I'm Kathryn D., the breeder behind Black Sails located in Sykesville, MD. I believe a working farm dog must possess a stable temperament, marked by a confident, calm, discerning nature in order to properly work independently on a farm. With that in mind, I only consider stud dogs after I personally observe them and see sound structure, and proven stable temperaments.
Q. & A. with Kathryn
Why did you start breeding?
I got my first Kerry Blue for grooming competitions and while taking grooming lessons with my mentor, she convinced me to show my dog. From there I was hooked and knew I wanted to contribute to the breed.
What makes your program special?
I focus first on producing good companion dog first. Kerries are not dog park dogs. But they should be able to maintain control when they see other dogs.
Second to temperament is structure. I prefer a moderate, well-balanced Kerry, with no exaggeration in any of its features.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies are blue. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Killer bee
Went home
Male
Bumble
Went home
Male
Stinger
Went home
Male
Pollen
Went home
Male
Digger Bee
Went home
Male
Mason
Went home
Male
Honey
Went home
Female
Busy Bee
Went home
Male
Mario
Went home
Male
Luigi
Went home
Male
Eeyore
Went home
Male
Peach
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Kathryn
Kathryn has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $500 refundable deposit and $3,000 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“Includes AKC registration, puppy vaccines, early socialization, go home kit (food, blanket/toy), started crate and potty training.
Placement is subject to video conference and puppy evaluations. ”
Contract & health guarantee
Kathryn may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Kathryn offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Kathryn directly.
Black Sails meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Gretchen, mom
Kerry Blue Terrier
About Gretchen
Gretchen is a female Kerry Blue Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Kathryn decided to make her part of their program. Kathryn has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Brigid, mom
Kerry Blue Terrier
About Brigid
Brigid is a female Kerry Blue Terrier. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Kathryn decided to make her part of their program. Kathryn has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Black Sails reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Kerry Blue Terriers.
Hip Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered), Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia (rDVM, not registered)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Canine Multiple System Degeneration, Kerry Blue Terrier Type, DNA Disease Panel, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), von Willebrand Disease I (vWD I), Factor XI Deficiency
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).