8. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier begins life with a completely black coat. Thanks to a dominant fading gene, the coat gradually clears to a stunning blue-gray color by the time the dog reaches 18 months of age. Originally bred in Ireland as all-around farm dogs, they herded sheep, hunted pests, and guarded the homestead.
You will appreciate their soft, wavy-to-curly coat that completely lacks an undercoat, significantly reducing the amount of hair left on your clothes. However, the lack of shedding means the hair requires daily brushing to prevent severe matting, especially around their long, heavily bearded faces.
They possess a strong-willed, determined personality. You must utilize firm, positive reinforcement training from an early age to ensure they grow into well-mannered adults. Because of their high prey drive, they generally do best in homes without small pets like cats or rabbits.
