INTRODUCTION

The Kerry Blue Terrier has many stories about its origin. One theory comes from the fact that originally only nobleman could hunt with Wolfhounds in Ireland, and it is said they were mated to terrier by peasants so they could "poach". Then there is the legend of the "Blue Dog" arriving in the UK from Russia.

The widest believed origin of the Kerry comes from H. D. Richardson of Dublin, a famous writer and authority on dogs. He does not mention Irish Terriers as a breed, or Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, nor Kerry Blues, as such. He does mention what he calls the Harlequin Terrier, a true terrier and a game dog, bluish slate in color, marked with darker blotches and patches, and often with tan about the legs or muzzle. It seems obvious that the breed he refers to is the Kerry Blue Terrier (- even today young Kerries with brownish coats will clear to blue.)

In the beginning of dog shows, Kerries were shown untrimmed and in the rough, with the coat merely tidied up a bit. Probably the greatest impetus was given to the progress of the breed when they began to be trimmed as a terrier in England, the USA and in Canada. Thus came the modern Kerry Blue Terrier as we know him.

You should familiarize yourself with the Kerry Blue Terrier Breed Standard. This will better help you understand the body and the shape you are going for. Kerries are extremely popular for grooming competitions and it is important to create the right balance when grooming your Kerry.

SETTING UP FOR SUCCESS

• When trimming, your dog should always be standing four square on the table, secured with a grooming loop when needed.

• Bath, condition and dry your dog.

• Most Kerries need a lot of conditioner in their beards and topcoats to maintain the proper coat texture.

• Your dog needs to be force dried with a high velocity dryer up to 90% dry and then complete the fluff dry with a stand or hand dryer on hot or medium.

• Line brush and comb with a scissoring or brushing spray

• Clip in between the pads of the feet, the belly (all the way to the rib cage) and sanitary area.

• Clip or grind nails

• Clean and pluck ears if necessary

• Check teeth and brush if necessary

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

• Slicker Brush

• Pin Brush

• Wide tooth "poodle type" metal comb

• Fine comb

• Clippers with 5 i 1 blade or Clippers with #30 and #15 blades

• Straight shear

• Curved shear

• Thinning shear

• Blender/Fishtail type shear

• Scissor spray

• Sponge

• Oil or shine spray

ABOUT THE COAT

The Kerry Blue Terrier Standard in many countries describes the coat in great detail. Coat quality is of utmost importance to the Kerry Blue Terrier and must not be ignored. It is described as "Silky, soft, dense, with waves." The combination of these singularities of coat are unique to the Kerry Blue Terrier.

The single coat should always be soft, plentiful, dense and wavy. Marcel waves should resemble finger waves, not curls or kinks. (Marcel waves are shown in the video.) The texture is silky, not wooly or harsh. A fuzzy, cotton coat is equally as improper as a harsh coat…In show trim the body should be well covered but tidy.

On the head, (except for the whiskers), the throat, ears, and cheeks are clippered. The rump and back of tail are trimmed close or clipped. A Kerry Blue coat shaped into a “poodle pack” with every hair standing straight up, (stand away coat), showing no waves, is uncharacteristic and is a major fault.”

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• The furnishings of the KBT should be an extension of the dog's bone structure.

• Adding "shelf" behind the tail, excessive leg furnishings or excessive chest hair takes away from the overall balance of the dog

• Kerries should look athletic and not poodley!

 THE KERRY HEAD TRIM

THE REAR