9 Lucky Irish Dog Breeds
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Glen Of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier comes from Ireland and takes his name from the remote valley in County Wicklow where he originated. Fans of the Glen believe the breed is descended from dogs brought by settlers — who were awarded land in the valley in exchange for serving in Queen Elizabeth I's army — who mixed with the local canines. Read more about Glen Imaal Terriers.
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Irish Red And White Setter
Early Irish Setters came in red or red and white, but eventually breeders began to focus only on the red varieties, and the red-and-white setters almost disappeared. They were saved from extinction, however, and now they're considered a separate breed from their Irish Setter cousins. Read more about Irish Red And White Setters.
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Irish Setter
It's not surprising that this handsome redhead comes from Ireland, which is famous for fine and beautiful dogs. The Irish Setter appears to have been developed there in the 18th century, probably the result of combining English Setters, spaniels, pointers, and Gordon Setters.
Read more about Irish Setters.(Picture Credit: Getty Images)
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Irish Water Spaniel
The exact origin of this breed as many others is debated among fanciers and shrouded in the mists of Ireland. The Irish Water Spaniel appeared in Ireland in the 1830s, mainly from the kennel of Justin McCarthy. His dog "Boatswain," whelped in 1834, is credited with being the sire of the modern breed. Read more about Irish Water Spaniels.
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Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is probably one of the oldest Terrier breeds and may have as one of its ancestors the now-extinct black and tan Terrier and a larger wheaten-colored terrier. He emerged as a recognized breed in 1875 or thereabouts, at a dog show in Glasgow, Scotland, of all places. Read more about Irish Terriers.
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Irish Wolfhound
Throughout history, the Great Hound of Ireland has been a marvel wherever he went. Roman consul Aurelius wrote in 391 AD that "all Rome viewed with wonder" the seven Irish Wolfhounds that had been sent to him as a gift.
And no wonder! The dog's great size made him fearsome in battle and capable of pursuing the Irish elk, which stood six feet at the shoulder — double the Wolfhound's height — as well as the wolf, the predator from which the Wolfhound eventually took his name. Read more about Irish Wolfhound.
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Kerry Beagle
Of all the Irish hounds, the Kerry Beagle may be the oldest! Read more about Beagles.
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Kerry Blue Terrier
Ireland — specifically, the mountainous area of County Kerry — is the birthplace of the Kerry Blue Terrier. He was originally a working terrier, hunting small game and birds, killing rodents, and guarding his homestead. He was used successfully for herding sheep and cattle. Eventually, the breed was shown in conformation and highly favored. English fanciers saw potential, too, and the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club. Read more about Kerry Blue Terriers.
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
In Ireland, the terrier was the poor man's dog, a versatile farm dog who could rid the place of vermin, do a little hunting, and help guard the property against intruders, both animal and human. Read more about Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
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