It’s time to celebrate, St. Patrick’s is fast approaching. Since that is happens annually every March 17th, I thought it would be fun to look at the different Irish cat and dog breeds. Come to find out there is only one known Irish cat breed but nine original dog breeds. So let’s start with our kitty…
The Manx Cat
According to SecondChancePet.net only one Irish cat breed is known and that is the Manx. Known as tailless, this cat does have two genes in that regard, so it may possibly be born with a tail. It was a working breed originating on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. It shows dog-like loyalty, and likes to play. This cat is active but not hyperactive. Interestingly, the Manx is one of the original show cat breeds.
Onto the Irish dog breeds…and according to AskAboutIreland.ie these dogs were raised as sturdy working dogs and became great companions.
Irish Glen of Imall Terrier
This cutie was raised to hunt foxes and small vermin and is the smallest of the nine breeds. He has a very intimidating bark and does not bark frequently so is thought to be a very good guard dog.
Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Wheaten Terrier has a silky, wheat-colored coat and was bred as a farm dog to hunt small vermin and to herd farm animals. Also this guy is a good guard dog as well as companion.
Kerry Beagle
A Kerry Beagle is one of the oldest Irish hound breeds with a black and tan coat. They are said to be large and fast and were used to hunt deer and hare, sometimes in packs. So evidently they are great hunting dogs.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blues have a soft wavy coat and is known as being bred in County Kerry in the mountains to hunt small vermin, and game birds. He is a medium size and good as a herding dog on farms and as a guard dog and makes a good companion.
Irish Terrier
This terrier is known as the oldest terrier breed and used to carry messages in World War I between troops on the front lines. He is known as a brave and loyal companion, and the farmer’s friend. This guy is a hunting and working dog.
Irish Water Spaniel
You will notice a topknot of hair between their eyes and a rich dark, tight curly coat with a purple hue. They are known as good waterfowl hunt, point, and retrieve dogs. They may have originated in Persia.
Irish Wolfhound
From this picture you can see how very tall this dog stands. The Wolfhound is known as early as the lst century AD in Ireland. He is the tallest Irish breed and tallest of all dog breeds, being 32 to 34 inches in height. He has long legs, with a deep chest and muscular body. The coat is rough and wiry and usually grey and brindle in coloring. They were originally raised to hunt wolves and deer and are good guard dogs.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter coat is a deep red chestnut color. This dog is tough, active, with an athletic build. He is a good game hunter and companion and is sometimes used as a therapy dog.
Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Terrier is a sporting dog with a long, silky white coat with deep red markings. He is an intelligent pointer and good gun dog. He also makes a loyal companion family dog.
That does it for our Irish cat and dog breeds. So many great animals and pets to choose from.
Before leaving, let me add a link to our post on keeping your fur pal from getting bored: “It’s Good to Challenge your Fur Baby”.
Pet Food Recall Notices
A quick note to mention how wise it is to check our FDA.org site or Dog Food Advisor for pet food recalls that, unfortunately, happen much too often.
More Irish Fun
See “Add a Touch of Irish to your Fur Pal“.
Thanks
Wishing you all a Happy St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
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