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One should endeavour to understand and respect the importance of the history, purpose and this breeds unique coat colour and texture. The Kerry Blue Terrier (also known as the Irish Blue Terrier) is a breed of dog originally bred in Ireland in the county of Kerry to control “vermin” including rats, rabbits, badgers, foxes, otters and hares. Over time the Kerry became a general working dog used for a variety of jobs including herding cattle and sheep, and as a guard dog. Today the Kerry has spread around the world as a companion and working dog.
This is an individual breed in so many ways. They are an all-purpose farm dog with their unique coat colour and texture yet maintaining a multi working and family pet background. Their coat is born black and must show signs of change by 18 months of age. This dominate dilution gene is a key part of the breed and not all change colour.
Colour may vary on age and maturity any shade of blue with or without black points. The colour of the breed can change as the dog matures. All shades of blue are correct. The texture is an important one; soft, plentiful and wavy. The soft texture and the non-shedding coat of the Kerry Blue is plentiful to protect the dog from its Irish climate and has a uniquely wavy pattern. This is what makes this breed so different. Hallmarks of every breed must be honoured and respected.
Basic grooming for this breed is simple. Different ages affect the breeds colour and texture. Generally by the time we start showing them we have just started to see a small amount of colour change. As a dilution gene is responsible for the change in colour it’s possible to see a little “rust” reddish tones to the coat. This is normal to any fading gene.
I suggest Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo diluted 1:5 (1 part shampoo to 5 parts water) for the overall general bathing. The toning qualities help to neutralise the warm or red tones and naturally highlight the blue. This can be also mixed with Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo also diluted 1:5. The natural henna extract in this shampoo emphasises the natural sheen and shine of this soft coat. By highlighting the colour and allowing the blue to shine, it produces a light reflective gloss to the coat. We can certainly make the best of highlighting the reflective qualities of this coat colour to the eye.
Plush Puppy Body Building Shampoo can be used also and like the Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo can be mixed with Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo. I use the same breakdown of 1:5. This is great for those developing coats and I like to use on the legs as I feel I get a better finish when scissoring.
Conditioning the coat is important as this coat has to be soft and silky. Use Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner diluted 1:10. I thoroughly cover the dog and try to wait 2-5 minutes for this moisturising to work. Silk Protein Conditioner features an intensive formulation boosted with Silk Amino acids and plant extracts that bind keratin in the coat, strengthening whilst protecting against moisture loss. These are excellent for moisturising and strengthening coat, smoothing the cuticle, detangling the coat while soothing dry skin. This Conditioner restores hydration and vitality for a naturally softer, silkier more lustrous coat.
For dogs with a dry or damaged use the exceptional Plush Puppy Coat Rescue. This is not a conditioner but a treatment. The unique make up is to strengthen the hair cuticle and restore the natural texture. This can be done with the conditioner or as a separate treatment. Coat Rescue’s naturally blended essential oils and pure plant extracts help restore strength and elasticity to dehydrated and tired coat hair.
It is integral to keep the correct texture and colour of the Kerry coat. To keep it shiny and hydrated without effecting the texture, use Plush Puppy Sea Breeze Oil This is a truly beneficial blend using extracts of Calendula oil, Wheat germ oil, and Evening Primrose. Add 1 tablespoon to 4 Litres of water, then either sponge on or sluice well through the coat and LEAVE IN. DO NOT RINSE. This is quite a unique product in that it is not greasy and totally water-soluble. It gives an outstanding healthy vigour to the skin and coat. Use the oil at this dilution rate after shampooing for a show. Again leave in and do not rinse. You will get a nice healthy sheen on the coat with this routine. A great mid-week protection. This can be used with the Plush Puppy Coat Rescue.
A very important step for the Kerry is the face and beard. A Kerry’s face is a hairy one and dirt, dust and muck loves being in that fluff! Plush Puppy Let’s Face It is the shampoo especially developed for faces. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo with a no tear formula. It features the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate that clean, soothe, add moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. It can also be used in and around the ears with the same benefits.
After bathing, I lightly mist the dog with Plush Puppy OMG. I use the Concentrate diluted to 1:40 (1 part OMG Concentrate to 40 parts water). This light mist allows the water to be dispersed quickly and leaves a beautiful finish and that desired soft silky texture.
This is a revolutionary grooming spray that lives up to its name. A light spray of OMG and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful. It separates the coat and leaves the most amazing finish. OMG is available in a Concentrate that you can dilute to your individual requirements or a Ready-To-Use Formula. Using OMG can be a one-off at shows or during the drying process after bathing. This is also an amazing product for regular brushing as it hydrates the coat reducing stress and coat loss. Its active ingredients smooth the cuticle and protect the coat.
When drying a Kerry, it is important to keep the traditional and correct wave that is classic to the breed. This is not a poodle! It must be wavy on its body. I like to lightly use a force dryer to remove the excess water. Never allow the coat to be fully dried and hence fluffed out. It’s preferred to use a warm hand dryer and with a Plush Puppy Professional Grooming Comb. Gently dry the coat allowing the breeds wavy coat to be maintained.
For the legs and face, brush through using a Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush. Choose either the regular pin length or long pin length pin brush. This is a cushion based brush and gets into the coat without ripping at it. You could also use the Plush Puppy Ultimate Slicker Brush. The Ultimate Slicker Brush is perfect for the legs. It allows the coat to be totally tangle and knot free and gives you have a well finished coat to scissor. Degrees of finish and drying are up to the individual, however you must always allow the coat to be correct. SOFT, SILKY and WAVY!!
After you have bathed and dried your dog the art of scissoring is up to you. Enough enough length to show the wave and natural shape of the breed and keep that classic terrier shape and silhouette. Some are masters, some of us are mere mortals. Practice and then practice some more!
If the coat is too fluffed out use a damp sponge and go over the areas needing more wave, then gently comb into the desired waves.
Show days a light mist of Plush Puppy OMG will refresh the coat and allow the coat to bounce back to its glory.
If you need a little lift in some areas such as the hocks and legs, then use a light mist of Plush Puppy Volumising Spray and brush in. This is a hair thickener to add volume, not a hair stiffener and not easily detectable. It leaves the coat with a natural fuller look and feel. Perfect for legs that need that added density.
At times due to various reasons including the weather static electricity can create flyaways. If this occurs use Plush Puppy Anti-Static Coat Control. This is a lightweight spray using the latest technology is infused with organic extracts of Witch Hazel Leaf, Linden Flower, Birch Bark and Nettle. It also adds to the protection, include a UV filter to stop sun damage and protect against heat strength for the perfect finished look of the coat.
Lastly a quick spray with Plush Puppy Odour Muncher. It literally munches the odour and works well for smelly problems such as emergencies in transit. Leaves a light fragrance – certainly not too much and definitely not too little.
There are no magic tricks to preparing this wonderful breed. Just some very clever products that make your life, and the finish you can achieve easier. And with brilliant results!
Be respectful of what the breeds history and coat is to be. Be understanding of the purpose of the coat and use what tools are available for you to present your breed to its best.
