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FCI-Standard N 3 / 25. 04. 2001 / GB
KERRY BLUE TERRIER
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.
Ps. I am looking for Kerry Blue Terrier photos for
this page. If you have one to share, please email it to
me. Thanks. :o)
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