St. Patrick’s Day is coming up quick! It’s always fun to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, and perhaps indulge oneself in a Shamrock shake or some corned beef. Of course, our canine companions also love celebrating the various holidays with us. As it turns out, quite a few of Man’s Best Buddies are of Irish descent. A vet lists some Irish dog breeds below.
Irish Dog Breeds
The AKC officially recognizes eight distinct dog breeds that are native to Ireland. These include the Irish Setter, an active, loyal field pooch; the Irish Water Spaniel, a liver-colored canine that absolutely loves swimming; and the Irish Terrier. The Irish Terrier’s loyalty and bravery led to them being used as messengers in World War I. Next up, we have the Kerry Blue Terrier, a wonderful farm dog and guardian; and the stoic Irish Wolfhound, a pup that was so impressive that they were given to Roman Consulate members as gifts way back in 391 A.D. Finally, we have the adorable Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, a big, goofy cotton ball that loves life and tends to live for belly rubs; and the small but charming Glen of Imaal Terrier, a high-spirited hunting dog that makes a wonderful companion. One thing many of these dogs have in common? Long fur! Some of these pups are curly, while others have waves or even straight locks.
Irish Dog Legends
Ireland, as you may know, definitely has its share of fascinating myths and legends. Dogs pop up quite frequently in some of these tales. Some of the more famous legendary pooches include Bran and Sceolan, the warrior poet Fionn mac Cumhaill’s dogs; Prince Llewellyn’s hound, Gelert, whose loyalty made him the hero of a rather sad fable; and the Cŵn Annwn or Hounds of Annwn, a pack of supernatural dogs.
Celebrating With Fido
Is your four-legged buddy an Irish dog? Get into the spirit of the holiday, and give Fido something special. Corned beef is really too salty for pets, but some regular beef isn’t inappropriate, given that it’s a special occasion. A Shamrock shake also isn’t good for dogs, but you can make your pup something with a little mint in it. Look online for recipe ideas. Of course, you can always just snap some photos of your furry best friend with something green and festive. No matter how you celebrate, don’t give your pup any alcohol.
Do you have questions about your pup’s health or care? Contact us, your veterinary clinic in West Greenwich, RI, today.
!Social Media Icons