Judging Kerry Blue Terriers: What Matters Most?

When evaluating Kerry Blue Terriers, both in the show ring and in breeding programs, judges and breeders must balance multiple factors—head length, coat quality, conformation, and dentition, to name a few. But which of these is the highest priority? What faults are acceptable, and which fundamentally compromise the breed’s purpose?

The reality is that no dog fits the standard perfectly, but the goal is always to get as close as possible. Some aesthetic imperfections, such as slight variations in coat texture or minor deviations in head proportions, can be tolerated. However, when it comes to functionality and temperament, compromise is not an option.

Temperament: The Foundation of the Kerry Blue Terrier

At the heart of a well-bred Kerry Blue Terrier is a stable, confident temperament. These dogs were historically bred for versatility—herding, hunting, farm work, and family companionship. A Kerry should be bold, intelligent, and self-assured while maintaining control and responsiveness to its handler.

A Kerry Blue Terrier must be able to stand its ground without undue aggression or fear. Fear aggression is a serious issue in any breed, but in a working terrier, it can lead to unpredictability and even human-directed aggression.
Dog aggression should not be confused with correct sparring behavior. Judges often ask Kerries to spar—standing confidently and assessing one another’s presence—but this should not escalate into lunging, uncontrolled reactivity, or fear-driven responses.
A Kerry must be able to be called off and remain under control. If a dog cannot recover from sparring or becomes erratic, it is not demonstrating the correct temperament for the breed.

Confirmation Matters: Form Follows Function

Beyond temperament, conformation directly impacts a dog’s ability to function. A dog with poor build may struggle with movement, endurance, and efficiency in its original working roles.

A slight fault in head length or coat texture does not affect the dog’s ability to perform its duties. Structural faults, such as poor angulation, weak toplines, or faulty movement, do compromise the dog’s function. A Kerry who cannot move efficiently will tire quickly, lack endurance, and be less effective at work

“Without the cake, you can’t have icing.” Meaning, that while aesthetics like coat quality or ear set are important for presentation, they mean little if the dog lacks the proper structure and temperament.

The Role of Responsible Breeding

Temperament and structure are largely heritable traits. This is why pedigree research and selecting from reputable breeders is crucial. Some bloodlines carry a history of fear aggression, which can be predicted and avoided with careful breeding practices.

Final Thoughts: What Should Judges and Breeders Prioritize?

When evaluating a Kerry Blue Terrier, aesthetic traits should always be secondary to sound temperament and functional conformation. A slightly imperfect coat can be groomed. A slightly off head-shape will not affect the dog’s ability to work.

But a dog with an unstable mind, fear-based aggression, or poor structure is not just a deviation from the standard—it is a fundamental failure to uphold the purpose of the breed.

Judging and breeding decisions should always prioritize temperament, control, and function first. Everything else? That’s just the icing.

March 10, 2025April 14, 2025

Westminster win 2025

The image shows a dog show scene where a judge and a handler, Paul, are presenting a prize-winning dog named Malbec. The judge, an older woman in a black suit with gold embellishments, is holding a red and white rosette ribbon. The handler, a man in a light blue plaid suit with a yellow armband numbered “204,” is proudly posing Malbec, a well-groomed Kerry Blue Terrier, on a display table.

In front of them is a sign reading “BEST OF OPPOSITE,” along with details of the event:
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
February 10–11, 2025
© John Ashbey

A pot of vibrant flowers sits next to the sign, adding a celebratory touch to the scene. The event takes place indoors under bright overhead lights, with other participants and dogs visible in the background.

March 5, 2025March 7, 2025

The Art of Show Dog Movement: Finding Balance in Motion

Few things are as mesmerizing as watching a well-balanced dog move effortlessly—floating across the ground with grace, efficiency, and power. I recently saw a post on Facebook by Kateriina Bartš, about the importance of body proportions on a poodle that create beautiful movement in the ring. It inspired me to write more about balance and movement for the Kerry Blue Terrier.

What exactly makes a dog’s movement appear effortless? The answer lies in balance, structure, and timing.

What Does Balanced Movement Look Like?

When analyzing a dog in motion, photo snapshot can reveal a lot. A balanced dog moves in perfect synchronization, with equal energy distribution between the front and back. Here’s what to look for in an ideal gait:

All four feet off the ground at the same time at peak suspension.
Front leg extension that reaches from the tip of the toe through the angle of the shoulder, forming a straight, clean line.
An “A”-shaped pendulum movement, where if the dog were suspended from the top of the “A,” it would appear naturally balanced.

A well-groomed Kerry Blue Terrier moves gracefully alongside a handler in a professional dog show setting. The handler, dressed in a light gray plaid suit, leads the dog with precision, showcasing its balanced movement and structure. The dog extends its front leg smoothly while maintaining an elegant posture. In the background, other competitors, judges, and colorful floral arrangements enhance the show ring atmosphere. A sign reading "First" is partially visible, hinting at a competitive event. — Malbec in Motion – Perfect Balance and Suspension. Malbec moves effortlessly, forming a textbook “A” frame with excellent front reach and rear drive. All four legs are fully off the ground, showcasing ideal suspension, balance, and efficiency in motion—hallmarks of a well-structured and graceful dog.

When Balance is Off: The Disconnected Dog

Not all dogs move with this level of balance. Structural issues—such as short forearms or upright shoulders—create a disconnect between the front and back end, leading to inefficient movement.

Front-heavy dogs tend to work off their front limbs instead of engaging their hindquarters. Their short, choppy strides limit efficiency, similar to how a Missouri Fox Trotter’s gait alters timing.
Over-angulated back legs can cause a dog to overreach, crossing underneath the body instead of moving in sync with the front. This can lead to a sloped posture and inefficient movement patterns.

The Sidewinder Effect: When Timing and Angles Clash

One of the most extreme examples of imbalance can be seen in modern German Shepherds, which sometimes have exaggerated rear angulation. This causes their back legs to overreach and cross under their body, leading to sidewinding—a movement where the dog does not travel in a straight line but instead shifts sideways to compensate for poor balance.

Too much rear angulation forces the dog to lift its back legs higher than necessary, creating wasted energy.
Unequal front-to-back energy distribution results in a dog that moves like a quarter horse sprinting out of the gate—explosive at first, but unable to maintain the pace for long distances.
A sloped, squatting run is often seen in dogs that work primarily off their hind end rather than engaging both front and rear efficiently.

The Power of Proper Structure

A well-structured dog moves like an Arabian Horse—efficient, balanced, and capable of sustaining speed and endurance over time. The best-moving dogs utilize power from their hindquarters while maintaining a smooth and coordinated front-end stride, and burn the least amount of energy over time.

Next time you watch a dog in motion, look for these key elements of balance. The best movers are those that float—not just fast, but effortlessly efficient. Because when a dog moves with harmony, they move with power.

February 11, 2025February 18, 2025