St. Patrick’s Day is just a few days off!  It’s always fun to celebrate Irish heritage, and perhaps enjoy a Shamrock shake or some corned beef hash. Many of our canine pals love celebrating holidays with us. As it turns out, quite a few dogs are of Irish descent. Read on as a vet lists some Irish dog breeds.

I  rish Dog Breeds

The AKC officially recognizes 8 distinct dog breeds that are native to Ireland. These include the Irish Water Spaniel, a liver-colored pup that loves swimming; the Irish Setter, an active, loyal field dog; and the Irish Terrier, a dog whose loyalty and bravery led to them being used as messengers in World War 1. There is also the Kerry Blue Terrier, a wonderful farm dog and guardian; and the big, lovable Irish Wolfhound, a pup that was so impressive that they were given as gifts to Roman Consulate members in 391 A.D. Finally, we have the adorable Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, a big, goofy pooch that just loves life; and the adorable Glen of Imaal Terrier, a small but high-spirited hunting dog that makes a wonderful pet and companion.

These cute pups come in all sizes, from the little Glen of Imaal Terrier to the larger-than-life Irish Wolfhound. One thing many of them have in common? Long fur! Some of these pups are curly, some have red locks, and others have waves or even straight hair.

Irish Dog Legends

Ireland certainly has its share of fascinating myths and legends. Dogs pop up quite frequently in some of these tales. Some famous legendary pooches include the Bran and Sceolan, the warrior poet Fionn mac Cumhaill’s dogs; the Cŵn Annwn  or Hounds of Annwn, a pack of supernatural dogs; and Prince Llewellyn ‘s hound, Gelert.

Celebrating With Fido

Is your canine companion an Irish dog? Get into the spirit of the holiday, and give Fido something special. Corned beef isn’t safe for dogs, but regular beef is okay, given that it’s a special occasion. A Shamrock shake also isn’t suitable for Fido, but you can make your pooch something with a bit of mint in it. Or, just snap some photos of your furry pal with something green and festive. Of course, no matter how you celebrate, take care not to let your pooch have any alcohol.

Do you have questions about your pup’s health or care? Contact us, your veterinary clinic, today.