Kerry Blue Schnauzer

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized, well-muscled dog that presents an elegant yet sturdy appearance befitting its versatile working heritage. Males typically stand between 18 and 19.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 33 to 40 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 17.5 to 19 inches and 27 to 35 pounds. The breed possesses a balanced, athletic build with a long, refined head that is well-proportioned to the body. The skull is flat on top with a slight stop, and the muzzle is strong and moderately long with a deep jaw. Small, dark eyes convey a keen, alert expression characteristic of an intelligent working terrier, while V-shaped ears fold forward and are carried close to the cheeks. The most distinctive feature of the Kerry Blue Terrier is its soft, wavy coat that comes in various shades of blue-gray. Unlike many terrier breeds, the Kerry has a single coat without an undercoat, which gives it a silky texture that is both dense and profuse. This unique coat requires regular grooming to maintain its characteristic appearance. Puppies are typically born black, with the blue coloration gradually developing over the first 18 to 24 months of life as the coat clears. The coat may range from a deep slate blue to a lighter blue-gray, and some dogs display subtle black points on the muzzle, head, ears, tail, and feet. The beard and eyebrows are prominent features that add to the breed's distinctive expression. The breed's body is compact and well-ribbed with a short, level back and strong hindquarters that provide powerful drive. The chest is deep and moderately broad, providing ample lung capacity for endurance activities. The tail is traditionally docked to a medium length and carried high in a gay manner, reflecting the breed's confident disposition. The Kerry Blue moves with a free, effortless gait that demonstrates both power and agility, reflecting its working heritage as an all-purpose farm dog.

The Standard Schnauzer is a medium-sized, robust dog that combines strength with elegance in a compact, square-proportioned frame designed for endurance and versatility. Males typically stand 18.5 to 19.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 35 to 50 pounds, while females measure 17.5 to 18.5 inches and weigh 30 to 45 pounds. The breed displays a distinctive silhouette characterized by a rectangular head with a strong, blunt muzzle, bushy eyebrows, and a prominent beard that gives the face an expressive, almost human-like appearance that has earned this breed many admirers. The ears are set high and may be cropped to stand erect or left natural to fold forward in a V-shape. The Standard Schnauzer possesses a double coat consisting of a hard, wiry outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat that provides excellent protection from the elements and rough terrain. The breed comes in two accepted colors: salt and pepper, featuring banded gray hairs that create a textured, distinguished appearance, and solid black with a rich, deep coloring throughout. The characteristic furnishings include the arched eyebrows that give the breed its keen expression, prominent whiskers forming a distinguished beard, and leg hair that adds to the breed's refined appearance. Proper coat texture is harsh enough to resist dirt and weather while maintaining the breed's signature look. The body is well-muscled and sturdy with a deep chest that reaches to the elbows and well-sprung ribs providing ample heart and lung capacity. The back is short and strong with a slight slope toward the hindquarters, and the loin is well-developed for power and agility. The tail is traditionally docked and carried high with confidence, reflecting the breed's alert nature. Movement is ground-covering and efficient, with good reach in front and powerful drive from the rear. The Standard Schnauzer presents an image of a capable, alert working dog that is equally refined and rugged in appearance.