The Training of Kerry Blue Terriers. What Every Owner Needs to Know

The Kerry Blue Terrier might not be the most commonly seen breed at the park, but those who know them tend to love them deeply. With their striking blue toned coat and famously determined attitude, the Kerry is a true terrier at heart, with a few unique quirks of its own.

Originally bred in Ireland for hunting, herding and guarding, this breed is incredibly versatile. But do not let the good looks fool you. The Kerry Blue is bold, bright and full of opinions. They are not a passive companion, and that is exactly what many of their biggest fans love about them.

In this spotlight, we are unpacking everything you need to know before bringing a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home. From behaviour to training, lifestyle fit and beyond.

What is a Kerry Blue Terrier Really Like?

The Kerry Blue is a medium sized, well muscled dog with a dense, wavy coat that changes colour over time. Puppies are born black and gradually fade to a silvery or blue grey as they mature. It is part of what makes them so visually distinct.

But their character is even more striking. They are energetic, affectionate and intelligent, but also fiercely independent. This is a dog that likes to have a say in things and often brings a bit of attitude into the mix.

Kerries are deeply loyal to their families and often form strong bonds with one particular person. They are known for being protective, sometimes even suspicious of strangers, which makes early and thorough socialisation absolutely essential.

Temperament and Behaviour

The Kerry Blue is a terrier through and through. They are bold, confident and often quite spirited. These are not wallflowers. They approach life with purpose and often a bit of cheek.

They are generally good with people but can be reserved with strangers unless properly socialised. They are not always naturally social with other dogs and may show signs of dominance or reactivity, especially with those of the same sex. This does not mean aggression is inevitable, but it does mean that introductions need to be handled with care and awareness.

Kerry Blues are known for being clever problem solvers. Left to their own devices, they will find something to do, and it may not always be something you would have chosen. If you want a low effort or highly biddable dog, this is probably not the best choice.

But if you enjoy structure, training and seeing a dog’s personality unfold with time and trust, the Kerry can be a joy to live with.

Training a Kerry Blue Terrier

Training a Kerry Blue is about clarity, fairness and consistency. They are intelligent and capable learners, but they also have a strong will. They do not blindly follow orders. They listen, think and often decide whether they agree.

This is not a negative trait. In fact, many owners find it refreshing. But it means you need to earn their attention and respect. That comes through calm leadership, positive reinforcement and a steady routine.

Early training should include focus work, recall, polite greetings and calm handling. These are essential to help a Kerry feel secure and to reduce frustration or tension in daily life.

They enjoy working when the training is engaging. Short, purposeful sessions with a mix of movement and reward tend to go down best. Long, repetitive drills are unlikely to hold their attention.

Above all, training should be ongoing. Kerry Blues thrive when they are mentally engaged. Whether it is trick work, scent games or structured tasks, keeping their brain busy is just as important as physical exercise.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Kerry Blue Terriers are active and curious. They benefit from daily walks, playtime and freedom to explore. They are built for endurance and will happily accompany you on longer outings once they are mature and fit.

They also need space to think. This is not a breed that does well with long days of inactivity. Without enough stimulation, they can become vocal, destructive or overly demanding.

Enrichment can include puzzle feeders, hide and seek games, basic scent work, tug games or targeted training challenges. Even ten minutes of focused work each day makes a difference to how settled and satisfied they feel.

If your Kerry does not have something useful to do, they will find their own way to stay busy. That might include digging up the garden or rearranging your shoes.

Grooming and Coat Maintenance

The Kerry Blue’s coat is unique. It is soft, dense and curly, with very little shedding. While this can be great for people who prefer a cleaner home or who have mild allergies, it does come with grooming requirements.

Brushing several times a week is a must. Their coat mats easily if neglected, and tangles close to the skin can cause discomfort or infection. Regular maintenance also keeps their coat healthy and looking its best.

Professional grooming is needed every six to eight weeks. Many owners choose to learn how to maintain the coat at home between visits, especially around the face and feet.

Getting your Kerry used to brushing, nail trimming and handling from an early age will save stress later on. Make it part of your weekly rhythm, and use calm rewards to create a positive experience.

Living with a Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blues have strong opinions and a lot of heart. They love their people, enjoy being part of daily life and often follow their favourite human from room to room.

They are not dogs who enjoy being left alone for long stretches. They need company, activity and inclusion to feel secure. If you work full time, consider how you will provide for their mental and physical needs each day.

They are often affectionate with family, and many do well with respectful children. That said, their exuberance and sharp instincts mean they are better suited to homes with older kids who understand dogs.

Kerry Blues can be dog selective. Some get on well with other dogs, especially if raised together. Others are best suited to living solo or with a carefully matched opposite sex companion. They also have a strong prey drive and should not be trusted unsupervised with small animals.

Are Kerry Blue Terriers Good for First Time Owners?

It depends on your approach. If you are open to learning, enjoy training and can provide structure, a Kerry Blue can be a wonderful companion. If you are looking for an easy going or compliant dog, there are simpler breeds to manage.

They suit owners who enjoy building a strong relationship through trust, patience and consistency. If you want a dog that will match your energy and keep you engaged, this could be the breed for you.

Support makes a big difference. At Paws Academy, we work with terrier owners across the world to set the foundations early and help you understand what your dog needs to thrive.

Health and Care Considerations

Kerry Blue Terriers are generally robust, but a few health issues do appear within the breed. These include hip problems, some skin sensitivities and hereditary eye conditions.

Responsible breeders will test for known concerns and provide full information about parent dogs. If you are adopting, ask for vet records and ensure a full health check is done.

Day to day care includes balanced nutrition, exercise, training and grooming. Preventative care and a proactive routine go a long way in keeping this breed strong and healthy.

Summary. Is the Kerry Blue Terrier Right for You?

This is a confident, clever and loyal breed with a big personality. They will not fade into the background. They will challenge you, entertain you and ask for your full attention.

For some people, that is too much. For others, it is exactly what they are looking for. If you value communication, consistency and enjoy a dog with a bit of edge, the Kerry Blue might just be the right choice.

Know what they need. Be honest about what you can give. And if you are unsure, we are always here to help.

At Paws Academy, we offer personal support for dog owners around the world. Whether you need early guidance with a Kerry Blue puppy or help managing behaviour, we provide both virtual and in person consultations. Get in touch to learn how we can help you and your dog succeed together.