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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.
from official site FCI - www.fci.de
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