FCI-Standard N° 3
/ 11. 05. 2005 / GB
KERRY BLUE TERRIER
ORIGIN : Ireland.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF
THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 19.04.2005.
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.
GAIT / MOVEMENT
: Good coordination, with legs
parallel, forelegs reaching out and powerful drive in the hindquarters.
When the dog is moving the topline should remain level and the head and
tail should be carried high.
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
Any dog clearly showing
physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B. : Male animals
should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the
scrotum.
