Are you feeling lucky this Saint Patrick’s Day? Odds are, your dogs are too! Anytime we have a holiday celebration, they get showered with plenty of treats and attention. But for some dogs, this holiday holds an especially close place in their heart. That’s because some dog breeds are Irish, so Saint Patrick’s Day might have more meaning to them than you think.
Here are seven beautiful dog breeds from the Emerald Isle. If your canine is an Irish pup, make sure to give them some extra love during the month of March. And every day of the year for that matter!
#1 – Irish Setter
Hence the name, Irish Setters are a beautiful Irish breed. They’re most notable for their luscious red fur, especially on their floppy ears. Irish Setters were bred as hunting dogs, able to locate game birds using their strong sense of smell and swift movements. Due to these impressive skills, they’re high in energy despite their charming looks. They can be sweet companions, but they also love to run around and play as much as they can.
#2 – Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants, often referred to as “giant hounds of Ireland.” They usually weigh between 105 and 120 pounds and stand 30 to 32 inches tall. So, from a distance, they sometimes look more like cuddly horses than dogs. In their early days, they made great hunters, locating prey with their sight rather than smell. Today, they can be excellent family dogs, but they greatly benefit from intense exercise, such as tracking and agility. They also might act like lap dogs when lounging around, despite their massive size.
#3 – Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are one of the few medium-sized breeds with low shedding. Wheatens are versatile farm dogs that can be trained for many tasks, including catching pests, guarding the chicken coop, and herding. They are a friendly, spirited breed, but like most terriers, they can have a stubborn side too. These fluffy canines are quick learners when they set their mind to it, so they’re capable of mastering many advanced tricks.
#4 – Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers aren’t quite as well-known as some of their fellow Irish breeds, but they’re just as lovable due to their unique blue-gray coats. Like Wheaten Terriers, these curly-coated dogs shed very little. It’s unclear exactly what they were used for in the beginning, but they’re smart, hardworking dogs, so they were likely versatile farm dogs in Ireland. Their striking appearance quickly led them to be successful show dogs, but they’re adaptable to all types of lifestyles.
#5 – Irish Water Spaniel
As you might’ve guessed, Irish Water Spaniels love to swim! They have a dense, curly coat to help them dry quickly and webbed feet so they can paddle with ease. Because of these traits, they can chase down waterfowl and other prey almost effortlessly. With a loving family, these dogs are devoted and friendly, always willing to look after you. Yet, they may be wary around strangers.
#6 – Irish Terrier
Irish Terriers are lively farm dogs from rural Ireland. They’re perfect for hunting down pests due to their high energy and quick-thinking. Like the Irish Setter, these medium-sized canines sport a reddish-brown coat that’s hard to miss. They have a fiery personality when they’re hard at work, but they can be very sweet and kindhearted when snuggling with their loved ones.
#7 – Glen of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a lesser-known Irish breed, but these dogs are still extremely adorable! They weigh 32 to 40 pounds, but they look smaller due to their stubby legs. They were bred to complete many unusual jobs around the farm, including badger hunting. Like most terriers, these pups are spirited with high energy, but at the end of the day, they just want to relax and be gentle around family members.
Canine Safety Tips for Saint Patrick’s Day
On Saint Patrick’s Day, it’s especially important to keep your loved ones safe. Whether you’re taking your dog outside or having them around while you party inside, it’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings. After all, this is everyone’s favorite holiday for drinking, so you wouldn’t want to put you or your furry friend into a dangerous situation.
Here are some things to be cautious of:
- NEVER give your dog alcohol. It’s toxic for dogs, just like chocolate.
- If you’re going somewhere crowded, it’s safer to leave your dog at home.
- When walking your dog, stay on the sidewalk and watch carefully for cars.
- Make sure your dog’s identification tags are up to date in case they get scared and run off.
Saint Patrick’s Day is an exciting holiday for humans, and it can be fun for dogs too if they get some shamrock-shaped treats. But all the noise and commotion can easily cause fear and anxiety. So, be responsible and keep your dog safe. And if you happen to have an Irish dog, you can proudly share some facts about their breed!
H/T: akc.org
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via Whisker Therapy