9 Irish Dog Breeds from the Emerald Isle: Characteristics & History Including setters, terriers, spaniels, and hounds By Jackie Brown Updated on 09/23/25 Credit: Getty Images/Bagicat Irish dog breeds were originally developed as working dogs to perform specific tasks for humans. These include terriers, setters, hounds, and spaniels, all originating from the Emerald Isle. These native breeds are primarily hunting dogs classified into three American Kennel Club groups: Terrier, Sporting, and Hound. Today, many Irish breeds continue to work alongside humans, while others are cherished household pets. This article highlights nine native Irish dog breeds along with their unique histories and characteristics. 01 of 09 Glen of Imaal Terrier Credit: Getty Images/@Hans Surfer The Glen of Imaal terrier was originally used to hunt badgers in the rocky mountain terrain of County Wicklow, Ireland. A bit less feisty than most terriers, Glens are ideal for people who like a less intense canine. Their rough, wiry coat should be brushed once or twice a week to prevent mats. The coat sheds very little, so some allergy sufferers find they can live with a Glen of Imaal. However, the breed is somewhat rare in the U.S. Breed Overview GROUP: TerrierHEIGHT: 12.5 to 14 inchesWEIGHT: 32 to 40 poundsTEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, gentle, boldCOAT AND COLOR: Medium-length and wiry in blue brindle or wheatenENERGY LEVEL: ModerateLIFE SPAN: 10 to 15 years 23 Best Rare and Unique Dog Breeds 02 of 09 Irish Red and White Setter Credit: Getty Images/Anni Sommer The Irish red and white setter is related to the solid-red Irish setter. Both breeds hunted birds in Ireland as far back as the 1600s. Many historians believe the Irish red and white came first, but the solid-red Irish setter became more popular with hunters. Less demand for the Irish red and white brought the breed near extinction, but Irish breeders In the 1920s set out to save the Irish red and white. Decades later, the breed was reestablished. In 2009, the American Kennel Club welcomed the Irish red and white to the Sporting Group. Breed Overview GROUP: SportingHEIGHT: 22.5 to 26 inchesWEIGHT: 35 to 60 poundsTEMPERAMENT: Friendly, intelligent, energetic, eager to pleaseENERGY LEVEL: HighCOAT AND COLOR: Medium length with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail; red or copper with whiteLIFE SPAN: 11 to 15 years 03 of 09 Irish Setter Credit: Getty Images/Volha Maksimava The Irish setter has served as a popular gun dog in Ireland since the early 1800s. It is believed that through selective breeding of the Irish red and white setter, dogs with more red color were eventually transformed into the present-day Irish setter. Traditionally used to locate and retrieve birds for hunters, the breed continues to excel in this role. Breed Overview GROUP: SportingHEIGHT: 25 to 27 inchesWEIGHT: 60 to 70 poundsTEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, intelligent, athletic, gentle, sweet-temperedENERGY LEVEL: HighCOAT AND COLOR: Medium length with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail; red or copperLIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years 04 of 09 Irish Terrier Credit: Getty Images/Eudyptula One of the oldest terrier breeds, the Irish terrier was valued in Ireland for their skills in hunting vermin and guarding the farm. The breed is relatively rare today, but in 1929, the Irish terrier was the 13th most popular AKC-registered breed. The Irish terrier’s dense, wiry coat sheds very little, so some people with dog allergies can live comfortably with them. Breed Overview GROUP: TerrierHEIGHT: 18 to 20 inchesWEIGHT: 25 to 28 poundsPERSONALITY: Intelligent, lively, protective, trainable, dominant, respectfulCOAT: Dense, wiry, broken, close-lying topcoat, with a fine and soft undercoatCOAT COLOR: Solid colors which include bright red, golden red, red wheaten, or wheatenLIFE SPAN: 13 to 15 years Continue to 5 of 9 below 05 of 09 Irish Water Spaniel Credit: Getty Images/CaptureLight The Irish water spaniel was developed in Dublin in the 1860s by a sportsman named Justin McCarthy. His dog Boatswain was the basis for the modern Irish water spaniel breed. Today, the IWS is rare, but it was once a popular hunting breed and one of the original nine breeds first recognized by the AKC in 1884. Breed Overview GROUP: SportingHEIGHT: 21 to 24 inchesWEIGHT: 45 to 68 poundsTEMPERAMENT: Alert, curious, playful, affectionate, activeENERGY LEVEL: HighCOAT AND COLOR: Dense, tight, crisp curls on the body, and short and smooth on the face with a long topknot and ears; solid liver (brown)LIFE SPAN: 12 to 13 years 21 Best Hunting Dogs for Tracking Any Kind of Prey 06 of 09 Irish Wolfhound Getty Images/CaptureLight. The Irish wolfhound is the tallest of all dog breeds and also one of the largest dog breeds. Mentions of the ancestors of the majestic Irish wolfhound can be found in literature dating as far back as the 5th century Ireland. Historically, only Irish noblemen and kings were permitted to own Irish wolfhounds, which were used to hunt elk, boar, and wolves. Breed Overview GROUP: HoundHEIGHT: At least 30 inches (female), at least 32 inches (male)WEIGHT: 105 pounds (female), 120 pounds (male)TEMPERAMENT: Courageous, calm, even-temperedENERGY LEVEL: LowCOAT AND COLOR: Medium-length and wiry in black, blue, brindle, creme, gray, red, silver, white or wheatenLIFE SPAN: 6 to 8 years 07 of 09 Kerry Blue Terrier Credit: Getty Images/Ekaterina Gorokhova The Kerry blue terrier was developed in the mountains of County Kerry, Ireland, more than 100 years ago. One theory about the Kerry blue’s history says that because only nobility was allowed to hunt with Irish wolfhounds, non-nobles set out to create their own breed to help them poach game. Breed Overview GROUP: TerrierHEIGHT: 17 to 19 inchesWEIGHT: 30 to 40 poundsTEMPERAMENT: Loyal, alert, attentive, brightCOAT AND COLOR: Short, soft and wavy coat with no undercoat; blue-gray in color upon maturingLIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years 08 of 09 Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Credit: Getty Images/@Hans Surfer The soft coated wheaten terrier was developed in Ireland as a versatile farm dogs, capable of dispatching rodents, warning of approaching strangers and protecting livestock. Today’s wheaten is more likely to be a devoted family pet than rustic farm dog. The wheaten’s coat is different from many terriers because it is soft and silky rather than wiry. It sheds very little, making this breed a good candidate for allergy sufferers. The coat requires daily brushing to prevent mats, and regular professional grooming. Breed Overview GROUP: TerrierHEIGHT: 17 to 19 inchesWEIGHT: 30 to 40 poundsTEMPERAMENT: Friendly, lively, affectionateCOAT AND COLOR: Wavy, silky, medium-length coat in wheatenENERGY LEVEL: Medium to highLIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years Continue to 9 of 9 below 09 of 09 Kerry Beagle Credit: Mark Hosny / Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 One of the oldest breeds native to Ireland, the Kerry beagle is a hound breed that might have emerged during the first Celtic settlements. These hunting dogs have often been used to pursue stag, but they also make excellent companions for active families. The Kerry beagle is not commonly seen outside of its home country and is not recognized by the AKC. However, the breed likely shares lineage with other hounds, including the English foxhound and the black and tan coonhound. Although the Kerry beagle is not directly related to the beagle, they may have ancestors in common. Breed Overview GROUP: HoundHEIGHT: About 22 to 24 inchesWEIGHT: About 50 to 60 poundsTEMPERAMENT: Courageous, calm, even-temperedENERGY LEVEL: LowCOAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in solid black, black and tan, tan and white, tricolor, and mottled blue and tanLIFE SPAN: 10 to 14 years 18 Scent Hound Breeds Who Follow Their Noses FAQ What are the characteristics of Irish dog breeds? Irish dog breeds are known for their intelligence, hunting capabilities, and loyalty, often categorized within the Terrier, Sporting, and Hound groups. By understanding these characteristics, potential pet owners can better prepare for the energy and training needs typical of these breeds. Are any Irish dog breeds suitable for people with allergies? The Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier are noted for their low-shedding coats, making them more suitable for allergy sufferers. Explore more: Dogs Dog Breeds Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The Irish Terrier. Irish Terrier Club of America. History of the Irish Water Spaniel. Irish Water Spaniel Club of America The Origin of the Kerry Blue Terrier. United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club. Kerry Beagle Breed Details. The Irish Kennel Club.