Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a small terrier from Ireland that was used specifically for hunting otters and badgers. He is a good watchdog and a loyal companion to his owner. Unfortunately, the breed is only known to a very limited extent outside of Ireland. He has official recognition in the FCI standard, where he has the FCI Group 3 Terriers Section 1 Long-legged Terriers. Without a work test. With the standard number 3. It is still used today for hunting, but can also be found in many family households.
Origin and breed history
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a hunting dog from Ireland, formerly known as the Irish Blue. The small dog is a versatile working dog, bred specifically for hunting otters in the water and for small animal burrows. It probably has its origins as a farm dog and faithful pied piper among the farmers and shepherds of Ireland. Unfortunately, there are no exact records of the origin of the breed.
The first proper lore describing a dog like the Kerry Blue Terrier was not written until the mid-19th century, showing the dog’s widespread distribution in Ireland. The animals were probably bred primarily in County Kerry and distributed from there as gifts to other counties. At that time the Kerry Blue Terrier was already being used by hunters and fur trappers for hunting badgers and otters. The slightly curly coat protects the dog from cooling down in the water and its upright and loyal nature quickly made it a people’s favorite. Breeding was soon promoted according to a uniform standard and in 1913 the breed was presented for the first time as an independent breed at an exhibition. It soon became known abroad and the Kerry Blue Terrier was recognized in the FCI standard in 1922.
He is now mostly a house and family dog and is only rarely used for hunting. Rather, it is valued by many people because of its very allergy-friendly fur.
Nature & Character of the Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a typical terrier. His character shines through his self-confident appearance, despite his small size. He is affectionate and cuddly towards his owner, but he is more alert and skeptical toward strangers. Indoors, he can tend to be territorial, undaunted by any potential danger. As a family dog, he is very adventurous and loves long walks with his people and exploring new paths.
Since he has a high hunting instinct, you should always pay attention to good training and, if necessary, a tow line should be attached for safety. He is an intelligent dog who learns quickly and enjoys working with his owner. But he needs consistent training because as a real terrier he often wants to go his own way. Due to his alert nature, he can also tend to bark and reliably reports every new arrival in his home.
Despite its small size, the Kerry Blue Terrier is a very robust dog that needs a lot of exercises and always breathes fresh air into the house with its energy. This also makes it a good playmate for children. He is very patient with children and can control his temper.
Due to its self-confident appearance, other dogs can get into a fight, but the Kerry Blue Terrier does not have any aggression and is a completely normal dog with good socialization, who likes to play with other dogs from a young age. In old age, he is less playful and usually treats dogs neutrally.
The appearance of the Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier has a very individual appearance. Measuring 45.5-49.5 cm in males and 44.5-48 cm in females. With a weight of 15 to 18 kg, he is a robust dog with a defined physique. His coat is characteristic of the Kerry Blue Terrier. It is blue to gray in color and has waves and small curls all over its body. In the standard for the Kerry Blue Terrier, all shades of blue are allowed for the coat. Smaller black markings, for example on the snout, are also permitted. The eyes should be dark hazel in color and set in gaze.
The ears are set very close to the head and are rather small to medium-sized in relation to the head. Typical of Schnauzer-like terriers, the ears point straight ahead and fall forward. The rod used to be copied, this is now forbidden and has been removed from the standard. His gait should be straight, with no excessive deflection when running.
How big can a Kerry Blue Terrier get?
Because the Kerry Blue Terrier was used for hunting in burrows, it tends to be a small to medium-sized dog. As with most dogs, males are slightly larger and more powerful than females. The male is about 45.5-49.5 cm tall and females are usually between 44.5 and 48 cm.
Training and husbandry of the Kerry Blue Terrier – this is important to note
The Kerry Blue Terrier is still used for hunting, which is why it needs a very consistent and dog-experienced person for private ownership. As a real terrier, he is used to making his own decisions and advancing courageously on his way. It is advisable to take the Kerry Blue Terrier to a dog school for early socialization and help with training. With the necessary patience and positive reinforcement, the Kerry Blue Terrier learns quickly and becomes a reliable companion. For this it is important that the owner builds a good connection between himself and the dog, because only then is the headstrong terrier willing to work with his owner and likes to learn.
When training, special attention should be paid to the dog’s hunting instinct and instinct to be awake, so that this does not become a problem for the owner of the Kerry Blue Terrier. In addition to a good upbringing, sufficient exercise and activity is important so that the terrier has a balanced character. Dog sport is a very good activity, particularly active sports such as agility or lunging. In order to utilize its hunting instinct, the Kerry Blue Terrier can be utilized with search games or dummy training.
With enough activity and exercise, the terrier can also live out its gentle and affectionate side, it is a loyal companion and enjoys the attention of its family. He gets along well with other people and hectic situations don’t bother the clever dog, so with a good education he is a great office dog and can be taken to work.
Because of his hunting instinct and his stubborn head, which is typical of terriers, he is not suitable for beginners. An experienced handler or a family that has had dogs and is involved in sports make ideal Kerry Blue Terrier owners.
Diet of the Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a very hardy dog that rarely suffers from stomach problems. Due to his insensitive stomach, he can tolerate wet food as well as dry food and only very rarely has allergies to feed. Dry food is easier to confirm the dog’s training, while wet food is closer to the dog’s natural feeding style. However, the cans of wet food cause a lot of additional waste. Regardless of what the Kerry Blue Terrier owner chooses, it is important to pay attention to the amount of food, because the terrier tends to be overweight. This is usually a result of lack of exercise and too much food. It is also important to adapt the dog food to the needs of the dog and to give it puppy food up to the age of 12 months and to switch to senior food from the age of seven.
When is a Kerry Blue Terrier fully grown?
Since it is a rather small to medium-sized dog, the Kerry Blue Terrier is fully grown very early, the animals are fully grown at the age of six to seven months, although they are still young dogs that are still very playful and full of energy. The terrier is only fully grown up at the age of about one year and also becomes calmer in character.
Kerry Blue Terrier Activities and Training
As a passionate hunting dog, the Kerry Blue Terrier needs plenty of exercise and activity. He bonds closely to his owner yet has a mind of his own, so early training and good socialization is important. Anyone who is seriously interested in an animal of this breed should be prepared to spend a lot of time on the animal. Dog sports, daily training, and long walks are compulsory. He should be able to walk at least three times a day for an hour and do dog sports once a week.
Various types of sports are suitable as a dog sport since the Kerry Blue Terrier is a very intelligent dog and can be used for tracking work and searching for people. With a good upbringing, he can also be a reliable companion on horseback or on a bike. For this, however, the terrier’s hunting instinct must be under control. Retrieving and dummy training are also very good ways to keep the agile little dog busy.
Is the Kerry Blue Terrier right for me?
The Kerry Blue Terrier is best suited to people who have already had experience with terriers and hunting dogs. He is a sporty dog and loves to be out and about in the forest, his new owners should take this into account and offer him the necessary exercise. You should be interested in a dog sport and ideally also have a large garden so that the little dog can let off steam at home. However, he can never be kept in a kennel or similar and absolutely needs a family connection. He loves spending time with his owner and can be very cuddly and affectionate. The Kerry Blue Terrier gets along very well with children and can show patience and friendly nature.
He is quite suitable for seniors if they are still active and fit and can keep the dog busy and busy. It is best if they still have experience with terriers and can also offer the dog a solid education. Otherwise, he feels most comfortable in a rural environment, but can also be kept in the city if his owners regularly drive into the countryside and give him the necessary exercise.
Lakeland Terrier
The Lake District National Park is located in the northwest of Great Britain in the county of Cumberland and is characterized by its impressive mountain and lake landscape. This is where the small but robust Lakeland Terrier comes from. The FCI leads the breed standard of the Lakeland Terrier under the number 70 in group 3: terriers, section 1: long-legged terriers, without working test.
Origin and breed history
Small, agile terriers have been used in the British Isles for centuries as courageous pied pipers, but also for hunting defensive opponents such as foxes and badgers. The original Old English Black and Tan Terrier, which no longer exists in its original form today, is the progenitor of several terrier breeds, and the Lakeland Terrier also goes back to him. To protect their flocks of sheep from foxes, Lake District farmers bred this small, fearless fighter that could bravely pursue an attacker into its den and even kill them if necessary. Crossing the border terrier, which was just as small, made the fur more wiry and water-repellent, which took into account the extremely humid climate and a large amount of water in the area. The docile Bedlington Terrier transformed the very sharp, independent terrier into a more affable house and farm dog.
The breed was bred purely for more than 70 years under various names such as “Cumberland Terrier”, “Fell Terrier” or “Westmoreland Terrier” before it was established by Lord Lonsdale, the first president of the “Lakeland Terrier Association” in 1912 received a name that is still valid today. The British Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1928.
How expensive is a Lakeland Terrier?
The prices for purebred puppies vary considerably in some cases. Especially during the corona pandemic, these have even increased sharply, as the demand for puppies was greater than the supply. Since only a few breeders in Germany offer Lakeland Terriers, the puppy prices are at least 1500 euros, sometimes significantly more.
Nature and Temperament of the Lakeland Terrier
The cheerful and agile Lakeland Terrier is endowed with healthy self-confidence. Fearless and bold, he is ready to fulfill the tasks given to him. Extremely spirited and active in the movement, he is not a dog for the couch, but wants to be challenged, whether as an active hunting helper or as a sporty family dog.
The nimble dog is loyal and devoted to his people, but he needs a consistent and straightforward upbringing so that he doesn’t decide too independently what needs to be done. A nicely tended garden is more of a welcome field of activity for him to dig for mice or sweep through the borders in wild play with other dogs or the children of the family. On the other hand, being alone for hours is absolutely not his thing, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he lets out his unused energy on the home furnishings or becomes a constant barker. At the very least, gradual acclimatization is needed to prepare the dog for periods of solitude, and they should always be given a chance to exercise properly beforehand.
In living together with active people who take a lot of time for him, keep him busy and give him the opportunity for extensive exercise, the Lakeland Terrier develops into an absolutely lovable, friendly, and sociable companion who is always ready for a joke and not afraid of adventure.
Good to know: Peculiarities of the Lakeland Terrier
This persistent, bold, and always positive terrier was a particularly popular show dog following the breed’s recognition in the United States in the first half of the 20th century. The hunting skills of the Lakeland Terrier were also used for a long time in its home country of England and the USA. In the meantime, however, he is increasingly kept as a house and family dog and by people with ambitions in dog sports.
In Germany, only in the 1950s did a rather manageable breeding of this interesting terrier breed begin, after it was finally recognized by the FCI in 1954. To this day, the Lakeland Terrier is a rather rare dog in this country, the VDH puppy statistics show only a few litters a year.
Manchester Terrier
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Compact, elegant, healthy, and powerful, with good substance.
BEHAVIOR/PERSONALITY:
The Manchester is an extremely intelligent, alert, and agile dog, which is correspondingly demanding in training and in daily interactions. Pride, and great sensitivity coupled with vigilance, and courage are an interesting mixture that belongs in sensitive hands. In addition, there is his temperament and his joy of movement as well as his pronounced play instinct, and it becomes clear to everyone: You are dealing with dogs here that have many different character facets and great dispositions, which, if handled correctly, make them wonderful companions. Play instinct and intelligence require extraordinary docility, which sometimes stands in the way of his own ideas about the progress of things. Alertness and courage coupled with a healthy distrust of strangers are also desirable qualities that Manchester brings with them from birth and cannot be ignored.
However, since he is very devoted and cuddly to his owner and his family, nothing stands in the way of harmonious coexistence if you don’t punish him in an unreasonable way and arrange the coexistence in a richly nuanced way. Overall, the Manchester is a happy, active, and lively dog that has a variety of dispositions requires a calm, careful, and consistent hand, and enriches its owner’s life in every way.
History: Manchester Terriers
Its history goes back to the 17th century – it is clearly one of the oldest terrier breeds. In the 19th and early 20th centuries he was kept in the industrial areas of northern England both as a companion dog and as an enthusiastic and successful rat hunter. The quick-witted dog, initially known as the “Black & Tan Terrier”, was ideally suited to hunting rats and similar small animals that were up to mischief on the banks of the canal. The crossbreeding of slightly built Staffordshire Terriers and Whippets probably contributed to the fact that the extremely agile terrier was predestined for both rat and rabbit hunting. Today, however, he is rid of this task and has lived as a companion dog ever since, even though he has not forgotten how to hunt mice and rats.
The breed was given its current name, Manchester Terrier, towards the end of the 19th century. Since Manchester was the stronghold of the “Black & Tan Terrier” breed at that time, this naming is by no means arbitrary.
Coat: Manchester Terrier
HAIR:
Close-fitting, smooth, short, and shiny, with a firm texture.
COLOR:
Deep black and rich tan color similar to mahogany distributed as follows: On the head the muzzle is tan to the nose, with the nose and bridge of the nose being jet black. A tan marking is on each cheek and above each eye; The lower jaw and throat are covered by a clearly defined tan “V”. Forelegs tan from the tarsal joints down except for the toes which should be streaked black and a clearly defined black patch (“thumbprint”) just above the paws. The inside of the hind legs is tan with black divisions at the level of the stifles. The underside of the tail is tan as is the anal region, the tan marking of which is as narrow as possible to be concealed by the tail. There is a faint tan marking on each side of the breast when viewed from the front.
Tan color on the outside of the hind legs (commonly called “breeches”) is undesirable. Under no circumstances should black mix with tan (or vice versa); the colors must be clearly distinguished from each other.
Miniature Bull Terrier
The Miniature Bull Terrier dog breed originated in Great Britain and was initially a smaller form of the Bull Terrier. After a long period of breeding, the Miniature Bull Terrier was recognized as a separate breed and is a valued family and companion dog. Unlike its larger relative, the Miniature Bull Terrier is not on the dangerous dog list and can be kept in Germany without restrictions. In the FCI, the Miniature Bull Terrier can be found in the following group: FCI Group 3 Terriers, Section 3 Bull Terriers without a working test with the standard number 359.
Origin and breed history
The history of the Miniature Bull Terrier is inextricably linked to the history of the Bull Terrier. For a long time, the Miniature Bull Terrier was just a smaller variant of the Bull Terrier that was not bred or recognized as a separate breed. Only much later did the Miniature Bull Terrier go its own way as an independent dog breed.
Therefore, the story of the Miniature Bull Terrier begins in the back streets of London with the Bull Terrier. In the middle of the 19th century, the first bull terriers appeared in London. At that time, industrial cities were in their heyday and dog fighting, which had been so popular up to that point, was banned. Due to the ban, the former fighting dogs were heavily traded and the animals’ puppies were sold to wealthy gentlemen who kept the bulldogs as companion dogs.
Since the demand for the puppies of the former champions was so great, the taboo on crossing terriers with bulldogs was broken. Dalmatians and the extinct English White Terriers were crossed with the strong bulldogs in order to make the strong dog a little more elegant and mobile while still retaining the strong physique and calm nature in everyday life. The first bull terriers were bred through these new breeding approaches, and from the beginning, there were different variants of bull terriers, which were also mated with each other.
The first presentation of the new Bull Terriers in different varieties took place in 1895. A detailed description with pictures of the dogs in the work “Dogs of all Nations” was published here. Already here the big dogs were called bull terriers and the smaller animals as toy bull terriers. However, the animals of that time were generally much longer-legged than today’s Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers and did not yet have the typical Bull Terrier muzzle. The so-called down face of today’s Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers was included in the breed many years later as a distinguishing feature.
With the introduction of lists for dangerous dogs, breeding and keeping the Bull Terrier became very difficult in most federal states, but the Miniature Bull Terrier has so far been spared, it is not on any list and can be bred and kept without restrictions. This is mainly due to the fact that the Miniature Bull Terrier was recognized as a separate breed in 2011 and is enjoying increasing popularity.
Nature & Temperament of the Miniature Bull Terrier
The Miniature Bull Terrier is an active and sporty dog with a calm basic character and a high level of intelligence. He is very affectionate and cuddly towards his people, he is neutral or friendly towards strangers. He is not aggressive and has a high stimulus threshold, but at the same time has the typical stubbornness of a terrier.
Compared to most bulldogs, the Miniature Bull Terrier is much more playful and active. Although he is also a small powerhouse, he is significantly more mobile and agile than most very powerful bulldogs. It is therefore also suitable for dog sports and can be a playful companion for the children in a family.
Good basic obedience is very important for the Miniature Bull Terrier and their intelligence makes training possible for even a dedicated novice if they have the patience to deal with the Miniature Bull Terrier’s stubbornness. Like most terriers, the Miniature Bull Terrier is a very courageous dog who will not shy away from any obstacle and has no fears, making him well suited to the busy and often noisy city life.
The little Bull Terrier gets along very well with other dogs and only gets along with small animals and cats if they have been socialized well with them from an early age. The affectionate and loyal Miniature Bull Terrier always stays close to its owner and rarely has a hunting instinct.
Norfolk Terrier
Essence and Temperament
The Norfolk Terrier is a self-confident dog that would like to play in the top league, is neither afraid of risks nor aware of dangers. However, it is not dominant or provocative. But on the contrary. The Norfolk Terrier is a lovable animal that is very friendly towards people and animals. Provided that the dog is used to human contact and has learned how to deal with other dogs at an early age. He likes to use the time with his people for cuddling, for brain teasers, or sporting activities. It is important that he can move and behave in an appropriate manner (digging and barking are part of his behavioral repertoire).
Acquiring a Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is a rare dog. Up to 200 purebred offspring are documented for Germany every year. These 200 puppies are then divided between the breeders and the interested parties, which is why you will probably have to be put on a waiting list.
Unfortunately, there is hardly any alternative source of supply that is trustworthy, although there are occasional accidental finds in animal shelters. Unfortunately, however, the likelihood of finding a purebred Norfolk Terrier at a shelter or a mixed breed is very slim.
This means that in most cases you have to wait for a dog at the breeder and pay the regular price. Due to the rarity of the dog, this can be several thousand euros.
What do I need to pay attention to when purchasing?
Before the purchase is finalized, you should be given the opportunity to meet the puppies in person and see the parent dogs (the mother, at least).
If the breeder joins the Club for Terriers e. V., you can assume that he is serious and has the necessary knowledge. Unfortunately, this guarantee does not apply to private purchases. Nevertheless, even with a knowledgeable breeder, the gut feeling must be right. The relationship between buyer, seller, and dog should always be harmonious.
Also, ask whether the dog you want fits into the family in terms of personality. The breeder should know his dogs well enough to be able to make a prediction about the dog’s personality, bearing in mind, of course, that he can only report on the facets he already knows.
Norwich Terrier
Originally a working dog, the Norwich Terrier has a strong urge to move, is eager to learn, and wants to be kept busy every day. The Norwich Terrier is happy, affectionate and affectionate, tolerant with children, and always adventurous. Although he is alert, he does not know aggressiveness and does not tend to bark.
Useful information about the Norwich Terrier
Origin & History
Like the Norfolk Terrier, the Norwich Terrier descends from the working dog breeds that were widespread in southeast England from the 18th century. The region of origin of both breeds is the county of Norfolk with the capital Norwich. Back then, short-legged terriers were not only used to hunt foxes and badgers, but also to fight rats. By the 1870s, small terriers were becoming fashionable among students in Cambridge. The first breeder of this new breed is Frank Jones, after whom the Norwich Terrier was also named in the meantime. In 1932 the breed was recognized by the British Kennel Club. It was not until 1964 that the prick-eared Norwich Terrier of today was separated from the droop-eared Norfolk Terrier.
Breed characteristics of the Norwich Terrier
The largest cynological umbrella organization “Fédération Cynologique Internationale” lists the Norwich Terrier in Group 3 “Terriers” and in Section 2 “Low Legged Terriers”. He is one of the smallest terriers and has a low, compact and strong physique. According to the FCI standard, the ideal height at the withers is 25 cm. The Norwich Terrier has wiry, close-lying hair that is longer at the neck and forms a mane around the face. All shades of red, wheaten and black with grizzle (grayish) or tan are accepted as colors.
The Norwich Terrier has a broad, slightly arched skull with a pronounced stop. The muzzle is wedge-shaped and strong, it is about two-thirds the length of the skull between the occiput and the stop. The eyes are small and oval. They are dark in colour, expressive and luminous. The ears are set wide apart and carried erect. They are pointed and of medium size. The neck is strong and of good length, blending harmoniously with the shoulders.
The Norwich Terrier has a compact body and a short back that forms a straight line. The shoulders are well-laid, the chest is deep and well-sprung with a long rib cage. The tail is of moderate length with a strong base. It is worn as straight as possible and is no longer cropped these days.
The Norwich Terrier has short, powerful forelegs with well-fitting elbows. The hind legs are broad and muscular with the hocks set low. The paws are round and cat-like with good padding.
Norwich Terrier Nature & Temperament
The Norwich Terrier is a robust and hardy dog with a lovable personality. Like his rat-hunting ancestors, he always appears with his own boldness, without ever being aggressive or argumentative. Rather, he is characterized by an extremely cheerful character and is a tender and affectionate companion despite all his self-confidence. When dealing with children, the Norwich Terrier shows a lot of patience, as a family dog, he is adventurous and would like to be with everyone at all times. The Norwich Terrier lives for its people and for this reason, needs a close connection to the family.
The fact that the Norwich Terrier was originally a working dog is evident to this day from its high level of activity, its eagerness to work, and its willingness to learn. He learns little tricks and stunts with the same enthusiasm as he demonstrates his agility in dog sports. Outdoors, he runs tirelessly and, despite his small size, easily keeps up with his humans. As an extremely vital dog, the Norwich Terrier needs a lot of exercise and activity every day. On the other hand, he does not get along well with an overly quiet lifestyle and frequent solitude. As a house or apartment dog, he is alert but not inclined to bark.
Parson Russell Terrier
History of the Parson Russell Terrier
The British pastor John Russell was a passionate hunter and dog breeder. Despite enormous costs, he kept a pack of foxhounds. When breeding, he attached great importance to the fact that the dogs could scare the fox out of the burrow and keep up with the horse. In Australia, a fox plague was contained thanks to these intelligent dogs alone. The dogs were initially known as “Working Terriers” but were later named “Jack Russell Terriers” in honor of their breeder. The male Carlisle Tack was a particularly successful descendant of his dogs, who is now considered the ancestor of the Parson Russell.
Since the terrier was bred purely for performance, there was no uniform appearance for a long time and the dogs were rarely seen at exhibitions. So there was a wide range of sizes from short-legged to long-legged. Today, the FCI separates the two breeds, with the smaller being called the Jack Russell Terrier and the larger being called the Parson Russell Terrier. Since 2001, this larger breed has been recognized as an independent breed and classified in FCI Group 3, Section 1 “Tall Terriers”. The Parson can hardly be found as a hunting dog in Germany today and is popular with families.
Nature and character traits
The Parson Russell Terrier is a lively and spirited dog with a great deal of self-confidence. Like a typical terrier, he is brave and independent. The dogs do not avoid fights and tend to overestimate themselves, especially when fighting with larger conspecifics. In general, small terriers have a low stimulus threshold and react quickly, irascibly, and loudly. With good socialization, Parsons also gets along with conspecifics and other animals without any problems. Dogs that like to work feel most comfortable in nature. They can be very stubborn and willful. Most Parsons have a strong hunting instinct, but you can get it under control with enough consistency. A typical Parson Terrier is nevertheless very playful and gets along great with children.
