Irish Dog Breeds

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On Saint Patrick's Day we turn our attention to all things Irish: shamrocks, the Blarney Stone and, of course, things green. The Emerald Isle has also brought us a wonderful selection of dogs. Back in the time of Saint Patrick, breeds like the waterFresh Flow Pet Fountain
Pets are naturally attracted to fresh flowing water. This unique silent fountain won’t scare your pet when drinking from bowl or ramp. Ultra Qui... spaniel, wolfhound and the beagle were reserved for nobility; commoners had to be content with terriers. Now, of course, Irish breeds of all types – terriers included – are exceedingly popular on both sides of the Atlantic.

The list of Irish breeds includes:

Irish Terrier
Irish Setter
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Irish Wolfhound
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Kerry Blue Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Kerry Beagle

Information About Some of the More Common Breeds

The Irish terrier, which looks like

a cross between an Airedale and a wirehaired fox terrier, is, in fact, a true breed that has been around for about 2,000 years! Bushy eyebrows and a reddish-colored coatHerbal Groom Shampoo 12 oz
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Irish setters are everybody's darlings. Their flowing, silky, feathered coat and slim greyhound-like build makes them look so refined and dignified that it is hard to pass them by without a second look. Although bred for huntingPlush Farm Friends 16 - (Assorted Animals)
Spot Pet Products Plush Farm Friend 16 is a soft, snuggly toy for your dog. Lightly brown colored, cuddly, plush dog with spot over eyes. Great for do..., Irish setters are now more often house petsStain and Odor Remover
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Irish wolfhounds ("Irish Dogs") are so striking in their appearance that, once seen, they are rarely forgotten. These are massive muscular dogs that, standing on their hind legs, can reach 7 feet tall. Gentle giants that they are, wolfhounds are generally placid and sweet tempered. Though once bred for hunting wolves, elk and red deer, wolfhounds are now at home in the yard (albeit a big yard!), though their predatory nature to chaseSpotbrites Hologram Laser Toy 5 Images
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The Irish water spaniel is a fine-looking dog that, in curly-coated dignity, looks a little like a medieval nobleman. Possibly descended from the poodle and Irish setter, the Irish water spaniel is a largish brown-purplish dog with a hairless tail. They are extremely intelligentRed Kong
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The Irish Glen of Imaal terrier is a low-to-the-ground Corgi-type dog with bowed legs and a wiry, shaggy coat. Typical terriers, they are spirited, cocky, brave, stubborn and rambunctious. The Glen of Imaal terrier is an expert at digging and going after all manner of small creatures and, by reputation, is relatively silent but deadly in this line of work. Dog-on-dog aggression is not unusual for this breed.

The soft coated wheaten terrier's roots are firmly rooted in Irish soil. Originally bred as working dogs to huntPlush Farm Friends 16 - (Assorted Animals)
Spot Pet Products Plush Farm Friend 16 is a soft, snuggly toy for your dog. Lightly brown colored, cuddly, plush dog with spot over eyes. Great for do... game and guard home and stock, this terrier has evolved to be a much sought after family pet. One of the principal reasons for the breed's popularity is the soft, infrequently-shedding nature of the breed's coat. The SCWT club of America was formed (appropriately) on St. Patrick's Day in 1962 and will be celebrating its 41st anniversary this year.

Finally, the Kerry blue terrier__. This dog is the national terrier of Ireland (known as the "Irish blue terrier") and has become a symbol of Ireland. Pugnacious, determined, loyal friends but formidable adversaries, Kerry blues, like Irish terriers, live up to their Irish Gaelic heritage.

ERIN GO BRAGH!