Irish Dog Breeds

Ireland, the land of rolling green hills, lush landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, is also home to some remarkable canine companions. Irish dog breeds have a special place in the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re a fan of their unique appearances, friendly temperaments, or their strong ties to Irish history, these breeds have something to offer for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top Irish dog breeds that have captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.

Irish Wolfhound

• The Irish Wolfhound has a long history, dating back to ancient Ireland. It was originally bred for hunting large game, including wolves and Irish elk. They were highly prized for their hunting abilities and protection.
• The breed nearly went extinct in the 19th century but was revived through careful breeding.
• The Irish Wolfhound, often referred to as the “gentle giant,” is one of the largest dog breeds in the world.
• These hounds have a calm and friendly demeanor, despite their imposing size.
• Irish Wolfhounds make wonderful companions for those with the space to accommodate their large stature.
• Height at the shoulder: Male Irish Wolfhounds typically stand between 32 to 34 inches (81 to 86 cm) tall, while females typically measure between 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm).
• Weight: Male Irish Wolfhounds generally weigh between 140 to 180 pounds (64 to 82 kg), while females typically weigh between 115 to 140 pounds (52 to 64 kg).
• Coat: The breed has a wiry and rough coat that can come in various colors, including gray, brindle, red, black, and fawn. A black mask is often seen on their face.
• Sadly, the lifespan of an Irish Wolfhound is around eight years.

Kerry Blue Terrier

• The Kerry Blue Terrier is a native Irish breed that originated in County Kerry, Ireland. It was primarily bred for hunting small game, herding livestock, and as a companion dog.
• The Kerry Blue Terrier is an iconic Irish breed known for its unique blue coat, which gradually changes from a puppy’s black to a distinct blue-gray as they mature
• .These terriers are intelligent and spirited, making them great family pets.
• Their friendly and loyal nature is complemented by a sense of humour, which can keep their owners entertained.
• They are intelligent and independent thinkers, which can make training a fun but sometimes challenging experience.
• Height at the shoulder: Kerry Blue Terriers typically stand between 17.5 to 20.5 inches (44 to 52 cm) tall at the shoulder.
• Weight: The breed’s weight can range from 33 to 40 pounds (15 to 18 kg).
• Coat Care: Maintaining their unique coat requires regular grooming, including trimming and brushing to prevent matting.
• The average lifespan of a Kerry Blue Terrier is around 12 to 15 years.

Irish Setter

• The Irish Setter’s history dates back to Ireland, where it was originally bred for hunting game birds, particularly grouse and pheasant. They were prized for their stamina and hunting prowess.
• The breed was later refined and became known for its beautiful red coat and friendly temperament.
• The Irish Setter, with its elegant mahogany coat and boundless energy, is a beloved breed both in Ireland and beyond.

• Irish Setters are highly social, making them excellent family pets.
• They are famous for their playful and affectionate nature, as well as their striking appearance.
• They are often described as “forever young” because they retain their puppy-like exuberance well into adulthood.
• They tend to get along well with children and other animals.
• Irish Setters are intelligent but can sometimes exhibit a mischievous streak, so training and supervision are important.
• Height at the shoulder: Irish Setters typically stand between 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) tall at the shoulder.
• Weight: The breed’s weight can range from 53 to 70 pounds (24 to 32 kg).
• Coat: Irish Setters have a beautiful, silky, and fine-textured coat that is most commonly a deep and vibrant mahogany or chestnut red. Their coat is moderately long and has a flowing, feathery appearance.
• The average lifespan of an Irish Setter is around 12 to 14 years.

Glen of Imaal Terrier

• The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a less-known but equally charming Irish breed. With their scruffy appearance and gentle disposition, they make wonderful family pets.
• The Glen of Imaal Terrier has its roots in the Glen of Imaal in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland. They were originally bred for hunting small game, such as foxes and badgers, as well as for working in farms.
• The breed’s compact size and strong character made them excellent for tasks requiring determination and tenacity.
• These terriers are known for their loyalty and low-maintenance grooming requirements, which make them a practical choice for those looking for an Irish companion that doesn’t require excessive grooming.
• Glen of Imaal Terriers are known for their spirited, independent, and strong-willed nature. They are confident and self-assured, often displaying a sense of humour.
• They are loyal to their families and can be affectionate but not overly demonstrative.
• Glen of Imaal Terriers are typically reserved around strangers, making them good watchdogs.
• Height at the shoulder: Glen of Imaal Terriers typically stand between 12.5 to 14 inches (32 to 36 cm) tall at the shoulder.
• Weight: The breed’s weight can range from 32 to 40 pounds (15 to 18 kg).
• Coat: Glen of Imaal Terriers have a dense, wiry, and weather-resistant coat that is often gray or blue with a brindle pattern. Their coat may also come in wheaten or red.
• The average lifespan of a Glen of Imaal Terrier is around 12 to 15 years.

Irish Water Spaniel

• The Irish Water Spaniel is believed to be one of the oldest and rarest spaniel breeds. It was originally bred in Ireland for waterfowl hunting and water retrieving.
• The breed’s unique coat and webbed feet made them well-suited for retrieving game from water and dense vegetation.
• The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniel breeds, known for its distinctive curly, waterproof coat.
• These dogs are exceptional swimmers and were originally bred for waterfowl retrieval.
• They are highly intelligent and energetic, making them excellent companions for active individuals or families.
• Height at the shoulder: Irish Water Spaniels typically stand between 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm) tall at the shoulder.
• Weight: The breed’s weight typically ranges from 55 to 65 pounds (25 to 29 kg).
• Coat: The Irish Water Spaniel has a unique curly, water-resistant coat. Their coat is liver-colored (brown) and their “rat tail” is a distinctive feature, as it is hairless and wavy except for a topknot of curls at the base.
• The average lifespan of an Irish Water Spaniel is around 10 to 12 years.

Irish Terrier

• The Irish Terrier, also known as the “Daredevil” or “Red Terrier,” has its roots in Ireland. They were originally bred for hunting small game, such as rats and other vermin, and for providing companionship.
• Their fiery appearance, determined nature, and fearless disposition made them well-suited for their historical roles.
•  These dogs are known for their bravery and make excellent watchdogs.
• They are  highly trainable, making them great for obedience competitions and agility exercises.
• Height at the shoulder: Irish Terriers typically stand between 18 to 19 inches (46 to 48 cm) tall at the shoulder.
• Weight: The breed’s weight typically ranges from 25 to 27 pounds (11 to 12 kg).
• Coat: Irish Terriers have a wiry, dense, and straight red coat that gives them their signature fiery appearance. Their coat is relatively low-shedding.
• The average lifespan of an Irish Terrier is around 13 to 15 years.

 

Popular Names For Irish Dog Breeds

 

Naming your Irish dog is an exciting task, and giving them a name that reflects their heritage can be a great choice. Here are some  names that are suitable for Irish dog breeds, whether they are Irish Setters, Irish Wolfhounds, or any other Irish dog breed:

• Finnegan – A traditional Irish name, perfect for an Irish dog.
• Aoife – Pronounced “ee-fa,” it’s a beautiful Irish name for a female dog.
• Ciarán – A strong and classic Irish name for male dogs.
• Róisín – Meaning “little rose,” it’s a lovely name for a female Irish breed.
• Seamus – A popular Irish name for male dogs, often shortened to “Shay.”
• Molly – A charming and widely recognized Irish name for female dogs.
• Pádraig – Pronounced “paw-drig,” it’s the Irish version of Patrick, great for male dogs.
• Bríd – A sweet and simple Irish name for a female dog.
• Aengus – An ancient Irish name that has a strong and noble sound.
• Saoirse – Meaning “freedom,” it’s a beautiful choice for a female dog.
• Donovan – A strong and distinctive Irish name for male dogs.
• Siobhán – Pronounced “shiv-awn,” it’s an elegant name for a female Irish breed.
• Liam – A popular and timeless Irish name for male dogs.
• Eilís – A traditional Irish name that’s unique and pretty for a female dog.
• Cillian – A strong and modern Irish name suitable for male dogs.
• Orla – A lovely and soft-sounding name for a female Irish breed.
• Brendan – A classic Irish name that works well for male dogs.
• Niamh – Pronounced “neev,” it’s a beautiful name for a female dog.
• Darragh – A strong and distinctive Irish name for male dogs.
• Síofra – Meaning “fairy,” it’s a whimsical name for a female Irish breed.
• Colleen – A sweet and charming name for a female dog, meaning “girl.”
• Eamon – A traditional and strong Irish name for male dogs.
• Fiona – A name that means “fair” or “white,” ideal for a female Irish breed.
• Kieran – A popular Irish name that can be used for male dogs.
• Nuala – A beautiful Irish name often given to females, meaning “fair-shouldered.”
• Riley – A unisex name with Irish roots, suitable for both male and female dogs.
• Cormac – A strong and distinguished name for male dogs.
• Sorcha – Meaning “radiant” or “bright,” it’s a lovely name for a female dog.
• Fergus – A traditional Irish name that exudes strength for male dogs.
• Declan – A classic Irish name that works well for male dogs.
• Maeve – A regal name for a female dog, often associated with legendary Irish queens.
• Conall – A strong and noble name for male dogs.
• Teagan – A unisex name with Irish origins, perfect for both male and female dogs.
• Fidelma – An elegant and unique name for a female Irish breed.
• Oisín – Pronounced “uh-sheen,” it’s a traditional and poetic name for male dogs.
• Grainne – A beautiful Irish name that can be used for female dogs.
• Padraigín – A cute and endearing name for a female dog, often shortened to “Paddy.”
• Tadhg – A unique and traditional Irish name for male dogs.
• Aisling – Meaning “dream” or “vision,” it’s a poetic name for a female Irish breed.

 

These breeds of dogs originating from Ireland showcase the diversity and charm of Ireland’s canine heritage.. Each of these breeds reflects a piece of Ireland’s history, culture, and the warm-hearted spirit that makes Irish dogs such beloved companions around the world.

Additional Reading

Meaningful Pet Names

The Olde English Sheepdog