs should be straight from both front and side view. The pasterns short, straight and hardly noticeable. Feet should be strong, compact, fairly round and moderately small, with good depth of pad free from cracks, the toes arched, turned neither in nor out, with black toenails.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular with full freedom of action, free from droop or crouch, the thighs long and powerful, stifles well bent and turned neither in nor out, hocks near the ground and, when viewed from behind, upright and parallel with each other, the dog standing well up on them.
Disqualifications
A black dog 18 months of age or older is to be disqualified. (White markings on a black dog 18 months of age or older does not constitute clearing or mature color and the dog is to be disqualified.)
Approved October 10, 2005
Effective January 1, 2006
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You may find the UKBTC Illustrated Standard by clicking here.