Your guide to finding and caring for a Kerry Blue Terrier in Jurupa Valley
Find your Kerry Blue Terrier
While we don't have enough dogs near Jurupa Valley, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 1 y.
Terrier, Catahoula Leopard Dog
F, 6 y.
Terrier
F, 3 y.
Bull Terrier, Terrier
F, 5 y.
Terrier, Mixed Breed
F, 3 y.
Terrier, Mixed Breed
F, 3-7 y.
Terrier, Mixed Breed
M, 6 mo.-2 y.
Terrier
M, 2 y.
Boxer, Terrier
F, 3-7 y.
Terrier, Retriever
F, 3-7 y.
Terrier, Mixed Breed
Born black and gradually clearing to a soft blue gray over its first year or two, the Kerry Blue Terrier gets its name from County Kerry in southwest Ireland. There it was an all-round farm dog that hunted rats, rabbits and otters, guarded the property and even helped herd livestock. Kerries are medium-sized, long-legged terriers with a soft, dense, wavy coat, a long head with a beard and fall over the eyes, and a confident, upright carriage.
Many Kerries are playful, smart and devoted to their families, with a clownish streak and a real terrier's spirit. They are often alert watchdogs and can be intolerant of unfamiliar dogs, especially of the same sex, so early socialization matters. The coat sheds little but grows constantly, so plan for regular brushing at home and professional trims every six to eight weeks.
Having a Kerry Blue Terrier in Jurupa Valley
A Kerry Blue brings terrier fire, farm-dog versatility and a coat that needs real upkeep. Understanding its attitude toward other dogs, its exercise needs and its grooming routine helps adopters decide whether this spirited, low-shedding Irish breed suits their home.
Kerry Blues tend to be lively, affectionate and people-focused, often playful into old age and watchful toward strangers. Many are confident and strong-willed, and some are quick to challenge other dogs, particularly of the same sex. Patient, reward-based training and early, ongoing socialization help. A rescue Kerry's history with dogs, cats and children is important to learn.
Most Kerry Blues need around an hour of activity a day, such as brisk walks, fetch, hiking or swimming. They also thrive with mental challenges: agility, earthdog, scent games or trick training. Because many have strong prey drive and dislike unfamiliar dogs, leashed walks and securely fenced areas are usually safer than off-leash parks.
Kerry Blues are prone to several breed-associated conditions, including progressive neuronal abiotrophy, factor XI deficiency, degenerative myelopathy, dry eye, footpad corns and benign hair follicle tumors. Skin allergies and dental disease are also reported. Ask about any known genetic testing, check paws and skin during grooming, and report lumps or gait changes to a veterinarian promptly.
A Kerry Blue can adapt to an apartment or a house when it gets daily exercise and attention, and its low shedding keeps homes tidier than many breeds. A fenced yard is useful but must be secure against digging and chasing. Homes with other dogs need careful matching, and grooming supplies or a groomer nearby are essential.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $300, one time | $300 in year one |
| Food | $35 to $70 per month | $420 to $840 |
| Pet insurance | $55 to $100 per month | $660 to $1,200 |
| Routine vet care | $225 to $450 per year | $225 to $450 |
| Other* | $890 to $2,290 per year | $890 to $2,290 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $2,195 to $4,780 | |
| First-year total (with adoption fee) | $2,495 to $5,080 | |
Adoption fee is the fee on Kerry Blue Terrier listings in Jurupa Valley on GetBuddy today. Other costs are national averages for Kerry Blue Terriers; we don't have costs specific to Jurupa Valley yet.
* Professional grooming every six to eight weeks, flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, a dog license, and toys and bedding; license fees vary by city.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Kerry Blue Terriers available.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Jurupa Valley area where you can find Kerry Blue Terriers and other dogs available for adoption.
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but Kerry Blue Terriers are often a better fit for allergy sufferers than many breeds. Their soft, wavy single coat sheds very little, so less hair and dander ends up around the home. Allergens are still present in skin, saliva and urine. Spend time with a specific Kerry before adopting if anyone in the household has allergies.
Kerry Blue Terriers are not usually aggressive toward people, but many can be feisty with other dogs, especially unfamiliar dogs of the same sex. That trait comes from their background as tough farm terriers. Early socialization, careful introductions and supervision during play reduce problems. With strangers, most are watchful rather than hostile, and individual temperament varies widely.
Kerry Blue Terriers can be good family dogs for households that enjoy an active, spirited companion. Many are playful, affectionate and patient with children they know, and their low shedding is a plus. They need training, exercise and supervision with young kids and other pets. A dog's history with children and other animals is the best predictor of success.
Kerry Blue Terriers shed very little. Their soft, dense, wavy coat grows continuously, and loose hairs tend to stay caught in the coat until brushed out rather than dropping onto floors. That low shedding comes with a cost: the coat mats easily without regular brushing and needs professional trimming every six to eight weeks to stay comfortable.
Kerry Blue Terriers typically live about 12 to 15 years. A 2024 UK study found a median lifespan of about 12.4 years, and many reach their teens with good care. Regular veterinary visits, dental care, a lean body weight and attention to breed-associated neurological, eye and skin conditions all help an individual Kerry live a long, comfortable life.
Groom a Kerry Blue Terrier by brushing several times a week with a slicker brush and then combing to the skin with a metal comb to catch mats. Bathe every few weeks with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and fully dry and fluff the coat. Every six to eight weeks, clip the body and head and scissor the legs and beard.
A Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized, square, long-legged terrier with a long head, small dark eyes, folded V-shaped ears and an upright tail. Its soft, dense, wavy coat is blue gray to slate in adults, often darker on the head, ears, muzzle, tail and feet. Trimmed Kerries show a distinctive beard and a fall of hair over the eyes.
A Kerry Blue Terrier is an Irish terrier breed from County Kerry, developed as a versatile farm dog that hunted vermin, guarded property and helped with livestock. It is known for a soft, wavy blue-gray coat that starts black at birth and clears with age. Kerries are spirited, intelligent and devoted, and they are uncommon today in both Ireland and the US.
Kerry Blue Terriers often make good watchdogs and fair guard dogs. Many are alert, suspicious of strangers and quick to bark at anything unusual, and some will stand their ground to protect their family. They are not a protection breed like a Bouvier or German Shepherd, though. Socialization keeps that protective streak balanced and prevents overreaction to visitors.
We have 1 rescue with Kerry Blue Terriers available: Redline Rescue. You can see every rescue with Kerry Blue Terriers available in the list above these questions.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other dogs available for adoption in Jurupa Valley.
