Various legends are told in order to explain the appearance of the Kerry blue terrier breed. Some say that the peasants bred them for hunting purposes since noblemen monopolized the use of wolfhounds. Thus, noblemen hunted with their wolfhounds, while peasants poached with their KBTs.

Another legend speaks of a wrecked Russian ship that contained a blue dog. This dog swam into Irish shores and there, mated with the local terrier population. This, of course, started the genetic pool of blue Kerry terriers.

Whatever the case, the blue Kerry terrier sure has a colorful history, and today, is quite an uncommon terrier breed. It started as a working dog, helping hunters bring in prey. It would also be trained as a police dog by the English. Today, it is considered to be one of the best breeds of dogs that one can own. This is in part of it’s excellent abilities as a watchdog.

One thing that is amazing about owning a Kerry Blue Terrier as a pet is that this breed is adaptable to every situation. It can be a hardworking hunting dog, a vigilant watchdog, or a champion in a dog show. People who are blessed to have a Kerry Blue Terrier even say that once you are a Kerry lover, you are forever a Kerry lover. That’s just how we all feel about our terriers!

There are some terrier characteristics which may cause a bit of trouble for your dog. Like all terriers, the Kerry Blue Terrier can get into fights with other dogs due to their protective personality. In order to prevent this, you need to ensure that your Kerry is properly socialized. Usually, this is taken care of by the breeder before you take your dog home.

Most people, when they are getting a pet, often ask the question of whether or not a pet can be housebroken easily. Thankfully enough, the Kerry Blue Terrier is easily trained and is, actually, quite eager to learn and please their owner, making it a fast learner.

Although a Kerry Blue Terrier can become an excellent playmate for children, they should be supervised to ensure proper behavior, and so that you can nip any unacceptable behavior in the bud. Children should be taught that they cannot be cruel or aggressive with your Kerry. In fact, they should never be cruel or aggressive with any dog.

The KBT is also one of the more hardy types of terriers because they have very few genetic problems. Before buying a Kerry, however, it is important and a good idea that you ask for eye certifications and hip x-rays. These are the most commonly afflicted parts of the KBT.

Kerry Blue Terriers are not for everyone. Some people may find it a bit too playful, or may not appreciate a Kerry Blue’s curiosity. Don’t forget, the word terrier comes from In fact, the word terrier comes from the Middle French “terrier”, and before that, the Latin terra, meaning earth.

They were originally bred to hunt rats, rabbits, badgers, foxes, otters and hares and dog fighting. They like to dig, and discover. Since they were intended as companions, especially as hunting partners, they have a habit of following their owners around, and are very loyal.

Today, the integrity of this terrier breed lies in the hands of the Kerry Blue Terrier breeders who care for them, nurture them, and make sure that they have great homes to stay in.

I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover…I love this breed, and would still like to adopt one…I could have at least one of each…LOL!

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. To get more detail on where this breed came from, check out this great book, I feel will give some great insight into this mystery:

The Modern Kerry Blue Terrier (a Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic) The Modern Kerry Blue Terrier (a Vintage Dog Books Breed Classic). This book illustrates the mysterious origin of this uncommon terrier breed.

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The Mysterious Kerry Blue Terrier is a post from: Terrier Lover

This is a dog breed considered to be hypoallergenic and are wonderful for people with dog allergies and/or are asthmatic.

It is also thought to be related to the Kerry Blue Terrier.

I found a great article to help give you a background on this terrific terrier breed.

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The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
By Michael Russell

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are terriers which carry more than the typical terrier behaviors in their ancestry. They are dogs which performed well as hunting dogs, retrievers, guards of the farm and house and simply as a companion during the history of the breed, which originated in the country of Ireland. In the days when the Wheaten terrier was admitted into the Irish Kennel club, the requirements for attaining a championship title included requirements to perform in the area of “expertise” for which the dog was supposed to function.

In the terrier competition, the dog had to “go to ground” and perform in field trials against rat, rabbit and badger. The Wheaten did well in these areas and was admitted into the Irish Kennel Club as a Terrier in 1937. By 1943 the Wheaten was admitted into the Kennel Club of Great Britain and the first Wheatens were believed to have arrived on the shores of the United States in 1946. The entry of the breed into the American Kennel club in the Terrier group occurred in 1973. The breed has gradually gained in popularity and now there are always more than 200 Wheatens shown at the annual All Terrier Show held in Montgomery County in Pennsylvania.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a long single coat which as the name denotes is soft and wheat colored. It requires almost daily brushings as it is a fine coat which “fuzzes” easily. When they are born they are dark apricot in color and the tone gradually lightens to a golden wheat coloring as adults. The Wheaten is a moderately sized dog, 17-18 inches at the shoulder, weighing 35 to 45 pounds. The dog’s eyes are usually well hidden under a “fall” of hair off the eyebrows and the ears are folded over at the top of the skull, while the tail is docked.

The Wheaten is prone to developing disorders of the eye and the colon and these things should be tested for if the dog is to be used for breeding. It is important that buyers purchase their puppy from a reputable breeder, preferably a person who belongs to a breed club or a local kennel club, since these organizations do their best to prevent “puppy mill breeders” from becoming members. Usually clubs of that nature require that breeders sign “code of ethical behavior” which prevents sale of dogs without a written contract and health guarantee.

The Soft Coated Wheaten is a gentle dog that makes a great family companion dog. He shows little aggression to other breeds and is gentle with children and the elderly. He does a good job of protecting his home territory without acting overly aggressive. The wheaten makes a good therapy dog, being of the right height for disabled people to pet him from their wheelchairs.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Soft-Coated-Wheaten-Terrier&id=209556

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I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover. I just love the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier…What a champ! Until next time…

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Make sure you scoop up your “very hard to find” Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier calendar for 2008 before they’re all gone:

Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers 2008 Wall Calendar Native to Ireland, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are intelligent, even-tempered, confident, and lively dogs. They don’t mind sullying those beautiful soft, silky coats from time to time. Play games with this playful breed and you have a friend for life. Enjoy the wonderful photographs in this wall calendar. Size Closed: 12″ x 12″ Size Opened: 12″ x 24″

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Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier – The Hypoallergenic Alternative is a post from: Terrier Lover