The Kerry Blue Terrier was first seen in the Kerry Mountains of Ireland. There is a story that tells of a blue terrier that swam ashore from a shipwreck. The dog was so beautiful that it was mated to every females Wheaten Terrier in Kerry, producing the Kerry Blue Terrier. While the legitimacy of this story is unknown, it is known that they were hardworking, all-purpose farm dogs. The Kerry Blue Terrier also became the mascot for patriots in the fight for Irish independence.