Accepting applications for puppies for the Nora + Carter litter born July 18th, 2024. Click here to find out more!
Hello there! My name is Jenna and I am the face behind Costerra Kerry Blue
Terriers. Although my program was announced in 2023, I have been involved with
dogs my whole life. As long as I can remember, I have been infatuated with
purebred dogs and the novelty each breed holds. Even as a young pre-teen, I can
remember sitting in front of the TV and writing down lists of breeds that intrigued
me to later research all about them. Little did I know that my love for dogs would
eventually lead me to a wonderful career in professional dog grooming. Amid my
training back in 2013, I remember having a Kerry Blue Terrier come into the salon
and it was then I was smitten. I knew the breed was known for its charismatic
personality with a zest for life, but what I didn't know was how far I would fall for
this breed. I somehow gained a Kerry Blue, named Yasha, as a client in my early
years of grooming, having no concept of how difficult it is to execute the groom, I
took it on as a challenge. Six years flew by, and I had to say goodbye to the one dog
that gave me such love, confidence, and trust. It was then I was in a position to get
my first dog by myself with my husband, and although we went back and forth on
the breed that would suit our lifestyle (between Standard Poodles and Rottweilers),
neither one of us would give way. So, I thought I would offer the breed I always
dreamed of owning, the Kerry Blue Terrier. We thought it over and the rest is history!
In 2020, my husband and I made efforts to find the right breeder with the right pup for us. We did our research and used referrals, leading us to Nora our first Kerry Blue Terrier puppy. We purchased Nora from her breeder, George and Tuesday Hanna, with the intent to show her, but what I never even dreamed of was getting to the point in my life where I could call myself a reputable and ethical breeder. The Hanna's fostered our very early show career together kicking off at Kerryfest 2021 when Nora was just 10 weeks old. Though she wasn't eligible to show just yet, they offered me the chance to get some ring time and hands-on grooming lesson with their other Kerries and neighbors--Pina (Irina Pinkusevich) and Ginger Harding of Kerifield Kennels. It was an experience unlike I have ever had and the reason we caught the show bug!
Since then, Nora and I have entered numerous shows to learn the ropes and sought out many private lessons to learn the more intricate details of the Kerry Blue Terrier trim. I've met some of my most dedicated and important friends through this breed, but my mentors who became family so quickly guided me to realize Nora could be the perfect matriarch to my very own line of Kerries. In 2024, we started to get her health and genetic testing done to align with the breed's required tests through OFA and later determined the proper stud to compliment not only her knock-out personality but structurally too. In May 2024, all of our hard work together, including long hours of travel and dedication to growing, paid off when we earned Nora's AKC championship at Kerryfest at Purina Farms going winner's bitch at the USKBTC traveling specialty show. Not only solidifying our belief in Nora's ability to carry on the breed for generations to come, but as a wonderful representation for her breed.
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Costerra Kerry Blue Terriers was founded to preserve the integrity and foundation of Kerry Blue for future generations to come. I intend to only produce quality, sound puppies that thrive in all environments and make wonderful family companions. I promise to always keep growing and learning, to always be transparent, and to put the health and quality of my dogs first and foremost. Please follow along for this wonderful journey we will embark on!
