4 Dog Breeds You Didn't Know Originated From Ireland
Let’s put your Irish dog breed knowledge to the test!
We all know the common Irish breeds like the Irish Setter or the Irish Terrier, but what about the other breeds that may not be as popular? Test your knowledge and see if you knew about these Irish dog breeds to get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day!
1. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier originated from the mountainous regions of County Kerry, Ireland. This breed was originally bred to be a working terrier that hunted small game and birds, herded sheep and cattle, and guarded the home. The Kerry Blue Terrier usually stands about 17 to 19 inches tall and weighs around 33-40 pounds. Their coat is usually soft, wavy, and dense with a color shade of blue gray or gray blue. Other than being hardworking terriers, they are quite athletic and independent. They require plenty of exercise and should be socialized early as they are not too friendly with other dogs and cats otherwise!
2. Kerry Beagle
The Kerry Beagle was believed to be introduced to Ireland by the Celts during the Middle Ages and is actually better qualified as a hound. Plus, it’s actually believed that they are one of the oldest Irish dog breeds. This dog differs from traditional Beagles, weighing up to 60 pounds and with an average height between 22-24 inches. The Kerry Beagle usually is seen with a diverse group of coat colors such as tan and white, black and tan, a combination of all three colors, or solid black. They were best known as hunting dogs, but besides that, they are super friendly and ideal for families as they interact well with other dogs and children. They are also filled with lots of energy, so daily exercise is extremely important!
3. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
The origin of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a bit unclear, but many believe that the Kerry Blue Terrier is a direct descendant. Their height usually ranges from 18-19 inches and the average weight is about 35-40 pounds. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a silky, soft coat that is any shade of wheaten or a rustier color. This breed originated as a multifaceted farm dog, but in this day and age, this dog is a great family dog and can live in versatile environments such as the city or countryside. This dog requires some exercise and lots of attention as they love being around people and also very kid-friendly!
4. Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier actually received its name from a remote valley located in County Wicklow, Ireland. The breed had been developed to serve its purpose as a hunter of foxes, badgers, and rodents. The Glen of Imaal Terrier’s average height is 12.5 to 14 inches with an average weight of 32-40 pounds. This breed has a harsh-textured top coat with a shorter undercoat. Their coat could also come in various shades of colors, from gray, red, blue, brown, and others! With great intelligence and loyalty, this makes this pup an excellent family companion. This pup also requires some exercise to get some energy out throughout the day. Much like the Kerry Blue Terrier, this breed requires much socialization at an early age as it can show signs of aggression towards other dogs if not trained early on!