Kerry Blue Terrier

Brushing Routine

Brush daily or every other day with a slicker brush and wide-toothed comb. Their soft, wavy, non-shedding coat mats quickly if neglected. Work through the coat in sections, starting from the skin outward. The distinctive blue-gray coat requires consistent maintenance to look its best. Use a detangling spray for stubborn areas.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 2-3 weeks with a color-enhancing shampoo formulated for gray or silver coats. A moisturizing conditioner keeps the soft, wavy coat manageable. Their coat absorbs and holds water, so thorough blow-drying is essential. Use a slicker brush while blow-drying to straighten and separate the coat.

Common Issues

• Rapid matting if brushing is skipped even a few days
• Coat color changes from black at birth through multiple shades to blue-gray
• Ear infections from heavy ear hair blocking airflow
• Skin cysts and growths common in the breed
• Eye irritation from facial hair if not trimmed properly

Extend Your Grooming Results

Maintain the facial trim between professional grooms by combing the beard after meals and keeping fall-away hair from the eyes trimmed. A weekly deep-combing session catches mats before they tighten. Use a leave-in conditioner spray daily to maintain coat slip and prevent tangles.

Seasonal Care

No seasonal shedding -- the coat grows continuously and requires year-round trimming. Houston humidity can cause the wavy coat to frizz and mat faster. Use an anti-humidity spray during summer months. The dense coat provides insulation in both heat and cold but requires extra grooming attention in humid weather.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush daily or every other day, beard cleaning after meals, full comb-through 3 times weekly, bath every 2-3 weeks, nail trim every 3-4 weeks, ear cleaning weekly with ear hair removal. Professional groom every 4-6 weeks.