THE KERRY (BLUE) TERRIER
Since the close of the Great War we have had this variety of Irish Terrier introduced to us under its present title, and the county bearing its name is supposed to be responsible for its production. Several clubs have sprung into being, each of which acclaims that these Terriers have been in existence for ages, and extols the breed accordingly.
The All-Ireland Kerry Blue Terrier Club has been recognized by the Kennel Club, and classification for the breed granted by that august body, so that we have something new in the Terrier world.
As the breed has now received recognition by the Kennel Club, there is no doubt that it will make headway, in spite of the fact that it may be nothing more than a variety of the Irish Terrier, as stated by one reliable authority.
The standard of points formulated by the Club is very unsatisfactory, and the sooner it is amended the better for the welfare of the breed. Dogs of this variety should not exceed 40 lb. in weight, or stand higher than 21 inches at the shoulders (see Club's standard of points). Granting these two features to be correct, the Kerry Terrier is a fairly big dog—in fact, really too big for the work he is required to perform, namely, that of the ordinary duties of a Terrier working.
As the Club's standard of points is at present, the coat may be either soft or hard. This is absurd. A soft coat is incompatible with a jacket required in a working Terrier. Doubtless it has been set forward by the Club owing to the differences of the coats of these Terriers. Still, faults must be eliminated, and the Kerry Terrier must have a hard coat assigned to him. It is untenable to think that one breed of Terrier may have either a hard coat or a soft one. The Club prefers a soft coat, and so encourage this type of coat.
In general conformation the Kerry Terrier is similar to the Irish Terrier; in fact, the nearer it comes up to the standard of this breed the better for it. Blue Terriers used to come in litters of the red ones, but were discarded by breeders.
Any shade of blue, light or dark, is considered correct for a Kerry Terrier, but some are parti-coloured, namely, blue body with tan markings on the head and legs. There is no reason why these colours should not be in, in the perpetuation of the Kerry Terrier. In conclusion, there is no necessity to sandwich the word "blue" between the "Kerry" and "Terrier," as the animal must either be a Kerry Terrier or not one. A corresponding anomalous word (red) is often prefixed to the Irish Setter.
The writer hopes that the Kerry Terrier will come into the front ranks, and prove its worth at the field trials which the Club intends to establish.
