In Ireland, the Kerry Blue Terrier has been known as the “Brocaire Gorm,” literally “blue terrier,” with no reference to a geographical area to help us narrow down origins; if, in fact, “Kerry” were included in the breed’s name, one would see some form of the word “Ciarraí.”

As an aside, while the word, “gorm” means “blue-tinted” or “bluish,” it’s also used to describe buttermilk (bláthach ghorm), but we suppose that people using the word know what they mean. By any name, the Kerry Blue’s height of popularity in its country of origin is said to have been in the 1920s when there were four dedicated breed clubs in Ireland alone. At that time an eye-popping 25 percent of Irish Kennel Club registrations were for the Kerry Blue Terrier, an astonishing percentage for any single breed, particularly in a small country.

Oh, for the good old days.

The Kerry Blue Terrier is now among the breeds considered vulnerable in the United Kingdom; Last year in 2018, it’s lowest registration numbers yet were reported – a shocking 117 registrations, this despite the breed’s show ring success: Two Kerry Blue Terriers have won at Crufts: CH Callaghan of Leander in 1979, and CH Torums Scarf Michael in 2000.

We are often asked by readers how they can help vulnerable breeds. Awareness, certainly, is a starting point, but what these breeds need most is for their breeders to be supported, and then for people to consider a vulnerable breed for their next dog. Homework is essential, but a Kerry Blue Terrier – indeed, any of the vulnerable breeds – may be the right fit fo a lot of our readers.

Image: Kerry Blue Terrier Puppy by Daniele Trottier is available as wall art, home decor, and lifestyle items here.