Irisblu Kerry Blue Terrier
Harold and Helena Quigg
Meet the Breed: Kerry Blue Terrier
Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs and what attracted you to the Kerry Blue.
My father showed Kerry’s, as a young boy I attended local shows with him. Kerry’s have always been a part of my family and I have been fortunate to grow up in their company. My father carried on his successful showing career with Hackney horses, but my heart stayed with the dogs.
Where did you get your foundation dogs and what other breeders do you like to collaborate with?
We tried a few potential show dogs from various kennels, but they proved not to be good enough for what we wanted – no doubt all reading will have been in that same situation! I had booked a puppy from a breeder in England; however, my mother was ill with cancer at the time. On the weekend I was due to travel for the puppy, she took a turn for the worse. I wanted to cancel my trip, but she insisted that I go and get my new pup and said that she would be lucky for me. Off we went to England and we met the breeder at a show. Her friend had brought a pet puppy for a family- that pup was gorgeous, and between us we agreed a swap and I took her home. That pet turned into Sharp N Shocking of Irisblu (Izzy) who was top Kerry Blue in Ireland and then the UK was BOB at Cruft’s and went on to become No 1 all breeds in Thailand. She produced many champions for me. Notably Saredon Shockwaves of Irisblu (Lexi) who was BOB at Montgomery. My mother was right, she was a lucky dog.
I have collaborated a lot with Ron and Carol Ramsay of Torum Kerry Blues. My bitches seem to match well with Ron’s dogs. Together we have produced some great Kerry’s. In the USA we have worked with John and Kathy Garahan (Kilgawney) and my good friend Lloyd Booth (Melbees).
Did you have any mentors in the breed/dog world that helped you.
Jack Doherty lived in Derry and I was fortunate enough to become great friends with him, he was one of the best natural dog men I have ever met. He showed lots of “Louisburgh” dogs and always gave me great advice. We shared many laughs travelling to shows. Jack has since passed, but I was lucky to have him in the beginning.
When I started showing more seriously, I met Sean Delmar. He was always there to give me moral support, especially in the many defeats.He always encouraged me to keep going. This led to my travelling to shows in the UK. I wanted to challenge myself and become better, it was at those shows that I met Ron Ramsay who happened to be a lifelong friend of Sean’s. Ron’s enthusiasm inspired me, and he has always got behind me, we have had some top winning dogs together. Both are hard task masters and pushed me to earn their approval…. on that I am still waiting!!
Can you please educate our readers on the stages of color of the Kerry Blue? At what age should we see the hallmark Blue color of the breed.
In a nutshell some people are color fanatics and will pass a much superior dark dog to award a silver dog top honors. I have found in my time that slower coloring dogs have better pigmentation, darker eyes, darker gums and a stronger coat with better texture and wave not as “wishy washy”.
Personally the 18-month rule for aspiring judges should mean some form of color breaking, even if it’s along the back, in front of the tail or down the back legs.
A Kerry is often at its best between 3 and 6, judges should not be too harsh on a young animal that is slower to mature. At this age their brain, body, coat and color are ready. They will be like a stallion full of confidence.
How has the Kerry Blue changed since you first started showing/breeding?
The temperament has softened a lot around the world, although in Ireland and USA they seem to have kept some spirit. The most noticeable change has been the curly tails on the back or the tail half-mast and head down when moving around the ring. This is often linked to lack of spirit. These dogs, however beautiful are happiest laying at home in front of the fire. Finally, every country has their own grooming style. The more I travel and judge around the world, the more this is evident. Russia, America, Ireland, and England all have their own styles and here lies the problem. You could send the same dog to 3 different counties, and the dog would have 3 different looks. Groomers have taken over and have lost the terrier shape. They have gone for a smooth scissor finish which in turn kills the coat texture and leaves it resembling a Bichon Frise.
What are points you wish all judges knew about the Kerry Blue before judging the breed.
A Kerry should be a natural upbeat and alert dog standing 4 square. They should have an intense look with a small eye. The tail should be well set on, carried as straight as possible. The rear should be powerful as that is the engine room. When they move from A to B it must be with purpose.
Please mention 3 Kerry Blues not bred/owned by you that you have greatly admired.
Torums Ready to Rumble, Danja Iz goluboi legendy, Dinnyesvarosi Dixi
Please mention 3 influential dogs from your kennel over the years.
Sharp N Shocking of Irisblu, Torums Calico Jack at Irisblu Irisblu Boomerang
What is your favorite show in the world to attend.
Without a doubt Montgomery,
Please share some of your proudest memories from the show ring.
Winning Best of Breed at Montgomery in 2016, winning Best of Breed and Terrier Group 3 at Crufts, and winning Best of Opposite at Westminster.These are fantastic memories.
The conditioning and presentation of the Kerry Blue is no easy task. Please talk us through some of the work involved with presenting the blue stallion that is the Kerry Blue. Please also mention the Kerry Blue temperament/attitude.
This begins in the whelping box, the brain development of the Kerry is so important, table table table as if it’s not done then it creates so much work down the line when the dog matures. A happy confident pup usually makes the best show dog. I find that more than lead work, lots of free running and lots of experiences help build character. Quality food is a must. If this is all done correctly your 80% there, and the final 20% can be achieved with products and scissors.
As for attitude a Kerry at a dog show should be on his toes from morning to night. Therefore, it’s vitally important that he is confident from a very early age.
We sometimes see in the ring some judges have Kerry Blues (and other terriers) come to the center and face each other, please explain to our readers the reason for this, and how you feel about it.
The only time you really see a terrier is in the spar, when they lift themselves from the shoulders the neck comes up another inch, the tail goes forward and their whole body will transform in front of you. A good sparing Kerry should remind you of an Arabian stallion. Love it.
From your experience, where in the world do you believe Kerry Blues seem strongest, in terms of quality.
There is a lot of quality Kerry’s in Russia, America, and Scandinavia. The numbers are numerically high there also, but I am a bit biased as I come from the country of origin, I have to say Ireland. There is only a small number of breeders, but the Irish dogs have won top honors all over the world and continue to do so. Long may it continue.
What are your goals/dreams for the future of your Kerry Blue journey?
My goal is to breed a dog that pleases me 110%. I have bred some really nice Kerry’s over the years, and I like to score them on a scale of 1- 10. Some have been 9’s, leaving me room to improve and there have been plenty of 7 and 8’s along the way, but we are always striving to breed better.
My dream has been to win Best of Breed at Crufts, Westminster, and Montgomery to date we have achieved 2 out of 3 and hit the cross bar in 2019 with Irisblu the Fiddler (Maggie) when she went Best of Opposite at Westminster. There is always work to do.
