Black Sails
- Sykesville, MD
- Responds within a few days
Upcoming litters
Planned Kerry Blue Terrier litter
Due Aug. 2026
Meet the breeder
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 on producing good companion dogs first. Kerries are naturally territorial and 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.
Truffle
ReservedMale
Blewit
ReservedMale
Hemlock
ReservedMale
Amanita
ReservedFemale
Chanterelle
ReservedFemale
Morel
ReservedMale
Killer bee
Went homeMale
Bumble
Went homeMale
Stinger
Went homeMale
Pollen
Went homeMale
Digger Bee
Went homeMale
Mason
Went homeMale
Honey
Went homeFemale
Busy Bee
Went homeMale
Mario
Went homeMale
Luigi
Went homeMale
Eeyore
Went homeMale
Peach
Went homeFemale
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, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.
Kathryn partners with buyers to find the best match as the puppies develop and their personalities take shape. Typically, matches are finalized when the puppies reach about 7 weeks old.
“We take great care in matching puppies based on temperament, sex, and lifestyle. I take a wholistic approach to assessing puppies, continuously observing them through their first 8 weeks of life to ensure a puppy who “tests well” isn’t accidentally placed in an unfit situation. This could be a rather calm puppy who is excited on test day but wouldn’t do well in a high traffic home, or a sound, confident puppy who is feeling shy on test day being put in a quiet, more calm home where he will ultimately get bored and become destructive. Puppy placements are decided in the following order: 1.My pick puppy, 2. Second pick puppy if there is an agreement for such (usually the stud dog owner or a co-owner) 3. All remaining puppies are matched to their best fitting family regardless of show/pet/performance home. Performance and show homes are only match with a puppy if the puppy has the right temperament PLUS the right structure and characteristics for show or performance. ”
Price
“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.
You’re protected
on Good Dog
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What's included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Enrichment & socialization
- Various sounds
- Car rides
- Surface & tactile stimulation
- Socialized with children
- Socialized in new places
- Scent introduction
- Daily handling
- Socialized with other dogs
- Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
- Socialized with other animals
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Microchip
- Vet records
Extras
- Food & treats
- AKC registration
- Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
- Registration
- Initial potty training
- Basic obedience & manners
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Kathryn.
Breeder's location
Meet in Sykesville, MD
4033 miles away
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Other pick-up locations
Meet at Baltimore/Washington Airport
4029 miles away
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More about Kathryn
Club memberships
Kathryn is a member of Philadelphia Kerry Blue Terrier Club and United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club.
Certifications & recognitions
Professional Groomer, Puppy Culture Breeder.
Kathryn has been a member of Good Dog for almost 2 years
Kathryn was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2024.
Kathryn is a trusted Good Dog breeder
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
Robbie, dad
Kerry Blue Terrier
About Robbie
Robbie is a male Kerry Blue Terrier about 2 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Kathryn decided to make him 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.
Gloria, mom
Kerry Blue Terrier
About Gloria
Gloria is and will forever be the center of attention. She loves to be in the middle of any activity, especially with new people. She’s a lovely, gentle girl who gets along with other dogs, cats, and birds. She loves to learn new tricks, go hiking (as long as her feet stay dry), and play in the snow.
Brigid, mom
Kerry Blue Terrier
About Brigid
Brigid is a female Kerry Blue Terrier over 6 years old. 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.
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.
Parent health 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).
