Ireland, a country rich in folklore, stunning landscapes, and a deep connection to its heritage, is also home to a fascinating variety of dog breeds. From ancient times to the present day, Irish dog breeds have captivated the hearts of dog lovers around the world with their unique characteristics, unwavering loyalty, and unmistakable Irish charm.
Whether it’s the spirited Irish Terrier, the regal Irish Wolfhound, or the playful Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, each breed holds a special place in Irish history and culture.
In this article, we will explore the wonderful world of Irish dog breeds, shedding light on their origins, distinctive traits, and the remarkable roles they have played in Irish society.
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10 Irish Dog Breeds
1. Irish Collie
The Irish Collie is a native herding dog of the Emerald Isle. Records reveal that monks in Ireland began breeding the type during the sixth century AD to herd sheep and cattle, making it one of the oldest breeds in the country.
This dog breed is known for its intelligence and loyalty. Their labor ethic and livestock-herding skills have made them famous. They also make wonderful pets and companions for their owners.
A large dog with a double coat that is long and thick, the coat of the Irish collie can be any color, although black and white, blue merle and red merle are the most frequent.
Irish Collies are smart, loyal, and affectionate. They are an excellent choice if you want a dog that is both friendly and capable of rigorous physical labor.
2. Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier, also known as ‘Wicklow Terrier’ and ‘Glen’, is a breed with a fascinating history. These adorable pups were originally bred in a remote part of Wicklow to hunt foxes, badgers, and rats. With their sharp instincts and tenacious spirit, Glens is the perfect companion for those who love outdoor adventures.
This breed is also known for its independent nature, which means they require ample training to thrive. So, if you’re considering bringing a Wicklow Terrier into your home, be prepared to put in the effort to help them become the best version of themselves!
These furry friends are a joy to be around with their playful and amiable personalities. However, to keep them happy and healthy, they require plenty of physical activity, a nutritious diet, mental stimulation, and consistent grooming.
3. Irish Red and White Setter
Despite being a charming and talented breed, the Irish Red and White Setter have unfortunately been overshadowed by its more well-known ‘Red’ cousin. This has led to a concerning risk of extinction for this unique and wonderful breed.
However, these faithful and reliable gundogs have made an impressive resurgence. They are now recognized as a unique Irish dog breed that must be protected and preserved.
If you’re looking for a family pet that can keep up with your energetic children, the Irish Red and White Setter might just be the perfect choice for you. This breed is known for its affectionate nature and is sure to capture your heart with its playful and loyal personality.
4. Irish (Red) Setter
Irish Setters are stunning dogs with dark red, luxurious coats. They were originally developed in the 1800s in Ireland to be quick and stealthy on the open plains of the country.
Compared to their red and white ancestors, Irish Setters are often larger and more intelligent. They also retain their playful, friendly puppy demeanor far into adulthood. Yet they can be docile and responsive, making them ideal pets for households with young children.
Note however that Irish Setters are very active pets before deciding to get one. They require both mental and physical stimulation. You should also be prepared to brush your Irish Setter frequently because they shed a lot.
5. Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a small muzzle and long, wiry hair in shades of red. They have a reputation for being extremely loyal to their owners and having a fiery personality. The ancestry of Irish Terriers may be traced back to the 1700s, making it one of the oldest terrier breeds.
Irish Terriers were initially intended to be working dogs and performed a range of activities, such as rodent control, cattle herding, and property guarding. They make great guard dogs because their working instincts remain strong.
In addition to being great with kids, Irish Terriers make great pets overall. They get along great with kids because of how friendly and active they are. They’re also great obedience dogs because of how simple they are to train.
6. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a robust dog breed from Ireland, bred for waterfowl hunting and retrieval. Their curly brown coat is dense, hypoallergenic, and sheds minimally. Irish Water Spaniels are intelligent, loyal, and playful.
Irish Water Spaniels are low-key but high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy aquatic activities, fetching, and long walks or hikes. Irish Water Spaniels are highly trainable and intelligent. Eager to please, great family pets.
The Irish Water Spaniels are large dogs that need ample space. They require ample exercise, making them unsuitable for less active individuals.
They are intelligent and easily bored, so they need constant mental stimulation. Keep your Irish Water Spaniel entertained with lots of toys and activities.
7. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish wolfhound, with its massive build and shaggy coat, presents a threatening appearance. However, this fast and graceful dog shares temperament traits with Great Danes and Mastiffs.
Historical texts describe Irish wolfhounds fighting alongside Celts in the Gallic Wars in 391 BC; one such narrative was published by Roman ruler Julius Caesar. It is speculated that the breed was brought to Ireland by early inhabitants about 3500 BC. What we do know is that the dog was initially bred to fight and was used to guard homes and cattle in Ireland.
Today, the Irish wolfhounds are popular companion animals, many people keep them as part of their own families.
8. Kerry Beagle
The Kerry Beagle is a rare Irish dog breed that may have Celtic ancestry. The first mention of this type of dog dates back to the early 1600s.
This scent hound was first developed to hunt stag, but it has now been shown to be adept at tracking smaller prey as well. This breed has been officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club, however, it is not widely known outside of Ireland.
Kerry Beagles are slightly larger than standard beagles. They can be any combination of brown and black, tan and white, or black and white.
Due to their high levels of stamina and activity, Kerry Beagles need regular outside exercise and do their best in wide-open areas. The Kerry Beagle is a gregarious and outgoing dog that gets along well with people and other pets.
9. Kerry Blue Terrier
Dogs of the Kerry blue terrier breed are known for their devotion and affection. They have a reputation for having strong personalities and a penchant for physical activity.
The Kerry blue terrier was bred specifically for service. Hunting, herding, and protecting cattle were just some of the many uses for them. Although Kerry blues are now more commonly maintained as pets than working animals, their working instincts have not been eradicated. Remember that to keep the vibrant blue color of a Kerry blue terrier’s coat in good condition, they require frequent brushing.
The Kerry blue terrier is a high-energy breed that requires regular playtime. Hiking, running, and playing fetch are just some of the many things that they excel at. With their vigilance and fierce loyalty to their families, Kerry blues make excellent guard dogs.
10. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
This charming Irish dog breed is often called the “poor man’s wolfhound” in Ireland. They are also known by other names such as the Wheaten or Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier. With their unique coat and friendly personality, they are sure to steal your heart.
The breed was originally developed in the early 1800s to serve as a versatile farm dog, capable of performing a variety of tasks. Nowadays, this breed has honed its skills in obedience, agility, and tracking, making it a highly versatile and talented companion.
Similar to the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a non-shedding breed, making it a great choice for those with allergies or who simply prefer a cleaner home.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 60 countries for the past 12 years. I also lived in 4 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia, Africa and now in Europe. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.