9 Irish Dog Breeds from the Emerald Isle: Characteristics & History
Irish dog breeds were originally developed as working dogs to perform specific tasks for humans. These include terriers, setters, hounds, and spaniels, all originating from the Emerald Isle. These native breeds are primarily hunting dogs classified into three American Kennel Club groups: Terrier, Sporting, and Hound. Today, many Irish breeds continue to work alongside humans, while others are cherished household pets.
This article highlights nine native Irish dog breeds along with their unique histories and characteristics.
01 of 09
Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal terrier was originally used to hunt badgers in the rocky mountain terrain of County Wicklow, Ireland. A bit less feisty than most terriers, Glens are ideal for people who like a less intense canine. Their rough, wiry coat should be brushed once or twice a week to prevent mats. The coat sheds very little, so some allergy sufferers find they can live with a Glen of Imaal. However, the breed is somewhat rare in the U.S.
Breed Overview
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02 of 09
Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish red and white setter is related to the solid-red Irish setter. Both breeds hunted birds in Ireland as far back as the 1600s. Many historians believe the Irish red and white came first, but the solid-red Irish setter became more popular with hunters. Less demand for the Irish red and white brought the breed near extinction, but Irish breeders In the 1920s set out to save the Irish red and white. Decades later, the breed was reestablished. In 2009, the American Kennel Club welcomed the Irish red and white to the Sporting Group.
Breed Overview
03 of 09
Irish Setter
The Irish setter has served as a popular gun dog in Ireland since the early 1800s. It is believed that through selective breeding of the Irish red and white setter, dogs with more red color were eventually transformed into the present-day Irish setter. Traditionally used to locate and retrieve birds for hunters, the breed continues to excel in this role.
Breed Overview
04 of 09
Irish Terrier
One of the oldest terrier breeds, the Irish terrier was valued in Ireland for their skills in hunting vermin and guarding the farm.1 The breed is relatively rare today, but in 1929, the Irish terrier was the 13th most popular AKC-registered breed. The Irish terrier’s dense, wiry coat sheds very little, so some people with dog allergies can live comfortably with them.
Breed Overview
05 of 09
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish water spaniel was developed in Dublin in the 1860s by a sportsman named Justin McCarthy. His dog Boatswain was the basis for the modern Irish water spaniel breed.2 Today, the IWS is rare, but it was once a popular hunting breed and one of the original nine breeds first recognized by the AKC in 1884.
Breed Overview
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06 of 09
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish wolfhound is the tallest of all dog breeds and also one of the largest dog breeds. Mentions of the ancestors of the majestic Irish wolfhound can be found in literature dating as far back as the 5th century Ireland. Historically, only Irish noblemen and kings were permitted to own Irish wolfhounds, which were used to hunt elk, boar, and wolves.
Breed Overview
07 of 09
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry blue terrier was developed in the mountains of County Kerry, Ireland, more than 100 years ago. One theory about the Kerry blue’s history says that because only nobility was allowed to hunt with Irish wolfhounds, non-nobles set out to create their own breed to help them poach game.3
Breed Overview
08 of 09
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The soft coated wheaten terrier was developed in Ireland as a versatile farm dogs, capable of dispatching rodents, warning of approaching strangers and protecting livestock. Today’s wheaten is more likely to be a devoted family pet than rustic farm dog. The wheaten’s coat is different from many terriers because it is soft and silky rather than wiry. It sheds very little, making this breed a good candidate for allergy sufferers. The coat requires daily brushing to prevent mats, and regular professional grooming.
Breed Overview
09 of 09
Kerry Beagle
One of the oldest breeds native to Ireland, the Kerry beagle is a hound breed that might have emerged during the first Celtic settlements.4 These hunting dogs have often been used to pursue stag, but they also make excellent companions for active families. The Kerry beagle is not commonly seen outside of its home country and is not recognized by the AKC. However, the breed likely shares lineage with other hounds, including the English foxhound and the black and tan coonhound. Although the Kerry beagle is not directly related to the beagle, they may have ancestors in common.
