Celtic Canines: Dog Breeds of Ireland
The Emerald Isles Irish Dogs for Hunting, Sporting and Working
Aug 29, 2008
Dogs of Ireland, also called Celtic Canines, are breeds with origins in the Emerald Isle. Breeds that are considered Irish are the Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, Kerry Beagle, Irish Water Spaniel, Wheaten Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish Terrier and Glen of Imaal Terrier. The Irish breeds are hardy working, hunting and sporting breeds. The tallest Irish breed is the Irish Wolfhound, with long legs and majestic stature. The shortest Irish breed is the Glen of Imaal Terrier, with a strong body on short legs
- Irish Wolfhound. This tall dog breed has been known by other names, including Irish Dogs, Big Dogs of Ireland, Greyhounds of Ireland, Wolfhounds of Ireland and Great Hounds of Ireland. The first recorded mention of the breed was in 391 AD, when it was mentioned in the Roman Council. These long legged giants have imposing stature and commanding appearance.
- Irish Setter. The elegant Irish Setter came into popularity in the 18th century in its native Ireland and throughout the British Isles. Irish Setters are a handsome sporting and gun dog, with a distinctive red coat.
- Irish Red and White Setter. The setter with red and white marking is a sporting dog with origins in Ireland.
- Kerry Beagle. This is a large, distinctive scent hound that has trod the Emerald Isles from early times.
- Irish Water Spaniel. This Spaniel has an ancient lineage, with some evidence of existence dating back to Roman times. Although this cannot be verified, the breed certainly has been established for centuries. The Irish Water Spaniel is called the "clown" of the spaniel class, possibility due to its appearance, with a topknot and curly hair between the eyes. The Irish Water Spaniel is a smart, strongly built, sporting dog.
- Wheaten Terrier. The soft coated Wheaten Terrier is believed to have origins that precede recorded history. The terrier has been known in Ireland for over 200 years. The Wheaten Terrier is believed to be an important ancestor of the Kerry Blue Terrier. The Wheaten Terrier is a medium sized breed, with a soft coat of Wheat color.
- Kerry Blue Terrier. The Kerry Blue originated in Ireland, having been first discovered in County Kerry. These dogs had been purebred in the mountain region for a hundred years. The gentle, loving terrier has long been considered a working and utility dog. Kerry Blue Terriers are used in Ireland and England for hunting small game and birds. Kerry Blues are a medium sized dog, standing about 18 inches at the withers.
- Irish Terrier. This breed is considered the oldest of the Terrier breeds.The Irish Terrier is a medium sized breed, standing about 18 inches high at the shoulder. They have a dense coat of red, golden or wheaten. This terrier is known as a terrific pet and companion dog.
- Glen of Imaal Terrier. This breed's roots are in the Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow. The hardy dog was bred to hunt vermin, fox and badgers. The Glen is a big, muscular dog on short legs, with a height of 14" at the withers and a weight between 32 and 40 pounds.
The pictures in this article were taken at Irish Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. See Irish Fest Brings Ireland to Milwaukee Wisconsin .
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Resources
The Complete Dog Book - Official Publication of the American Kennel Club
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