Named for County Kerry, the Irish Blue may have derived from some legendary "blue dogs that swam shore from a ship wrecked in Tralee Bay." Sined with romance, the origins of the Kerry Blue Terrier befit this distinctive terrier among terriers. In addition to being a feisty and game earthdog, rugged enough to rid the landscape of rats and badgers, the Kerry is a versatile farm dog, a trainable hunting and herding dog, a confident watchdog and a delightful companion. Although strong-willed, as are all terriers, the Kerry excels in obedience and agility competition and possesses the confidence and panache to make heads turn in the show ring. As a companion, the Kerry Blue Terrier is able to delight dog lovers of every age with his clever and entertaining ways, his unmistakable affection for children and his unflagging devotion to his people. For the right owners, the Kerry makes an upstanding and handsome addition to a loving household.

In The Curious History of Irish Dogs, David Blake Knox tells the remarkable stories of each of the nine breeds, and reveals how they have become inextricably linked to the human beings with whom they share the island.

Regarded by his owners as the most trainable and quiet of the terrier breeds, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a rare find indeed, Ireland’s only short-legged terrier breed. Not as popular as the Emerald Isle’s three taller exterminators—the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Irish Terrier, and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier—the Glen of Imaal Terrier derives from its namesake region in the county of Wicklow on the eastern seaboard. Developed as farm paws to work on the demanding countryside, Ireland’s terrier breeds were indispensable in keeping the landscape free from vermin, prized for their fearlessness, independence, and minimal demands on the farmers. Author Mary Brytowski, a well-regarded Glen breeder, describes the breed in the chapter on characteristics: “This unique terrier is comfortable working vermin in the field, sleeping by the hearth or dazzling the gallery at a dog show. A natural dog, with God-given talents and true down-to-earth beauty, the Glen rightly deserves a place in the homes of pet owners and the show and obedience set, as well as of the farmers who originally bred him for everyday ratting purposes.” Today the Glen is a member of the AKC Terrier Group and is enjoying increased popularity in the United States, as it has in Ireland and England for generations. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.

Combining heroic stories of dogs with the latest scientific and psychological information, this book has provoked controversy with its lists that rank more than 100 breeds and its exciting new insights into the thoughts, emotions, and inner lives of dogs.