(This article, written by Anne Katona, was first published in the AKC Gazette breed column in November, 2003. We are grateful to the author and to the AKC for their permission to publish all the Kerry Blue Terrier Breed Columns on the USKBTC website.)


AKC Gazette Breed Column
November 2003
Anne Katona

Standard Size?

A comment on size according to the Kerry Blue Standard has been requested. Since breeders all over the country are stating concern -- here goes!

The Standard states, “The ideal Kerry should be 18 ½ inches at the withers for a dog, slightly less for a bitch. In judging Kerries, a height of 18-19 ½ for a dog, and 17 ½ -19 inches for a bitch should be given primary preference.” When inquiring about size most people are speaking about height even though there are two “sizes” to consider. Height and/or substance! This chat only concerns height.

When questioning “true” height of any breed how can that be mentally checked? Let’s share a secret – No, do not measure your knee to the ground and please do not put a pin on your skirt/pants leg 18 ½ inches from the ground. It is actually quite simple. Every show ring has at least one chair and one judges/steward table. The average height from the ground to the seat of the chair is 17 inches, the distance from ground to table top is 29 inches. Each dog will move past that chair and/or table while in the show ring – mentally measure the dog as it passes by!! This takes practice but is clearly worth the effort.

Hopefully, no Kerry breeder desires to encroach on the Airedale hence breeders, owners and handlers need to stop exhibiting Kerries known to be oversize. Kerries, as in every breed from time to time, notice a pendulum swing in size and the Standard takes this into consideration stating “Only where the comparative superiority of a specimen outside of the range noted clearly justifies it, should greater latitude be taken.” Superiority means that the dog is superior in EVERY way, not the only one with color, the only one with correct ear set, etc.

The Standard states, “In NO CASE should it (it refers to the greater latitude outside of the size range) extend to a dog over 20 inches or under 17 ½ inches or to a bitch over 19 ½ inches or under 17 inches. The minimum limits do not apply to puppies.” Excessive height is clearly atypical although it is not a disqualification. Oversized or undersized dogs are not good representatives of Kerry type.

The King of the Terrier Group is the Airedale (referring to height) – NOT the Kerry Blue. When one notices a Kerry in the Terrier Group as tall or taller than the Airedale, it’s a small Airedale? Important information -- the Kerry is a moderate breed in ALL ways including size!!! www.uskbtc.com

Last Updated: 02/22/2004, 7:22 am