United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, Inc. News & Events

NEW "MEMBERS ONLY" ELIST

Web Team — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 19:41:27 GMT

We are implementing a new communication tool using groups.io elist platform. The currently google groups list is out of date and very hard to maintain. This new list will make it much easier to keep it updated and provides additional feature to make communication more timely.

All active members will be automatically added. You will get an email informing you of how to use the list. The new list email is uskbtc@groups.io.

If you have any questions or issues please email uskbtcio@gmail.com.

2025 Haymarket Boutique

Carl & Jaimie Ashby — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 19:02:30 GMT

The Annual Boutique held during Futurity/Maturity at Montgomery is coming up soon! All participants must bring an inventory sheet listing all the items they plan to sell,with all items priced. The Boutique opens at noon and you must arrive 45 minutes before noon to check in your items. The split is 20% to the USKBTC and 80% to the seller, unless the seller decides to donate the items to the club.

Contact Jeanne Schaefer for more information (lojeschaefer@yahoo.com)

Click HERE to download the Inventory Sheet,

12 Year Registrations Trends for Kerry Blue Terriers

Web Team — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 14:09:45 GMT

Kerry Blue Terrier Registration Trends

Each year the AKC shares with the Parent Clubs the trends for the rolling 12 years for their breed. The Governors review this data and need the concern and assistance of our breeding community.

The steady decline in the numbers of Kerry Blues in the United States is very concerning. The trend does mirror other breeds but we are much smaller than most. That means we are approaching extinction at a faster rate. We are losing breeders faster than we are replacing them...its that simple.

Kerry Blues are a great breed and we, as fanciers, need to do everything we can to maintain a healthy gene pool.

Click HERE for the report.

2025 Haymarket Futurity - Litter Nominations Open

Web Team — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 18:28:13 GMT

2025 Specialty Listing

Web Team — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 19:53:50 GMT

Below is the current calendar for 2025 Specialty weekends. These are subject to change but accurate as of September 27, 2024.

Montgomey Schedule and Dinner Reservations

Web Team — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:48:32 GMT

DINNER RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN

Reservations for the Annual Meeting and Dinner are now open. Please sign up today.

RETRO ROM PINS APPLICATIONS

This is the last opportunity to receive a ROM retro pin for Kerry Blues recognized in the past. Applications close on September 15 Register your Kerry Blue on the website.

BLUEPRINTS ARCHIVE UPDATED

Web Team — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:37:50 GMT

The Blue Prints Archive has been updated with all issues through Winter 22-23 now available. These are stored on a cloud server so you will see a "blip" after you click the link and then the issue will appear.

Register of Merit-Retro Pin Application

Web Team — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 18:57:41 GMT

FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A "RETRO" REGISTER OF MERIT PIN!

Applications Due September 15, 2024

For many years the USKBTC has recognized sire and dams who have significantly contributed to the breed through their offspring. The current criterion from our website is below:

USKBTC Register of Merit Sire or Dam

The title Register of Merit (ROM) shall be awarded annually to the sire that has produced five AKC Champions or four AKC Champions and a fifth AKC titled get or to a dam that has produced three AKC Champions or two AKC Champions and a third AKC titled get.

For those sires and dams who have made an outstanding contribution to the breed will receive special recognition (including a lapel pin*). The requirements for recognition are:

Bronze ROM Sire of 5 AKC Champions or Dam 3 AKC Champions

Silver ROM Sire of 25 AKC titled get or the Dam of 10 AKC titled get

Gold ROM Sire of 40 AKC titled get or the Dam of 15 AKC titled get

The ROM recognition is bestowed at the USKBTC Annual Dinner during our National Specialty weekend at Montgomery County Kennel Club. Only current USKBTC members in good standing are eligible for this recognition.

*For clarity there are three unique pins for Bronze, Silver, and Gold

RECOGNITION OF PAST and FUTURE ROM KERRY BLUES

The Board of Governors accepted a proposal from David Poynter to create a Celtic knot pin to be awarded in addition to the recognition certificate currently awarded. This pin, in addition to the recognition certificate, will more publicly recognize the accomplishments of our breeders and will be proudly displayed on their lapel.

PAST ROM RECIPIENTS

The USKBTC Board of Governors is providing the opportunity for member/owners of previous Register of Merit Kerry Blues to apply to receive one pin in recognition of their accomplishment. The pin will be for the highest level one of the owners Kerry Blue achieved. Past recipients will be given one pin regardless of the number of ROM Kerry Blues the member has bred/owned. There may be an opportunity in the future to purchase additional pins for member ROM Kerry Blues

Beginning with the awards presented at Montgomery County 2024 each new ROM Kerry recognition will include a pin for the level achieved.

The application to apply for the retro ROM pin is at United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, Inc. - RETRO REGISTER OF MERIT PIN APPLICATION (uskbtc.com) The information provided will be verified against the USKBTC Pedigree Database. If there is a problem with verification a club representative will contact the applicant. You MUST be a member in good standing to apply for the pin. You MUST log into the website to complete the application. The following is the process to provide an opportunity for past recipients to receive a pin appropriate to the level of achievement for sire or dam.

1) The owner completes the form in the Event Section of the website providing all the information requested. Click United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, Inc. - RETRO REGISTER OF MERIT PIN APPLICATION (uskbtc.com)

2) Past awardees must complete the application no later than September 15, 2024 for recognition during the Challenge of Champions at KerryFest.

3) Pins will be presented at the USKBTC Annual Dinner during our National Specialty weekend to those present, at the Montgomery County dinner, and then the remaining pins will be mailed.

4) Once the window closes on September 15, 2024, no more retroactive pins will be awarded.

2024 Haymarket Futurity/Maturity

Web Team — Sun, 19 May 2024 22:01:54 GMT

Now it the time to nominate litters for the 2024 Futurity. Even if you don't plan to show your youngsters this year they must be nominated to be eligible for the Maturity in 2025. You can nominate you litter on the website under the event tab.

2024 Haymarket Futurity/Maturity

Web Team — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 20:22:26 GMT

Charitable Funds Health Survey Now Available

Web Team — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 13:38:52 GMT

For the past 2 years the USKBTC Charitable Funds has conducted a Health Survey consisting of owner/breeder input to a health questionnaire whose questions were reviewed by Dr. Scott Kellogg and Dr. Natalia Samaj Kunze.

The survey results reflect a breed that, overall, is very healthy. Cancer is the biggest challenge as it is with most breeds. The Kerry Blue continues to not suffer from many of the afflictions of the most popular breeds due, in large part, to our breeders who strive to produce healthy, happy puppies. Click HERE to review the survey.

Centennial Chronicle Now Available for Download

Web Team — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 18:49:31 GMT

The Centennial Chronicle documented the 100 year anniversary of recognition fo the Kerry Blue Terrier by the American Kennel Club. It features the history of the breed and over 60 pages of Kerry Blues. Click HERE to download the Centennial Chronicle.

CENTENNIAL RESULTS AND THANK YOU!

Web Team — Tue, 09 May 2023 18:31:07 GMT

The celebration of the 100 years of recognition of the Kerry Blue Terriers is over but its memory will last forever!

This event would not have been possible without the active work of the Board of Governors, past Governors Melanie Fledges and Nick Fletcher. David Poynter and Lindsay Kirk also made this event a success.

The weather was perfect and the dogs beautiful!

Click HERE for the results.

Judge Anne Katona's Critique of the Kerry Blues at the 2021 National Specialty

Web Team — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 23:53:50 GMT

Judge Anne Katona has provided a critique from her judging of the 2021 National Specialty. Please click below to download the critique.

JUDGE ANNE KATONA CRITIQUE-MONTGOMERY 2021.pdf

2020 Kerry Blue Terrier Health Survey Now Available

Web Team — Sat, 04 Jan 2020 21:38:59 GMT

USKBTC Charitable Funds

2020 Kerry Blue Terrier Health Survey

This survey has been developed by the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club Charitable Funds Board in collaboration with the USKBTC Health and Genetics Committee. Its purpose is to help guide investment by the Charitable Funds to improve the health and well being of Kerry Blue Terriers. The survey will help determine the type and frequency of current health problems being encountered in the Kerry Blue Terrier population.

Please complete the survey for each individual Kerry Blue Terrier that you have owned since 2000. Personal information and pedigree information is NOT part of this survey and is not required to complete this survey. Information submitted is not identifiable by the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club, Inc. Specific Kerry Blue Terrier names are not requested. All Kerry Blue owners are encouraged to complete the survey whether a member of the USKBTC or not.

Follow this link to complete the survey:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/YJRP2YQ

Special thanks to Reita Nicholson, Dr. Natalia Kunze, and Dr. Scott Kellogg for their help in constructing this survey

If you have any questions please email webteam@gmail.com.

On behalf of the Charitable Funds Board

Carl C. Ashby - Chair

Richard and Eileen Santo AKC Terrier Breeder of the Year

Web Team — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 15:30:58 GMT

Richard and Eileen Santo (Paxon Kerry Blue Terriers) were recognized at the AKC Royal Canin National Championship as the Terrier Group Breeders of the Year. A story will follow but for now the USKTBC congratulates Richard and Eileen for this honor and their contribution to the breed over many years.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO USKBTC MEMBERS-ACTION REQUIRED

Web Team — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 16:30:00 GMT

SOON DUES NOTICES WILL BE SENT FOR 2020. NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO MAKE SURE ALL YOUR INFORMATION IS UP TO DATE. ALL MAILINGS INCLUDING BLUEPRINTS ARE DRIVEN BY THE INFORMATION YOU ENTER IN OUR SYSTEM.

The United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club has migrated to a new website and membership management system. This new system allows us to serve the membership better and provide many new features such as event entry and member photo albums of your Kerry Blues which can be shared with your friends. Just as important it allows you to maintain your information assuring the very latest contact information is up to date. That way you will not miss a single issue of Blue Prints as the mailing list comes from this system.

The first step is for you to login to the website and review your profile, set you privacy settings, and change your password. Attached to this email are the step by step instructions on how to log-in and review your profile. Simple click LOGIN AND PROFILE INSTRUCTIONS-USKBTC.COM.pdf

To make sure we reach you with this important information we will be posting this email on the website, send it through the new system, and post on Facebook. This is a critical first step and we want to make assure you get the information.

Please make sure that this email address: webteam@uskbtc.com is cleared through any spam/junk filters…it’s a good idea to add it to your address book should you have any questions.

We are all learning and we expect a bump or two in the road. Please be patient as we learn together.

Challenge of Champions Procedures and Judging Scorecard

Web Team — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 22:05:47 GMT

The Judging Procedure and 2019 Judging Sheet are now available for download. Simply click on the one you wish to review. There is a change in the scoring this year with hindquarters/tail set being valued at 15 points and movement valued at 15 points. Coat and color are now combined.

2018 Haymarket Futurity Print Now Available

Web Team — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 23:13:24 GMT

Each year we are fortunate to have one of our talented members to create a special print for the Haymarket Futurity. This year Youlia created our print. It is now available in our store under Futurity Prints and Artwork.

New USKBTC Website Now Live!

Web Team — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 14:53:51 GMT

On October 5^th at the annual meeting/dinner over the Montgomery weekend, I had the pleasure to announce that the newly designed United States Kerry Blue Terrier website went live on October 1^st. This is one of the many accomplishments during Melanie’s time as President of our club.

I would like to thank the Communications team – Melanie Feldges, Carl Ashby, Janie MacBryde, Reita Nicholson and Julee Manahan for their countless hours of hard work and dedication that they put into getting this site organized, updated and live!

I would like to recognize Carol Kearney for her many years as our club’s webmaster. Carol was the prime mover in the creation of the original website. Carol and Bill put in countless hours adding content and making the website user friendly. We thank Carol and Bill for their efforts.

The USKBTC website is more than a website. It is a membership management system that the Communications Committee will be sharing with everyone in the near future. The membership management system will allow all members the ability to update their own contact information and will allow for more administrators of the data on the site.

We have added a link to the Historical Archives (being created by Bob and Barb Beuter) as well as an Events calendar. The new website is 90% of the way to completion. The site will be much easier to maintain and update. This will result in more frequent updates and new content being added on a regular basis. While we have worked to eliminate broken links, out of date content, and no longer relevant information there is more work to do. YOU are our proof readers and we have set up an email address for you to report issues. Simply send an email to uskbtcweb@gmail.com.

We are looking for content. If you come across an article or have written an article that you would like considered please send that to the same email address.

Take a look and navigate around the new website. I hope you like what you see. We welcome your comments and suggestions so send them to uskbtcweb@gmail.com .

President

John J. Garahan

2018 National Specialty Dedicated to Martha Nazak and Donald Wilde

Web Team — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 17:07:10 GMT

The 2018 National Specialty held at the Montgomery Kennel Club All-Terrier Show was co-dedicated to Martha Nazak and Donald Wilde. Below are the texts of the dedications made just prior to Best of Breed on Sunday, October 7, 2018.

Martha Nazak was outgoing and dynamic and a loyal wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was truly a creative artist in many disciplines, which contributed to her expertise in grooming and setting Kerry ears. She was strong competitor, but family and friends always took priority.

She and her husband Bob bred and showed Kerry Blue Terriers for many years under the Whimsy prefix. They owned 2 National Specialty Best of Breed winners. Martha actively served on the United Kerry Blue Terrier Board of Governors and Chaired the Haymarket Futurity for several years. When help was needed she was the “helping” hand.

Martha grew up in Massachusetts and after marriage, traveled the world compliments of Bob’s Navy career. Through her many adventures, she raised three great kids and received tremendous joy in being a grandmother. Martha always had a passion for dogs and loved all aspects of being involved the Kerry Blue community. She was a friend and mentor to all.

We will miss Martha and co-dedicate the 2018 United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club National Specialty to her memory.

Donald Wilde purchased his first Kerry Blue Terrier, Connell’s Wild Irish Rose in 1987. In 1988 he and Rosey’s breeder headed off to the Montgomery Kennel Club show. The plan was to have the breeder show Rosey. Because of a conflict, Don showed her. He put on his Irish cap and that became his trademark in the ring.

Don and wife Jean bred and showed Kerry Blue Terriers under the Cordial prefix. A name which truly described Don to those who knew him.

Don was active in the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club serving on the Board of Governors and ultimately as President. He served as the first Chair of USKBTC Charitable Funds. Don was the driving force for the formation of the Lower Michigan Kerry Blue Terrier Club.

We will miss Don and co-dedicate the 2018 United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club National Specialty to his memory.

UNCLE KERRY WANTS YOU!

Thu, 10 May 2018 02:55:00 GMT

How do we vote for Board Members?

Ballots are issued to eligible voters and must be in the hands of the Corresponding Secretary by the date on the ballot.
those ballots were postmarked

Run for the USKBTC Board of Governors

Are you interested in doing more on behalf of the Kerry Blue?
Then you should consider running for a position on the USKBTC Board of Governors.

How can you run for a position on the Board?
You must be a member in good standing and a resident of the United States. You also have to commit to attending at least two meetings a year, one of which is held during Montgomery County Weekend and the other is usually at the Traveling Specialty. Plus, you must be able to participate in online discussions.
(Editor’s Note: The current Board members attend many more than two meetings a year in an effort to accomplish all that needs to be done.)

Who should you contact if you would like to volunteer your services?
Please contact Eddie Dulaney if you are interested in speaking with the Nominating Committee.

If not selected by the Nominating Committee, for the current slate of officers, how can you still run for the Board?

If you wish to run independently, then eligible members must submit a written petition addressed to the Corresponding Secretary and it must be received at the Secretary’s regular address on or before July 15th.

The written petition must be signed by three members the USKBTC, none of whom may be the spouse or a member of the immediate family of the nominee. The petition must be accompannied by the written acceptance of each such additional nominee signifying his or her willingness to be a candidate.

After all of that, the membership has the final vote, unless candidates run unopposed.

Please consider running for the Board. We look forward to hearing from you.

Editor’s Note:

Regardless of when this original post was made, the club always needs hard working volunteers to help with the club’s many projects So this is an ongoing request.

HELP US HELP OUR KERRIES

Thu, 10 May 2018 02:54:44 GMT

HELP WANTED!

The USKBTC is fortunate in that we have a core of hardworking volunteers assisting with a wide range of events and activities. However, the work exceeds the number of volunteers, hence “Uncle Kerry” needs more than a few good men and women!

We want and need your participation. While we have many committees, some could be more active, if we had more volunteers for them.

USKBTC President, Donald Wilde, has asked me to seek and encourage volunteers. The list of the club’s various committees is published on our web site. Visit the website link to view the current USKBTC Volunteers. Some of the contacts/chairpersons are changing, so please review the list and advise me of your areas of interest.

The USKBTC wants to contact everyone who expresses an interest in helping our breed. PLEASE give me the opportunity to match you with your areas of interest! I promise I will respond to all inquiries. Try me!

Editor’s Note:

Regardless of when this origiaal post was made, the club always needs hard working volunteers. So volunteer for a project or to work as a board member. The club always needs your help. Just conasct s Board member and ask them what help is needed at the time. Thanks to all the current volunteers.