Appearance of the Kerry Blue Schnauzer
|
| Since the Kerry Blue Schnauzer is a more recent hybrid, there's not much information available on the hybrid itself. Being a hybrid mix of the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Schnauzer, it can take on the appearance and traits of either of its parent breeds. As the Schnauzer parent breed is available in several sizes (miniature, standard and giant), the height of your hybrid can vary from 30.5 to 48 centimeters (height for miniature and standard versions) and weight from 5 to 18 kilos (based on miniature and standard version), depending on the size of the Schnauzer parent breed. As such, your hybrid will probably be a medium-sized dog with a muscular, robust body, sometimes described as squarely built, with a coat that could be medium or thick, wavy and blue-gray (from the Kerry Blue parent) or stiff (perhaps with the distinctive Schnauzer beard) and either black, black and silver or salt and pepper. Both parent breeds have distinctive bushy eyebrows, small dark eyes and sharp or even growling facial expressions at times. The Kerry Blue's long, well-balanced head or the Schnauzer's rectangular head will probably feature a strong muzzle, which can be blunt, with a large black nose with large nostrils. Your hybrid will probably have V-shaped ears set high on the forehead. The jaw is strong, the teeth will also be strong and the bite will be scissor-like or possibly overhanging. The tail is set high, carried straight and of moderate length, although tail docking can also be found. Your hybrid's feet are likely to be small, compact and round, with arched toes. |
Temperament of the Kerry Blue Schnauzer
|
| Your Kerry Blue Schnauzer hybrid is a mix of Kerry Blue Terrier and Schnauzer and may inherit some or all of the temperament and personality traits of one or both of the parent breeds. Your hybrid's parent breeds share many temperament traits: alertness, friendliness, intelligence, playful affection, gentleness, aggression, loyalty, protection, independence and liveliness. He'll be great with children but, because he has a strong hunting instinct, he may not be so friendly with the family cat. Early socialization with young children, older children and small animals will help modify this trait. They are excellent watchdogs, so expect them to be wary of strangers. To avoid inappropriate episodes of aggression with strangers, be sure to socialize them as early in life as possible. In addition, the Kerry Blue parent contributes a great deal of exuberance, while the Schnauzer is a little more laid-back in its energy levels. It's the Kerry Blue's exuberance that will prompt you to be more vigilant when your toddler plays with it, as your toddler can hurt it during normal, non-aggressive play. Both parent breeds contribute loyalty and affection to their human family, and they don't necessarily bond with one or two family members, but rather will be affectionate and loving with everyone. |
Needs and activities of the Kerry Blue Schnauzer
|
| The activity level of your Kerry Blue Schnauzer hybrid is moderate to high, meaning that if you're not interested in several long, brisk walks a day, this may not be the breed for you. He'll need brisk walks, jogging or playing and letting off steam in the yard to keep your hybrid in good physical shape. He's an intelligent dog who can be quite destructive if he's not also kept mentally active. Obedience and agility help in this area. Keeping your hybrid mentally challenged will also help modify canine hybrids that inherit the "edgy" tendencies that can be brought by the Schnauzer breed parent. The ability to train brought by both parent breeds falls into the difficult to fairly difficult category. Training problems have nothing to do with the animal's ability to be trained, but rather everything to do with the high intelligence levels of canines. Both parent breeds have the ability to read people and their environment and use this information to manipulate people and things as they wish. This trait becomes a huge stumbling block when training your Kerry Blue Schnauzer hybrid, but it can be overcome. Firm consistency combined with positive reinforcement, encouragement and tasty snacks will help determine who's in charge. Once this obstacle has been overcome, training will become easier. |
Maintenance of the Kerry Blue Schnauzer
|
| The Kerry Blue Schnauzer hybrid is the product of mixing the Kerry Blue Terrier with the Schnauzer and, as such, may inherit the coat of one or both parent breeds. This hybrid will probably require moderate to high maintenance to keep the coat clean and healthy. This means daily brushing with a stiff bristle brush and regular bathing every 4 to 6 weeks. Your Kerry Blue Schnauzer hybrid inherits a minimal shedding trait from both parent breeds, as well as a hypoallergenic component, making it an excellent family addition for families with members suffering from respiratory difficulties, allergies and asthma. His teeth and ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections and periodontal infections, which are known to cause tooth loss over time. Addressing these areas on a weekly basis should keep him in good health. Regular home assessments of the eyes and areas around the eyes, cleaning as necessary, will also help keep your hybrid healthy and beautiful. |
English (United Kingdom)