8 Irish Dog Breeds Who Bring a Little Luck Home
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Who hasn’t fallen under the allure of Ireland? In addition to its famous rolling green vistas, it also boasts a number of eye-popping dogs. These hearty Irish breeds aren’t lap dogs; they were bred to work on farms or to hunt.
As family dogs, Irish dogs deliver on their vibrant personality, memorable appearance, and spirited nature. From the elegant Irish Setter to the magnificent Irish Wolfhound, read on to see which breed from the Emerald Isle is ideal for you.
Key Takeaways
- As a group, Irish dog breeds are hardworking, intelligent, devoted companions with distinctive looks and bold personalities.
- The Irish Setter is the most popular Irish breed and does best with active families.
- The Irish Wolfhound, the largest dog on this list, is a very tall gentle giant who needs space, secure fencing, and regular exercise.
- Grooming, training, exercise, and socialization needs vary across Irish breeds, so choosing the right dog for your lifestyle is more important than where they hail from.
1. Irish Setter
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- Size: Large
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Active, outgoing, sweet–natured
The gregarious and eye-catching Irish Setter thrives on attention, exercise, and biweekly brushing with a pin brush or soft bristle brush. Bred for bird hunting, Irish Setters are pure energy and endurance, plus have the ability to run fast and far.
Big Reds love to hang out with adults, children, and other pets, and enjoy long walks, play sessions, and canine sports. Positive reinforcement training works best for these sweet Irish dogs.
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2. Irish Wolfhound
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- Size: Extra large
- Lifespan: 6–8 years
- Temperament: Calm, courageous, dignified
Although you may first notice their imposing size, the Irish Wolfhound’s calm and kind personality will win you over quickly. Wolfies were bred to hunt wolves, elk, and wild boars.
Today, these gentle giants make great family members, particularly in a home with large, securely fenced backyard. Paw-fect tip: Regular nail trimming keeps Irish Wolfhound paws fit for running around.
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3. Irish Terrier
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- Size: Medium
- Lifespan: 13–15 years
- Temperament: Bold, dashing, tenderhearted
The Irish Terrier’s temperament and fiery red coat have captured the hearts of many dog lovers through the years. Bred as all-purpose farm dogs, they were nicknamed The Daredevil for their courage and intelligence as battlefield messengers in WWI. If you’re searching for a spirited canine athlete for dog sports, hiking, and long walks, look no further.
4. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
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- Size: Medium
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Deeply devoted, friendly, happy
The most popular of the Irish Terrier dog breeds, the friendly Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s silky, golden coat takes center stage, along with their bangs-in-the-face hairdo and goatee. Also bred as a farm dog, Wheatens’ high energy plus strong prey drive make training, a fenced backyard to play in, and regular walks a must. Daily brushing keeps mats at bay.
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5. Kerry Blue Terrier
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- Size: Medium
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Alert, people oriented, smart
Onetime farm dogs, Kerry Blue Terriers are known for their distinctive looks and love of their people. Black puppy coats lighten to a memorable light blue-gray to deep slate soft coat, while their “brick-shaped” faces sport long whiskers and beards blending up to the eyebrows. These playful dogs prefer people to other dogs and tend to be better with older children.
6. Irish Water Spaniel
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- Size: Medium-large
- Lifespan: 12–13 years
- Temperament: Brave, hardworking, playful
Love water? The Irish Water Spaniel does, too! Bred to retrieve game birds from land and water, these web-footed athletes are all-around canine sports contenders: dock diving, agility, flyball, and more. The IWS is also sensitive enough to excel as a therapy dog.
Their beautiful curly, waterproof coat needs weekly brushing and trimming every other month.
7. Irish Red and White Setter
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- Size: Medium
- Lifespan: 11–15 years
- Temperament: Courageous, determined, spirited
Break out the walking (running! hiking!) shoes for the Irish Red and White Setter. Shorter and stockier than the Irish Setter, the IRWS has a noticeable white coat with deep red patches, high energy, and intelligence. (All of these traits were intentionally combined in an effort to breed the perfect hunting dog.)
They’re a great fit for pet parents who can devote time to training, engaging their brain, and giving them chances to enjoy dog sports.
8. Glen of Imaal Terrier
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- Size: Small
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Temperament: Bold, gentle, spirited
The Glen of Imaal Terrier’s fancy name may seem at odds with this sturdy, scruffy pup’s broad head and short, slightly curved front legs. A farm dog bred to work quietly, they are known to bark less than other terriers. These pups do well with older children and need early socialization with other dogs to become comfortable in various environments.
FAQs About Irish Dogs
What is the most popular Irish dog breed?
Of the eight native Irish dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Irish Setter is the most popular, followed closely by the Irish Wolfhound and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
What is the rarest Irish dog breed?
The Irish Kennel Club recognizes nine Irish dog breeds, with the rarest being the Kerry Beagle, a medium to large hound with a muscular body, long tail, and drop ears. Kerry Beagles aren’t common outside Ireland.
Is there a smaller version of an Irish Wolfhound?
No smaller version of the Irish Wolfhound is accepted by the American Kennel Club as part of the breed standard. The Wolfie’s height is one of their most impressive traits.
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