As with the majority of countries, the types of dog native to Ireland help to paint a picture of the people and lifestyle of the nation. Irish dogs neatly reflect their country’s great farming heritage and open green spaces, with crop raising, livestock farming and hunting all represented.
Irish dog breeding standards are regulated by the Irish Kennel Club, which celebrated its centenary in 2022.
Table of Contents
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 35-36 cm (14 inches)
Weight: 16 kg (35 lbs)
Coat and Colour: coarse double coat; in wheaten or blue brindle
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Type: Working Terrier
Personality
Glens – also known as Wicklow Terriers – are one of the largest of the small terriers, originally bred for general farm work such as catching vermin as well as herding livestock. They are one of the rarest and most endangered dog breeds, having been recovered from the brink of extinction by breeders during the 20th Century. Like most terriers, Glens are stubborn, tenacious and energetic but tend to be more easy-going, calm and quiet than many other dogs of their type, making excellent companions. They are particularly noted for a characteristic form of sitting up straight on their hind legs, much like a meerkat.
Irish Red and White Setter
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 57-66 cm (22½-26 inches)
Weight: 23-32 kg (50-70 lbs)
Coat and Colour: soft and smooth with long fringes; in red and white
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Red and White Setters are ideal family dogs, affectionate, devoted and intelligent enough to be easily trained. The only real limitation to their suitability as a family pet is a result of their breeding: they are very energetic and active dogs and really require plenty of space in which to run around, play and exercise.
Irish Setter (Red Setter)
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 61-71 cm (24-28 inches)
Weight: 25-34 kg (55-75 lbs)
Coat and Colour: soft and smooth with long fringes; in red or chestnut
Life Expectancy: 11-12 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Affectionate, devoted and very friendly, under the right conditions Irish Setters will be the perfect family dog. The key limiting factors are their boundless energy levels which require plenty of exercise in open spaces – without which they can become hyperactive or destructive – and the need for regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition. Gluten intolerance is another notable issue for the breed: it is generally good practice to feed them a grain-free diet.
Irish Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 41-46 cm (16-18 inches)
Weight: 11-12 kg (24-27 lbs)
Coat and Colour: dense and wiry; in red, golden red or wheaten
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Type: Working Terrier
Personality
Irish Terriers are inquisitive, active and intelligent, requiring plenty of both mental and physical exercise. However, a well-trained Irish Terrier will also prove to be a placid and well-behaved dog in the home. They are very fond of people and are good with children but can be bullish and domineering towards other dogs, even ones much larger than themselves. Irish Terriers both benefit from and appreciate clearly defined social structures and pack pecking orders.
Irish Water Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 56-61 cm (22-24 inches)
Weight: 25-30 kg (55-65 lbs)
Coat and Colour: dense and tightly curled with a smooth face; in distinctive liver/puce
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Active, energetic and friendly, Irish Water Spaniels are good with children and make excellent pets. With regular exercise, they will be well-behaved and placid house dogs. However, they do require plenty of grooming to keep their coat in check and also to maintain good eye, ear and dental health. This said, they are suitable for people who suffer from dog hair allergies. As you might expect from their name, Irish Water Spaniels – the tallest of the spaniel breeds – are extremely keen and adept swimmers.
Irish Wolfhound
Size: Giant
Height: 81-86 cm (32-34 inches)
Weight: 47.5-70 kg (105-155 lbs)
Coat and Colour: rough and wiry; in black, brindle, fawn, grey, red or white
Life Expectancy: 6-10 years
Type: Sighthound
Personality
A quirky and decidedly individualistic breed, Irish Wolfhounds can alarm some people on account of their enormous size – they are one of the tallest breeds of dog. However, they are generally introverted, reserved and intelligent animals who are very rarely aggressive unless specifically provoked. Irish Wolfhounds are friendly, affectionate, devoted and extremely loyal, and it is only really this loyalty – which can border on fearlessness if they feel their people are under threat – that could make these gentle giants any danger to anyone.
Kerry Beagle
Size: Medium
Height: 56-61 cm (22-24 inches)
Weight: 22.6-27 kg (50-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short and smooth; in black and tan, tan and white or mottled blue
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Type: Scent Hound
Personality
The only breed of scent hound native to Ireland, Kerry Beagles actually bear very little relation to the English Beagle. Kerry Beagles are ferocious and determined hunters but reserve all of their aggressive tendencies for their prey and therefore make excellent family pets; friendly, affectionate and playful as well as being good with children and other pets. Kerry Beagles are extremely energetic dogs and require vigorous exercise several times a day.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Size: Small
Height: 44-48 cm (17-19 inches)
Weight: 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Soft and woolly; in characteristic blue-grey
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Working Terrier
Personality
Kerry Blues are typical terriers, headstrong, independent and very spirited. While very affectionate towards most people and particularly good with children, however, they can be extremely aggressive and unpleasant towards other animals unless they are well socialised at an early age. They are recommended for experienced dog owners only.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 43-50 cm (17-20 inches)
Weight: 13-20 kg (33-44 lbs)
Coat and Colour: soft, silky and curly; in wheaten or ginger
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Type: Working Terrier
Personality
Friendly, energetic and playful, Wheatens are typically headstrong and intelligent terriers who require patient and repeated training. While they tend to be a little less feisty and scrappy than other terriers their size, they are extremely energetic and thrive best when they are given regular exercise. They are alert and very inquisitive, prone to wandering off on their own adventures.