Five of the Best Irish Dog Breeds to Know in 2025

March brings the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, a wonderful time to appreciate Ireland's rich heritage — including its remarkable dog breeds. In this article, you'll discover five of the best Irish dog breeds, each with unique histories, temperaments, and traits that make them cherished companions or valued working dogs.

The Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is Ireland's largest and tallest native dog breed, part of the sighthound group, known for hunting by sight and speed rather than scent. Originally bred to hunt wolves and act as a formidable guard, this gentle giant stands up to 32 inches tall at the withers and males often weigh over 120 pounds.

Despite their imposing size, Irish Wolfhounds are affectionate, friendly, and fantastic with children when socialised well. They thrive in homes where they're part of family life, enjoy regular exercise, and appreciate mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They are, however, not suited to long periods of being left alone to avoid potential destructive behaviour.

The Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest spaniel breed, notable for its unique dense, tightly curled liver-coloured coat with a distinctive purple sheen. Unlike its close relative, the Poodle, the Irish Water Spaniel has a smooth face and tail without curls.

Standing up to 24 inches tall and weighing as much as 65 pounds, these dogs love water and swimming, reflecting their history as water retrievers. They need regular exercise, mental enrichment, and socialisation. Their hypoallergenic coat requires regular grooming, making them a good choice for families prone to allergies.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier

The Glen of Imaal Terrier, also known as the Wicklow Terrier, hails from County Wicklow's Glen of Imaal. This hardy and muscular terrier was bred for hunting vermin like rats and rabbits, retaining a strong prey drive.

With a height up to 14 inches and weight around 35 pounds, they are lively, spirited, and thrive when given purposeful work or plenty of activities. Glen of Imaal Terriers bond well with their families, but potential owners should be prepared to provide consistent training and sufficient exercise. They are known for their affectionate and loyal nature.

The Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest Irish breeds, with origins tracing back to the 1800s. Recognisable by its vivid red coat, the Irish Terrier is compact yet athletic, standing about 20 inches tall and weighing 25-30 pounds.

This breed is energetic, intelligent, and thrives with consistent training and a busy lifestyle. Irish Terriers excel in canine sports like agility and obedience, making them excellent companions for active families or owners passionate about participating in dog activities. They combine loyalty with courage, deserving patient and engaged owners.

The Irish Setter

The Irish Setter, often called the Red Setter, is famed for its long, silky, vibrant red coat and graceful build. Originally bred as a gun dog, this breed is highly energetic, standing up to 27 inches tall and weighing up to 70 pounds.

Irish Setters are extremely friendly, outgoing, and loving family dogs. They are excellent with children and adapt well to home life provided they receive ample exercise and mental stimulation. Without adequate activity, they can become bored and possibly destructive. These dogs particularly love outdoor activities and benefit from engaging play and long daily walks.

Responsible Ownership and Ethical Breeding

When considering any of these Irish breeds, it is vital to seek puppies from reputable breeders who prioritise health, temperament, and ethical breeding practices. Responsible owners should be prepared to meet the physical and mental needs of these breeds, considering their exercise requirements, grooming, and social needs.

Additionally, adopting from rescue organisations or breed-specific rescues can provide loving homes to dogs in need and support more ethical pet ownership.

Conclusion

From the gentle giant Irish Wolfhound to the lively Glen of Imaal Terrier and elegant Irish Setter, these five Irish dog breeds offer a wonderful array of sizes, temperaments, and histories. Each breed celebrates Ireland's rich canine heritage and can make a devoted companion for the right owner. Whether you seek an active family pet, a working dog, or a unique breed to love, learning their specific needs will help ensure a fulfilling lifelong relationship.