6 Great Irish Dog Breeds
By WebVet.com
March is here, which means spring is finally in reach! (Not that we have a brutal winter to recover from….) But before we start picturing tree buds and blossoming flowers, there's one particular leaf left in our path: the Shamrock. March is of course host to St. Patrick's Day, a holiday that seems to turn everyone Irish for 24 hours! While we may all celebrate, let's pay homage to our canine friends whose heritage we'll be saying cheers to.
Irish Terrier: The Irish Terrier is native to Country Cork, Ireland and is the oldest of terrier breeds. They have the distinction of being the only all-red terrier and have been nicknamed "Daredevil" for their bold and inquisitive nature. This breed is good-tempered, spirited and thrives on companionship, but can be aggressive toward other dogs and is not recommended for a household with noncanine pets.
Irish Setter: The Irish Setter is a gorgeous dog with mahogany or rich chestnut-red coloring and a fine, silky coat that has feathering at its feathering at legs, tail, ears and chest. They're an outgoing, carefree, cheerful and eager to please breed who are good with mature children and wants to be part of family activities.
Irish Wolfhound: These massive dogs can weigh up to 100 pounds - as puppies! They are the tallest of all dogs; can grow to be the size of a small pony. While they are kind, even-tempered and loyal, the breed is not recommended for apartments and needs a large yard with fence or acreage.
Irish Water Spaniel: These pups are often called the "clown" of the spaniel family, possibly due to the peak of curly hair between the eyes. They're also the tallest of the spaniels and have webbed feet help swimming. The dog's curly coat needs brushing and combing two to three times a week to avoid mats and cords, but you'll be rewarded for extra attention as the breed is smart, gentle, eager to please, independent and fun-loving.
Kerry Blue Terrier: The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed that is devoted and highly intelligent. This breed's non-shedding coat makes him an ideal pet for those with allergies. They're okay for apartment-living but need daily walks or runs and like to have a job.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: This is a medium sized terrier breed that has a hypoallergenic coat. This native of Ireland is outgoing and does require regular grooming. They are cheerful and may keep a puppy temperament throughout life, but they are subject to certain health conditions, so make sure to be thorough with any breeder. The Wheaten gets along with other dogs, but generally not with cats.
Check out more from WebVet!
Why Do Cats Purr?
Torn nails in dogs
How Old Is My Pet? Correctly Calculate Your Dog or Cat's Age!
