History and Development of the Breed

The Kerry Blue, or Irish Blue Terrier, as it is known in Ireland, the land of its origin, is a compact but graceful medium sized terrier with a thick, silky blue-grey coat.

Intelligent, alert and confident, it makes an eye-catching companion.

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The pups are black at birth, with bluish tones emerging during the first 18 months. The striking coat does not moult, however a grooming regime with daily brushing and a weekly comb is necessary. A trim every 6 weeks serves to emphasise the elegant, sporty silhouette of the terrier.

Kynological historians have presented a number of theories regarding the origins of this now popular breed of terrier. I find the suggestions of Tom Horner particularly interesting. The blue silky soft coat has caused some authors to site the "Softcoated Wheaten Terrier", the "Glenn of Imaal Terrier" or even the "Irish Wolfshound" as possible ancestors. Another theory falls back on the legend of the dogs with blue coats that once swan from sinking Spanish ships to the south west coast of Ireland. These intrepid, blue dogs were to be found predominantly in County Kerry where they were used as guard dogs and protectors. In hunting foxes, badgers and otters their fearless nature was proven.

As far as is known, a show in Cork in 1913 provided the background for the first ever appearance of the Blue Terrier. It was presided over by the well known expert of all breeds, Frank Butler. He also judged a 1916 show in Killarney, where the title "Kerry Blue Terrier" first emerged. Twenty dogs of differing build and coat structure were registered, with "Blue Belle" owned by Miss Casey being crowned the winner. Blue Belle was a well-built bitch with a splendid coat and colour, perfect forequarters, elegant head, very good ears and a great deal of typical terrier character. Miss Casey, who later became Mrs. Casey-Hewitt standardised the breed according to the model of Blue Belle. It was Mrs. Casey-Hewitt who later introduced the breed to England. Before a Kerry could be crowned champion in England, it had to go through two tests. These were called "Testas Beag" and "Testas Mor". The former employed hares and rats in testing the candidates' ability to hunt, while the latter involved their pursuit of a badger to its sett. It was required of the terriers that they remained in the sett for at least five minutes if they failed to bring out the badger straight away.

These tests are no longer carried out.

In 1922 the first Kerry entered the ring in England. Despite being prone to hot-headedness in its conduct, the Kerry soon became popular. At the Great Joint Terrier Show in 1922 the Kerry Blue was awarded CCs for the first time. "Sapphie's Beauty" owned by Martell was winning male, while "Belle of Munster" led the bitches. Both were imported from Ireland. Saphie's Beauty was first of its breed to gain the English Champion's title. The first English-bred Kerry to win the title was "Nofa Jacobin". "Brian King of Muster" was the leading breeder of his time, with his line producing many champions.

In 1928 the first Kerry Blue terrier left England for Germany. Being of Mrs. Casey-Hewitt's line, "Patrick of Swansile" entered the German breed register in first place. By the close of the 20s, Germany was home to 15 kennels.

Between 1928 and 1938, 230 Kerry Blue Terriers from 37 litters and 36 individual animals were entered into the German breed register. Through rigid selective breeding, only a few years were required for the English enthusiasts to transform a once scraggy creature into an aristocratic beauty with a splendid, silky blue coat. A corresponding trim was all that was required to transform the Kerry Blue terrier into an eye-catching dog.