ORIGIN :
Ireland.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 27.01.2001.
UTILIZATION : Used in the hard job of tackling
otters in deep waters, to engage badger underground and hunt vermin. A good watch dog and loyal companion.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 3 Terriers.
Section 1 Large
and medium sized Terriers.
Without
working trial.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : Like the other Irish
Terrier breeds it is assumed that the Kerry Blue has been in the country for
centuries, but, once again, because of its humble origins as a rat catcher and
all-round farm dog, there are few, if any references to the breed before the
20th century. The first probable
literary references to the Kerry Blue dates from 1847 the author describes a bluish slate coloured
dog, marked with darker blotches and patches, and often with the tan about the
legs and muzzle. This blackish-blue
Irish terrier was supposed to be prevalent in Kerry but it has been developed
in other counties as well. The blue
didn’t make its first appearance on the show benches until 1913, and the Dublin
Blue Terrier Club was formed in 1920.
The Kerry Blue became quickly so popular as a sort of mascot for Irish
patriots that there were actually four clubs promoting its interests for a
short time, and between 1922 and 1924 these clubs sponsored no fewer than six
shows and six field trials. By 1928 this impressive balanced terrier with its
beautiful soft blue coat became popular worldwide and its reputation as an
excellent working and companion dog agreed with the breed assessment as
« well nigh perfect ».
GENERAL APPEARANCE :
The typical Kerry Blue Terrier should be upstanding, well-knit and well
proportionated, showing well developed muscular body with definite terrier
style.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : Terrier character throughout.
The all-important factor-expression
must be keen and alert.
HEAD : Showing plenty of
hair. Dogs should be stronger in head
and more muscular than bitches.
CRANIAL
REGION :
Skull : Strong and well balanced.
Stop : Slight.
FACIAL
REGION :
Nose : Black, nostrils large and wide.
Muzzle : The foreface should be of medium length.
Teeth : Teeth large even and white, scissor bite (level bite
acceptable).
Jaws : Jaws strong and muscular (punishing jaws).
Mouth : Gums and roof dark.
Eyes : Dark or dark hazel, medium in size and well placed, keen in
expression.
Ears
: Thin and not large, carried in front or close to the
sides of the head, in a forward position, again to express the keen, sharp
terrier expression.
NECK : Well proportioned,
well set on shoulders and moderately long.
BODY :
Back : Medium length, level.
Loin : Moderate in length.
Chest : Deep and of moderate width.
Ribs well sprung.
TAIL : Thin, well placed
and carried erect and gaily.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS :
Shoulders : Fine, sloping, well-knit.
Forelegs : Straight in front, bone good.
HINDQUARTERS : Hindlegs well set under dog.
Thighs : Muscular, well developed.
Hocks : Strong.
FEET : Compact, pads strong and rounded, toe nails black.
COAT
HAIR : Soft, plentiful and wavy.
COLOUR : Blue of any shade with or without black points. Black is permissible only up to the age of 18
months, as is also a shade of tan.
SIZE AND WEIGHT :
Height
at the withers :
Dogs
: 18 -
19,5 inches (45,5 to 49,5 cm).
Bitches: 17,5 -
19 inches (44,5 to 48 cm).
Weight :
Dogs
: 33
lbs to 40 lbs (15 to 18 kg).
Bitches
: proportionately less.
FAULTS : Any departure from the
foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which
the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
·
Flesh coloured gums.
·
Yellow or light coloured
eyes.
·
Roach back or hollow back.
·
Narrow chest.
·
Protruding elbows.
·
Teeth undershot or overshot.
·
White or bone coloured toe
nails.
·
Dewclaws on hind legs, or
marks of their removal.
·
Close, cow-hocked or stilted
hind action.
·
Dogs whose heads or tails
are held up by exhibitors or handlers should be penalised.
·
Hard, wire or bristle coat.
·
Any colour other than blue
with the exception stated above
N.B. : Male animals
should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.