OUR NATIVE CANINES - undoubtedly IRISH

There are several breeds of Dog native to Ireland, even though the one that most people think of immediately is the Irish Wolfhound: There are also the Red Setter, the Red and White Setter, the Irish Terrier, the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, the Glen of Imaal Terrier, the Irish Water Spaniel and the Kerry Beagle.

These lovely breeds (with the exception of the Kerry Beagle) are known and loved by enthusiasts the world over. The Kerry Beagle is not recognised by the Irish Kennel Club and is not seen at shows, but does exist still in the South of Ireland and was described in the "Dogs of Ireland" book written by the late Anna Redlicks. They are used for hunting in packs, and they travel fast over long distances, being bred for speed and endurance. Their most usual colour is black and tan, though other colours have been recorded.

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of the light hound family, and their history goes back a long long way. They were used to hunt wolves in days gone by, and the Wolfhound is a symbol of Ireland and Irish Culture, a noble animal of great size and commanding appearance.

The Irish Red Setter: One of our gundog breeds, it is probably the most popular of our Irish dogs, and is common the world over. He is affectionate and loyal and an outstanding dog in the field, seen to best advantage on a Grouse Moor, his red coat gleaming. I have heard him described as "The Ferrari of Gundogs" while my own favourite breed, the Spaniel was described as a "Morris Minor!" That aside, the Red Setter is a magnificent animal, beautiful and useful, and avidly sought after by enthusiasts from all parts of the world.

The Irish Red and White Setter: this probably preceded the Irish Red Setter, and went into decline for some time. Through the dedication of a group of breeders, the Red and White is making a comeback. Like the Red, the Red and White is a gundog, described as Aristocratic, Keen and Intelligent. It is a White dog with Red Patches, differing only in small points from the Red.

Another gundog is the Irish Water Spaniel. Liver in colour, with a dense waterproof coat composed of tight curls and ringlets, except on the face and throat and end of his tail which are all smooth, he is versatile in the field. They will hunt, point and retrieve and are excellent in water. A naturally strong swimmer, often used for duck shooting, he is said to have a sense of humour, and indeed I have seen water spaniels obviously enjoying 'sending up' their owners.

We have four terrier Breeds: the Irish Terrier is possibly the oldest. Red coated and wiry haired, hardy and stylish, built for speed, good tempered yet spirited and game, loyal to his friends, and he will guard the family with all his might.

The Kerry Blue as his name implies, as an adult has a lovely soft wavy coat, blue-black in colour. Keen and alert, intelligent, good tempered and affectionate (except where cats are concerned) a great ratter and a very trustworthy waterdog, a very handsome dog.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an average sized dog with a coat which doesn't shed, and properly looked after, doesn't smell, and is curly, wavy and shining, shading from reddish gold to honey blond. Trimming is not excessive. It is a sturdy well made animal, gentle and loyal, a good companion.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is an old breed, small and tough. As his name implies he evolved in the Glen of Imaal (Wiclow) and was used to hunt badgers and foxes and to control the rat population. He was used in treadmills and so sometimes was called the 'turnspit' dog - he is a good family pet and his lack of size in no way affects his strength and courage. He is described as a cheerful dog who oozes personality, an apartment-sized dog! His coat is harsh and wiry with a soft undercoat, and wheaten or brindle blue in colour.

For people interested in reading more about our native Irish breeds, there is an excellent book entitled 'The Native Dogs of Ireland' beautifully illustrated, obtainable from the Irish Kennel Club, Fottrell House, Harolds Cross Bridge, Dublin, 6. email: ikenclub@indigo.ie Telephone:+353 1 453 3300.