Mini Kerry Blue Schnauzer

The Mini Kerry Blue Schnauzer is a recent hybridization between the purebred Kerry Blue Terrier and the purebred Miniature Schnauzer.  Even though there are no set standards for hybrid dogs, many owners can predict the physical and character traits of their Mini Kerry Blue Schnauzers because both parents are very similar.  Owners may also turn to the respective histories or both parent breeds for an insight into their dog's lineage. The medium-sized Kerry Blue Terrier is native to Ireland.  The breed developed as a working-class homestead dog in County Kerry, where it draws its name.  Aggressiveness toward small vermin and animals was intentionally selected and earned the breed its nickname the "Blue Devil."  The Kerry Blue Terrier most likely came to the United States during the late 1800s with Irish immigrants and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1924. The Miniature Schnauzer is a German Terrier and developed as an offshoot of the Standard Schnauzer  The Schnauzer was originally bred to help remove vermin from farms, but farmers wanted a slightly smaller version to get into smaller areas where rats and burrowing vermin hide.  The first registered Miniature Schnauzer was in 1888 and interest in the breed grew rapidly up until the First World War.  Following World War I, the Miniature Schnauzer was imported to the United States where the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1926.  The breed's popularity was steady but did not take off until after World War II.  Today, the Miniature Schnauzer is on the top twenty breeds list for AKC popularity.