Kerry Blue Terrier: Temperament, Socialization and Evolution in Competitive Dog Shows

The Kerry Blue Terriers are an Irish terrier breed renowned for their strong-minded and highly spirited temperament, blending independence with unwavering loyalty to their owners. Historically affectionate and gentle with children, they were often regarded as hostile to other animals—including dogs—due to their heritage as robust vermin hunters, but proper socialization with other dogs eliminates this entirely. In the early days of competitive dog showing, they faced unique challenges that tested their gameness while paving the way for modern popularity.

The Classic Kerry Blue Temperament: Loyalty vs. Tenacity

Affinity with Family and Child-Friendly Behavior

Kerry Blues form deep bonds with family, exhibiting exceptional patience and gentleness with children when introduced early. The American Kennel Club describes them as "alert, adaptable, and animated" family companions, ideal for active households with daily exercise space. This affectionate nature contrasts with their "Blue Devil" reputation as multifunctional Irish farm dogs used for hunting badgers, rats, and herding cattle in Kerry mountains.

Strong Spirit and Terrier Instincts

With a "lively, bossy, scrappy, clever, independent, stubborn" personality, they respond best to consistent positive training, sensitive to unfair treatment that can amplify reactivity. Experienced owners note their natural prey drive toward small animals if leadership isn't established.

The Issue of Hostility Toward Other Animals

Historical Reputation for Interspecific Aggression

In rural Ireland, Kerry Blues were frequently considered hostile to other dogs and animals, especially intact males, resulting from selection for "gameness"—proven courage in real tests against rabbits and badgers required by the Irish Kennel Club. 1922 records show 257 entries in the first Championship Show, but with reports of ring confrontations due to this combative heritage.

Studies like C-BARQ confirm higher dog-dog aggression propensity in working terriers (20-30% cases without intervention), attributed to genetics and lack of early socialization.

Socialization Transformation: Scientific Evidence

If properly socialized with other dogs, this hostility disappears completely. A 2022 systematic review showed puppies in socialization classes improve family-dog aggression scores by 40-50%, trainability by 35%, and general reactivity by 25%. Controlled exposure between 2-9 months—leashed walks, supervised playdates—produces balanced Kerry Blues competing in agility and obedience without incidents.

Today, temperament-focused breeders produce winners like Pixie (Crufts 2020 Terrier Group), demonstrating breed evolution.

The Early Days of Competitive Dog Showing

In the 1920s showing era, Kerry Blues entered rings with "rough" coats and vigorous behaviors contrasting polished English terriers. The Irish Kennel Club required Teastas Mor (major gameness test) and Teastas Beag (minor test) before judging, proving pest-fighting ability. The first show on March 17, 1922 (St. Patrick's Day) recorded 257 entries—a record—but challenges included missing teeth in older females and "rough" ring manners. Pioneers like Midland Beauty (first English champion of Irish origin) and Belle of Munster set standards, transitioning from farm dog to show competitor.

This phase shaped the breed, balancing combat spirit with modern elegance while maintaining low but high-quality Kennel Club registrations.

Practical Tips for Modern Kerry Blue Owners

• Socialization: Start at 8 weeks with puppy classes; maintain positive interactions through year 1.

• Training: Positive reinforcement only; avoid punishment that increases stubbornness.

• Exercise: 60+ minutes daily to channel energy.

• Grooming: Every 6 weeks; monitor common hip dysplasia.

With these practices, Kerry Blues become loyal, intelligent, fun companions for active families.

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References

Wikipedia: Kerry Blue Terrier - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerry_Blue_Terrier (accessed 2026-01-22)

American Kennel Club: Kerry Blue Terrier - https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/kerry-blue-terrier/ (2021-09-03)

Houndsy: Understanding Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament - https://www.houndsy.com/blogs/modern-tails/understanding-kerry-blue-terrier-temperament-a-comprehensive-guide (2025-06-02)

Loukerry Kennels: Rasse - http://www.loukerry.de/deu/rasse-deu.html (accessed 2026-01-22)

Wag!: Kerry Blue Terrier - https://wagwalking.com/breed/kerry-blue-terrier (accessed 2026-01-22)

VCA Animal Hospitals: Kerry Blue Terrier - https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/kerry-blue-terrier (accessed 2026-01-22)

AKC: Kerry Blue Terrier History - https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/kerry-blue-terrier-history/ (accessed 2026-01-22)

Animals Journal: Canine Socialisation Review - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9655304/ (2022-10-21, DOI: 10.3390/ani12212874)

Psychology Today: Dog Aggression - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201403/dog-aggression-is-predicted-training-methods-and-breed (2014-03-17)

The Training of Dogs: Kerry Blue Training - https://www.thetrainingofdogs.com/post/the-training-of-kerry-blue-terriers-what-to-know (2025-09-11)

The Kennel Club: Crufts 2020 - https://www.royalkennelclub.com/about-us/resources/media-centre/2020/march/a-kerry-blue-terrier-from-swansea-wins-place-in-cruft... (2020-03-14)