Mar 07, 2025
Come March and it is time to get ready for St. Patrick's Day celebration. While you indulge in the festivities with music, dance and parades, it is also a great time to learn more about the Emerald Isle. Irish love their dogs and Ireland is home to some of the most amazing dog breeds. Let us take this opportunity to learn about popular Irish dog breeds.
Keep reading to know how the Irish dog breeds are classified and find out some amazing facts about the seven most lovable Irish dog breeds.
In all, nine dog breeds are native to Ireland. Two of them are hounds (Irish Wolfhound & Kerry Beagle), three are categorized as gundogs (Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Red Setter and Irish Red & White Setter), and the rest four are classified as terriers (Irish Terrier, Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and Kerry Blue Terrier). Each of them is uniquely cute and proves to be a great furry companion for their humans.
Let us take a closer look at each of these lovable dog breeds:
This lesser-known cousin of the red-coated Irish Setter nearly went extinct during World War I. However, it gained recognition as a native Irish breed in 1970 and became an official AKC (American Kennel Club) breed in 2009.
This charming dog has a silky, feathered coat with vivid 'islands' of red on white. Known as a 'gentleman' hunting dog', this field dog hunts for their humans and not for themselves. High-spirited and full of energy, this dog proves to be a perfect partner for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures.
Considered to be one of the oldest terrier breeds, Irish Terriers used to transport messages between troops during World War I. It is a member of the terrier group and was recognized by AKC in 1885. Irish Terrier has also served as a longtime mascot for the Notre Dame football team.
This loyal and friendly, all red-coated canine adapts well to any duty given to them- a family pet, a guard dog or a hunter. Be it guarding the house and the family or being an enthusiastic play partner for children, Irish Terrier excels at each role.
This dog is the tallest and largest of the hound group. There are artifacts of ancient times displaying that this dog played a part in Celtic invasions and used to be presented as gifts to the Romans.
Known as the 'big dogs of Ireland', these majestic dogs are extremely intelligent and can differentiate between friend, family, and foe. This dog has a rough, wiry coat, a massive physique and a peaceful personality and is very affectionate with people.
A proud member of the Sporting Group, the origins of this breed are obscure. There are references to this breed in history from the 1830s and it is believed that these dogs were originally bred to work on the marshes, bogs and rivers to retrieve waterfowl for hunters.
This dog has a distinctly dark, tightly curled coat and a thin tail, due to which they are also referred to as 'Whiptail Spaniel' or 'Rat Tail Spaniel'. This gundog is a good swimmer and responds well to training. Devoted to family, this intelligent and enduring canine proves to be an excellent watchdog.
This dog comes from the Irish county of the same name. Known to that part of the country for more than 100 years, this dog has been used primarily as a farming dog to hunt pests and small animals.
It is born with a black coat that typically fades to some form of dark gray, blue or silver color. With a soft coat and long beard, this dog does not shed and is a great choice for people with allergies. These canines make great watchdogs and are used in police work too due to their eagerness to obey commands.
This dog breed is named after a valley with the same name in the Wicklow Mountains. It was bred initially to eliminate vermin and small games from homes and farms.
With a rugged and water-resistant coat and longer-than-tall stature, this dog is a perfect cuddling partner. Though docile, this dog is courageous and always ready for a chase.
This dog has a special connection with St. Patrick's Day as this breed made its first appearance in the Irish Kennel Club Championship on March 17, 1937. This dog was used as a hunter and farm dog in the past.
True to their name, this dog has a soft and silky coat with a gentle wave and warm wheaten color. High-spirited and great at greeting people, this affectionate dog is good with children and makes an excellent family pet.
In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, let us know more about the beautiful country of Ireland. If you are planning to add a furry companion to your family, bring home a cutie from the Emerald Isle and cherish the furry Irish love they spread.
