The exact origins of the Kerry Blue Terrier, as with so many other breeds, is lost in the distant past.  The matings, the exact breeds used, the time are all a matter of conjecture and legend.  One is forced to consider all the legends and either pick one that suits ones fancy, or consider a mixture of all the legends and come up with a likely story.
     Ireland is the land of origin for the Kerry Blue Terrier.  Kerries have been known as a distinctive breed for well over a hundred years.  The Kerries were to be found mostly in the mountains of Lake Killarney.  It is thought that the peasantry of Ireland developed the Kerry as an answer to the nobility using Irish Wolfhounds.  The Irish Wolfhounds were used to protect noble hunting grounds from poachers.  The Kerry was used to help the peasantry to silently hunt the noble hunting grounds. The nobility called it poaching, the peasantry called it survival. 
     Kerries made their first breed show in 1916.  In 1922 Kerry Blue Terriers were first shown at the Westminster Kennel Club.  Two years later, in 1924, the American Kennel Club formally recognized the breed.
 
 
 
 

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