How to Groom a Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier comes from County Kerry in Ireland. Their name comes from this county and for the distinctive color of their coat. Kerry Blue Terriers require a good deal of regular grooming to be kept in good shape. They require a general grooming twice a week and should be given a full grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Pin brush
• Metal combs
• Scissors

1. Remove hair from ear canals using scissors. Check ears regularly to prevent hair, wax and dirt from building up--this can cause an ear infection. Be very careful while doing this. If hair gets built up too much, hire a professional groomer to pull the hairs.

2. Brush or comb the dog once a week to maintain coat health. Alternate using a pin brush, slicker brush and metal combs. This breed sheds very little, and also emits no odors.

3. Bathe once a week. Frequent bathing doesn't dry out the skin of the Kerry Blue Terrier, as is often the case with most other breeds.

Tips & Warnings

• Hire a groomer or undergo extensive training to learn how to groom your Kerry Blue Terrier for a show. The specifications are very strict.
• Kerry Blue Terriers have a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years.
• Kerry Blue Terriers are good dogs for those suffering from allergies.
• The Kerry is the national terrier of Ireland.
• Failure to groom regularly results in tangling and matting which is difficult and painful to remove.
• Kerry Blue Terriers are overall healthy dogs. However, they can sometimes suffer from hip dysplasia, PNA and cerebellar abiotrophy. Slightly less serious health problems include cataracts, spiculosis, hair follicle tumors, entropion, KCS, narrow palpebral fissure distichiasisme and CHD.