Irish dogs—we’re talking about canines—are here to help us celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and all things Irish. While most dog lovers are familiar with the energetic, mahogany-colored Irish Setter and some have had the distinct pleasure of meeting the larger-than-life Irish Wolfhound, most are not aware there are actually eight AKC-recognized dog breeds of Irish decent. So in honor of St. Patty’s top dogs, WebVet decided it was time to say Sláinte (cheers), to the following breeds:
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting breed that has a hypoallergenic coat. This breed is intelligent, trainable, and active. The tallest of the spaniels, its ancestors were Shannon spaniels, rat-tail spaniels or whiptail spaniels in the late 1100s. Often called the “clown” of the spaniel family, possibly due to the peak of curly hair between the eyes, its double coat is naturally water-repellent and protects against thorns, as well as all weather conditions. In keeping with its Irish heritage, the Irish Water Spaniel is alert, gentle, eager to please, and fun loving.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is native to Ireland and is assumed to be a blend of Spaniels, Pointers, and other Setters. A large, energetic sporting breed it is known for its beautiful mahogany coat and trainability. While the Irish Setter became popular in the
eighteenth century throughout Ireland and the British Isles, it was not imported to America until the nineteenth century. Widely popular as a bird-hunting dog, the breed became one of the most popular pets in America in the 1970s. Known for its outgoing, carefree, cheerful, and kind-natured personality, the Irish Setter is an ideal family pet.
Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter with its aristocratic, keen and intelligent attitude is bred primarily for the field. Their appearance is strong and powerful, well balanced and proportioned and their gentle expression displays a kind, friendly personality, behind which is discernible determination, courage, and high spirit. While both breeds of the Irish Setter likely came into their own at the end of the seventieth century, it is fairly certain, that the Red and White Setter is the older of the two and that selective and judicious breeding ultimately evolved the solid red color.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound, the largest breed of dog oftentimes growing to the size of a small pony, requires plenty of space both inside and outside the home. Descendents of a giant, shaggy breed historically used for wolf, elk, and wild boar hunting the breed was once a popular gift for royalty. Irish Wolfhounds are gentle, friendly, even-tempered, and loyal and as a result are good with children and friendly with strangers. This giant breed with rough, shaggy hair and wiry, bushy eyebrows comes in a variety of coat colors including gray, fawn, brindle, red, black, and white.
Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a good-tempered, spirited and affectionate medium-sized terrier breed. This native of Ireland is independent, smart, thrives on companionship and is fiercely loyal to its master. The breed, which was used as a sentinel in World War I, is useful in police and military work and is very protective of its human family. A good water dog and natural vermin hunter, the breed was nicknamed “Daredevil” for its bold and inquisitive nature. The oldest of all the terrier breeds, the Irish Terrier has the distinction of being the only all-red terrier.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is an unrefined working terrier breed that requires plenty of exercise. While this native of Ireland is docile in the home, it’s an active terrier when outside. Spirited, smart and loyal, the breed interacts well with people and is excellent with children. Named for the Glen of Imaal, an area of the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland, these terriers are bred to hunt and kill ground-dwelling animals such as foxes and badgers. Recently recognized by the AKC (2004), there are currently only 400 to 500 Glen of Imaal Terriers registered in the United States.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed that is fiercely devoted and highly intelligent. This breed’s non-shedding coat makes it an ideal pet for those with allergies. A wonderful companion dog, the breed is energetic, playful, and loving and interacts well with people of all ages. The Kerry Blue Terrier requires firm obedience training and early socialization in order to interact well with other pets. With an excellent memory, gift for learning new tricks and sports, and protective nature, the breed makes an excellent watchdog. Originated in the 1700s in County Kerry, they were historically used as a small game hunter, herder, retriever, and farm dog.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized terrier breed of Irish dog that has a hypoallergenic coat. This social, affectionate, and playful breed is very good with children, as well as other dogs and quickly becomes very attached to its human family. One of the oldest Irish breeds dating back to 1785, the Wheaten Terrier was historically used as a herder, hunter, and general farm dog. The tails of the Wheaton were originally docked to exempt the breed from taxes, thus it became known as the “poor man’s wolfhound.”
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