Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

5 Famous Irish Dog Breeds

The Irish are known for many things, but did you know they have some distinctive dog breeds as well? In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we set out to learn more about these five well-known Irish breeds.

1. Irish Setter. Handsome and affectionate, this classic breed is the perfect mix of beauty, brains, and personality. In fact, this beautiful dog is so loving, it is said that neglect can cause a broken heart and lead to destructive mischief.
2. Irish Wolfhound. Unmistakable thanks to their towering statures, this large breed is believed to have been in Ireland for more than 5000 years. Once a terrifying force on the battlefield, they are now well-known for their sweet temperaments and dispositions.
3. Irish Water Spaniel. Believed to have come of age in the early 19th century, these water-loving dogs have earned their name. Easy to identify thanks to their striking coats, the curls stop at their streamlined tails, which have a hairless appearance.
4. Irish Toy Collie. This spirited breed is known for its sharp mind and sweet personality. The word “collie” comes from an old Celtic term meaning “useful dog.” A blend of the small Spitz, the Shetland Sheepdog and a long line of other talented herders, this little dog definitely has earned its reputation for being useful.
5. Kerry Blue Terrier. What sets this dog apart from another well-known Irish breed, the Wheaten Terrier, is its striking blue coat. According to folklore, a blue-coated dog managed to reach shore after a Russian shipwreck in Kerry’s Tralee Bay. After reaching land, this lucky castaway was met by all the female Wheaten Terriers in the county.