The Versatile Kerry Blue Terrier: More Than a Pretty Coat

Kerry Blue Terrier standing on table before grooming session

Kerry Blue Terrier standing on table after grooming session

by Misty Gieczys

he popularity of the Kerry Blue Terrier has surged in recent years, but many still perceive the breed as solely a show dog. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Beneath that elegant exterior lies a hardworking, spirited companion with a rich heritage and a range of talents that extend far beyond the dog show circuit.

A Brief History

Originating from the rugged landscapes of Ireland, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed steeped in history and versatility. Initially bred as a working dog, capable of herding livestock, hunting vermin, and even guarding property, the Kerry Blue possesses a unique blend of strength, intelligence and adaptability. While its striking blue coat and distinctive headpiece have earned it recognition in the show ring, the Kerry Blue Terrier is far more than just a pretty face.

One of the breed’s most impressive qualities is its ability to seamlessly transition between work and play. They possess a distinct “on/off switch,” capable of intense focus and drive when performing a task, yet equally content to relax and enjoy downtime with their loved ones. This adaptability makes them well-suited to a variety of lifestyles, from active families to those seeking a loyal and devoted companion.

A Distinctive Coat

Unlike many other terrier breeds, the Kerry Blue Terrier’s coat is not hand-stripped, but rather hand-scissored. This meticulous grooming technique helps maintain the coat’s soft, wavy texture and enhances its natural beauty. While it requires a skilled groomer familiar with the breed’s specific needs, hand-scissoring contributes to the Kerry Blue’s overall gentle and elegant appearance.

The two physical features that set the Kerry Blue Terrier apart from other breeds are its unique headpiece and its captivating coat-color transformation.

The breed’s trademark headpiece is a masterpiece of canine coiffure. A long, flowing “fall” covers the eyes, blending seamlessly into a full, luxuriant beard. This distinctive feature not only adds to the Kerry Blue’s aesthetic appeal, but also serves a practical purpose, protecting the eyes and face from harsh weather and debris. Proper grooming and maintenance of the headpiece are essential to keep it looking its best and to prevent matting.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the Kerry Blue Terrier is its coat-color metamorphosis. Puppies are born black, but as they mature, their coat gradually lightens, transforming into various shades of blue. The final color can range from a deep, slate blue to a soft, silvery blue. Remarkably, each Kerry Blue’s coat pattern is unique, like a fingerprint, with no two dogs exhibiting the exact same markings. This individuality adds to the breed’s allure and charm.

Kerry Blue Terrier with fur lathered in soap

hand holding blow dryer to dry Kerry Blue Terrier's fur

Grooming the Kerry Blue: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fig. 1) Bath time for a Kerry Blue requires special attention to the face, especially the beard and fall, where food and eye discharge can accumulate. A thorough scrub is essential to keep these areas clean and healthy.

After the bath, it’s crucial to focus on drying the face and legs with a blow-dryer. The Kerry Blue’s unique “marcelled” coat on the back should be allowed to air-dry to preserve its distinctive wave pattern.

Fig. 2) After using a high-velocity dryer to remove excess moisture, a heated dryer is employed for precision styling. Stretching and drying the legs and face ensures a sleek and polished look. It’s important to direct the airflow in front of the eyes, encouraging the fall and beard to fall forward naturally. Remember, the dryer should always be used in the direction you want the coat to lay, creating a smooth and well-groomed appearance.

Kerry Blue Terrier standing on grooming table

cropped photo showing fully dried coat of Kerry Blue Terrier

Fig. 3) This showcases the ideal appearance after the face and legs have been stretch-dried. The coat lies smoothly, with the fall and beard framing the face beautifully. The rest of the body, sporting the distinctive marcelled pattern after brushing, is ready for cage-drying.

Fig. 4) This shows the coat fully dried after being finished in a cage dryer.

closeup of Kerry Blue Terrier's hind legs

Fig. 5) The grooming process begins by “squaring up” the dog, which involves removing excess hair from the front and rear to make the dog look as long as it is tall. To determine the shaving line, slide your finger down the back muscle and inner thigh until you reach the point where it forms a “V.” This marks the area where you’ll shave the back end and start the parallel line on the leg, extending up to the rectum and inside the flanks.

hand tilting up Kerry Blue Terrier's head to shave throat latch area

Fig. 6) Next, focus on the throat latch area. Shave the hair from about a finger’s width above the breastbone, creating a “V” shape that extends to just behind the ears.

hand tilting a Kerry Blue Terrier's head to the side and shaving fur near neckline underneath canine teeth

Fig. 7) The beard should be shaved up to the canine teeth, removing any loose hair in the flew area. This step creates a clean, defined neckline and accentuates the breed’s elegant head shape.

hand shaving fur near Kerry Blue Terrier's eye

Fig. 8) Shave the hair on the sides of the head, starting from the ear opening at the top and going down to about a finger’s width away from the corner of the eye. The shaving line should follow the zygomatic arch, also known as the cheekbone. This creates a clean, sculpted look around the eyes and accentuates their expressive face.

hand holding clipper trimming fur on Kerry Blue Terrier ears

Fig. 9) Carefully shave the hair on both sides of the ears using a #10 blade.

hand holding up Kerry Blue Terrier ear while carefully using scissors to trim fur

Fig. 10) Then, use straight shears to edge the sides of the ears, creating a neat and tidy “V”-shaped appearance.

hand holding scissors to trim fur on sides of neck

Fig. 11) When trimming the side of the neck, begin behind the ear and create a gentle slope downwards towards the shoulder. The shoulder should be the most closely trimmed area on the dog, emphasizing the breed’s characteristic wedge shape. This will also help to define the layback of the shoulder and the return of the upper arm.

hand laying scissors flat on Kerry Blue Terrier's back to trim top line

Fig. 12) Lay your scissors flat on the dog’s back to achieve the desired topline, which should be level, showcasing a short back. The hair over the croup and loin should be trimmed close and tight, and the neck should begin just after the loin, emphasizing the breed’s compact build.

hand using scissors to trim fur around belly area

Fig. 13) To give the appearance of a “sprung rib,” which creates a slight rise over the top portion of the ribcage before tapering downwards, visualize a diamond shape with a prominent top point to guide your trimming.

hand using scissors to trim Kerry Blue Terrier tail

Fig. 14) To create the distinctive “shelf” that connects the two pin bones, push the tail forward and visualize the desired angle between the tail and pin bones. Use scissors to carefully trim the hair, creating a smooth, defined shelf that accentuates the breed’s unique rear profile. The tail should be set high, adding to the overall elegance and proud carriage.

Fig. 15) When viewed from the rear, the hindquarters should form a distinct upside-down “U” shape. The rear should be slightly wider than the front, and the wedge shape should be apparent when viewed from above. After setting the angulations, stand behind the dog and observe the outline of the “U.” Trim any hair that protrudes beyond this desired shape, keeping the legs parallel to each other. To accommodate the breed’s tendency to rub their hocks together when in movement, remove slightly more hair from the inside of the hocks.

Fig. 16) The silhouette should exhibit a light tuck-up, where the underline slopes upwards from the ribcage to the flank. Ideally, the tuck-up extends to about the second-to-last rib. While maintaining a slight waistline is important for a balanced appearance, avoid excessive trimming that could make the dog look too lean or frail.

hand using scissors to trim fur on Kerry Blue Terrier's front legs

Fig. 17) The shaved area on the neck, where the throat latch “V” ends, should be the most prominent point on the dog’s chest. From this point, the chest hair should be trimmed downwards, creating a slight tuck under the body. Position the dog’s legs directly beneath them to achieve the desired angle. This technique allows for a subtle outward curve of the chest, just before it meets the upper arm, creating a balanced and athletic silhouette. Continue the trim line straight down the front of the leg from the return of the upper arm, further emphasizing the placement of the legs directly under the body.

closeup of scissors trimming fur on front legs

groomer holding up Kerry Blue Terrier's tail to trim fur

Fig. 18) The length of hair on the side of the front leg should be determined by the length left on the shoulder. No hair should extend beyond the shoulder line, creating a clean and balanced appearance. This technique ensures that the front legs blend harmoniously with the overall body shape.

Fig. 19) The tail should resemble a tight carrot shape; thicker at the base and gradually tapering towards the tip. While full and expressive, the tail should not be as bushy or heavily furnished as some other terrier breeds. When trimming the tail, it’s helpful to position it in the desired high carriage. This allows for accurate trimming and blending from the base of the tail into the topline. On the underside of the tail, trim the hair quite close, almost as short as a #5 blade would achieve. To ensure symmetry, trim the sides of the tail from behind, allowing for a clear view of both sides.

closeup of fur being trimmed near back paw

Fig. 20) The breed’s stance should convey an air of alertness and readiness, as if poised to spring into action. This is achieved by creating a well-let-down hock, positioned as close to the ground as possible and perpendicular to it.

closeup of fur being trimmed near front paw

Fig. 21) The front feet can be subtly “notched in” to create the illusion of the dog standing taller on its toes, further enhancing a dynamic posture.

groomer using sponge on Kerry Blue Terrier fur

Fig. 22) To achieve the signature marcelled coat, dampen the fur with a misting bottle and sponge to “pack” the coat, gently pressing and stretching the hair to encourage the wave pattern to form as it dries. This marcel effect, characterized by soft waves rather than tight curls, should be present on the top skull, down the neck, across the chest and body, and along the tail. The marcel should transition smoothly into the legs, blending seamlessly over the hip and forearm areas.

groomer using scissors to trim fur on top of Kerry Blue Terrier head

hand using scissors to trim fur on the back of Kerry Blue Terrier neck

Fig. 23) To achieve the characteristic brick-like head shape of the breed, the top of the skull should be trimmed with blenders or thinners to a length similar to a #5 blade, seamlessly blending into the shaved areas on the cheeks and neck. When a comb is placed against the side of the skull, no hair should protrude beyond the shaved line.

Fig. 24) One of the final grooming steps is refining the neck. After marcelling the coat on the neck and allowing it to dry, lift the dog’s head to identify the desired withers position at the base of the neck. Carefully trim the hair from the occiput (back of the skull) down to this point. When the head is lowered, this technique creates a graceful arch in the neck, enhancing the breed’s elegant silhouette.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a truly unique and rewarding breed to own, and grooming them can be an enjoyable experience that strengthens the bond between groomer and dog. With patience, practice and attention to detail, anyone can master the art of grooming this magnificent breed.

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