How to Choose a Kerry Blue Terrier Puppy

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a fun all around dog and easily adapts to farms or urban life. With a love of play and hard work this dog breed is ideal for the family with lots of outdoor interests. Kerry Blues love to hunt small game and birds, as well as being successful herding dogs. Their curiosity and playfulness can just as easily be expended on a good game of fetch. Choosing a healthy Kerry Blue Terrier puppy is the first step in a long and happy journey.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Reputable Kerry Blue Terrier breeder
• Professional Handler (for show dogs)

1. Find a reputable Kerry Blue Terrier breeder and tour the facility. After choosing the breed of puppy, get online and establish yourself in the different communities. Talk to other Kerry Blue owners to find the best breeder in your price range. Tour dog breeder facilities until you find the one you are comfortable doing business with.
2. Decide if you are looking for a show quality Kerry Blue Terrier or a lifelong pet. Every breeder will have pet quality puppies available, but be prepared for a screening process if you want a show dog. There should be absolutely no difference in health between pet and show puppies, but there could be something as small as eye color that will rule a dog out as Confirmation Show quality (which is what breeders are observing).
3. Decide if you want a male or female dog. The Kerry Blue Terrier is only about 25 to 40 pounds when full grown and there is not much difference in size between the sexes. If you are buying the Kerry Blue for a pet, then choose either as you will spay or neuter the dog prior to six months of age. If you want a dog for breeding, always buy a female. If you are buying the dog for show, buy a male and do not have him neutered.
4. Look at several puppies at play with each other. Watch for emerging personalities and decide what fits best with your lifestyle and family. The biggest puppy of any litter tends to have a bossier attitude or may get angry quicker. The runt of the litter may be very submissive or worse have a Napoleonic syndrome.
5. Get a health guarantee from the breeder before purchasing the Kerry Blue Terrier. Read the laws in the breeder’s state to know what your recourse is in the event of a bad experience. Professional dog breeders want happy clients and will usually remain available after the sale.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are seriously considering a show dog, it is wise to bring a professional handler with you. This person should know the exact breed standards required for Confirmation showing. Something as slight as too long of ears can disqualify a Kerry Blue Terrier.
• Kerry Blues can be a perfect watch dog, quiet in nature they will easily alert and bark when something is amiss.
• The Kerry Blue Terrier is a true terrier and will be active even in a small space. This is a highly intelligent dog breed and will get into trouble if not amused with interactive toys or exercise.