New
York – In honor of St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday,
March 17th, the American Kennel Club celebrates seven purebred
dogs of Irish heritage that are AKC registrable or are in
the AKC miscellaneous class. Additional information, including
the full breed standards, links to Parent Club web sites and
video clips of each breed, is available at www.akc.org.
§ The Irish Setter is a likable dog: friendly, loving,
loyal, and protective. An active, aristocratic bird dog, rich
red in color, substantial yet elegant in build, he enjoys
the company of children. In fact, he takes a while to grow
up himself. He's usually about three years old before he settles
into adulthood. He likes plenty of room to run, vigorous exercise,
and loving attention. The earliest ancestors of the Irish
Setter were not solid red; in fact, they were red and white.
The
Irish Setter is a member of the Sporting Group and was first
recognized by the AKC in 1878.
§
Of great size and commanding appearance, the Irish Wolfhound
--tallest of all dogs-- is remarkable in combining power and
swiftness with keen sight. Despite his size, this shaggy-coated
sighthound has a peaceful and quiet personality. He is affectionate
and loves to be with people. He makes a good pet because he
is quiet indoors, after he has outgrown his puppy years. In
just six months, these puppies weigh about 100 pounds.
Irish
Wolfhounds are called, interchangeably, "Irish dogs,"
"Big Dogs of Ireland," "Greyhounds (or Grehounds)
of Ireland," "Wolfdogs of Ireland," "Great
Hounds of Ireland." Irish Wolfhound is the more modern
name.
By
the year 391 A.D., the breed was known in Rome, when the first
authentic mention of it was written by the Roman Consul Quintus
Aurelius, who had received seven of them as a gift which "all
Rome viewed with wonder."
The
Irish Wolfhound is a member of the Hound Group and was first
recognized by the AKC in 1897.
§
The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds.
First record of the Irish
Terrier being shown as a recognized breed dates back to 1875
in Glasgow, Scotland.
His
temperament reflects his early background: he was family pet,
guard dog, and hunter. He is good tempered, spirited and game.
A loyal and friendly dog, he'll hardily adapt to any situation,
which proves his deep loyalty to his owner. Not only will
he be an enthusiastic playmate for children, he'll guard them
and the home with fierce determination and pluck.
The
Irish Terrier is a member of the Terrier Group and was first
recognized by the AKC in 1885.
§
The Irish Water Spaniel presents a picture of a smart, upstanding
strongly built
sporting dog. Great intelligence is combined with rugged endurance
and a bold, dashing eagerness of temperament. Distinguishing
characteristics are a topknot of long, loose curls, a body
covered with a dense, crisply curled liver colored coat, contrasted
by a smooth face and a smooth "rat" tail. In the
late 1100s, the breed was known as “Shannon Spaniels,”
“Rat-Tail Spaniels” or “Whip-Tail Spaniels.”
A dog of this breed - Champion Poole's Ide Skylark –
was awarded the Sporting Group Winner at the 2003 AKC/Eukanuba
National Championship.
The
Irish Water Spaniel loves people and becomes deeply attached
to his family. He is cautious around strangers. Because of
his size and devotion to the family, he makes an impressive
watchdog.
The
Irish Water Spaniel is a member of the Sporting Group and
was first recognized by the AKC in 1878.
§
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier enjoys games, especially with
children. Most take pleasure in meeting strangers, whether
people or other animals. He will greet friends with great
joy, and loves to go places with the family. The Wheaten is
a quick learner, with a steady mind, and likes plenty of exercise
every day.
The
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, hardy, well-balanced
sporting terrier, square in outline. He is distinguished by
his soft, silky, gently waving coat of warm wheaten color.
Of
special note is the Wheaten’s connection to St. Patrick’s
Day. The first Wheaten appeared in a show ring at the Irish
Kennel Club Championship Show on March 17, 1937, and the Soft
Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was founded on March
17, 1962.
The
Soft Coated Wheaten is a member of the Terrier Group and was
first recognized by the AKC in 1973.
§
The Kerry Blue Terrier originated in Ireland and is a hardworking
breed that has been used to hunt on land and water, to guard
homes and farms, to kill rodents, and even to herd and drive
sheep and cattle. He has also been used in England as a police
dog, for trailing and guarding. A dog of this breed - Champion
Torums Scarf Michael - was awarded Best in Show at the 2002
AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.
The
Kerry is an all-round working and utility terrier. The breed
was used in Ireland and England for hunting small game and
birds, and for retrieving from land and water.
The
Kerry Blue is a member of the Terrier Group and was first
recognized by the AKC in 1922.
§
The Glen of Imaal Terrier -- "There is a glen, Imaal,
in the Wicklow Mountains that has always been, and still is,
celebrated for its terriers." This 19th-century reference
is to the
beguiling Irish breed we now know as the Glen of Imaal Terrier.
Initially bred to rid the home and farm of vermin, and hunt
badger and fox, these rugged dogs also had a unique task for
which they were expressly designed to perform; they were turnspit
dogs. The turnspit was a large wheel which, when paddled by
the dog, would turn a spit over the hearth -- a canine propelled
rotisserie, if you will. Game and spirited with great courage
when called upon, otherwise the Glen is gentle and docile.
Although generally less easily excited than other terriers,
the Glen is always ready to give chase.
The
Glen is a member of the Miscellaneous class.
§
The other native breeds of Ireland are the Kerry Beagle and
the Irish Red & White Setter. The latter is enrolled in
AKC’s Foundation Stock Service.
