This morning on Ireland AM, we featured the native dog breeds of Ireland.
Over the centuries Ireland has bred and developed dogs with characteristics and physical structure to serve them in their everyday life. They are “natural” breeds, produced over centuries for the function that they carried out in society.
From the obviously named Wolfhounds and pack Beagles, the Setting and Retrieving gun-dogs to the terriers used for vermin control and herding, all of them are recognised internationally as the breeds of dogs whose origins are uniquely Irish.
They are an integral part of Irish heritage and history, and this week, leading up to St Patricks Day, is a good time to celebrate them.
The various native breeds are listed below – if you click on each it takes you to a page about each one.
- Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Irish Red Setter
- Irish Red and White Setter
- Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Irish Terrier
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Irish Wolfhound
- Kerry Beagle
- Kerry Blue
It’s also be appropriate to mention the St Patricks Day dog show is taking place this Saturday, 15th March, from 8.30am at the National Show Centre, Cloghran, Swords, Co Dublin. All of these native breeds will be on show on the day – it’ll be quite a spectacle.
Dog Expo
On St Patricks Day itself, Monday 17th March, the Irish Kennel Club are holding the annual Dog Expo, a family fun day for al dogs, at the National Show Centre, Cloghran, Swords, Co Dublin. Doors open at 11am.
The Expo will comprise of lots of entertainment for all the family and especially a Pet Dog Competition. A wide selection of Breed Clubs will be in attendance to answer questions you may have about specific breeds. Other activities include:
- Dancing Dog Displays
- Agility Display
- Obedience Display
- Face Painting
- Waggiest Tail
- Best Trick
- Parade Annual Champions
- Final of Retired Racing Greyhound Competition
- Pet dogs are welcome to go along to the event
Entrance Fee: Family Ticket €15, Single Ticket €5, Car Park €5.
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