Irish Wolfhounds to Terriers: Ireland’s Beloved Dog Breeds

Céad Míle Fáilte – and welcome to your Letter from Ireland for this week. A crisp autumn air is settling over Ireland as September begins. The school bells are ringing once again, marking the end of our too-fleeting Irish summer, but hopefully we’ve plenty of warm memories to carry into the cooler months. How are things in your part of the world today?

I’m having a Barry’s tea as I write, and I do hope you’ll join me now with a cup of whatever you fancy as we start into today’s letter.

Some time back, I received the following message from Kerry in Indiana, USA:

“Hi Mike, my name is Kerry O’Connell – and I married an O’Connor. We were recently at the Milwaukee fest where a man told us that both of our surnames meant “someone who loves dogs” in Irish – and boy do we both love dogs! When we first married, we originally thought about getting an Irish Wolfhound but decided to go for the more manageable Irish terrier instead – and now we love little “Saoirse” to bits. I’d love to know some more about Irish dog breeds – and especially the Wolfhound if you ever get around to writing a letter about them. Thanks, Kerry.”

What a fine set of surnames you have in your family, Kerry! That man you met at the Milwaukee Irish Fest was absolutely right – and I know many of our readers also have a soft spot in their hearts for our canine friends. So, let’s chat today about Irish surnames and their links to hounds and dogs, various types of dog breeds associated with Ireland – and finish with a section all about the mighty Irish Wolfhound. 

Do you have an Irish Surnames with a Canine Connection?

Many Irish Gaelic surnames have fascinating origins, often tracing back to a distinguished ancestor who left an indelible mark on the family line. Interestingly, some of these ancestral figures were renowned for their affinity with hounds, a trait so significant it became woven into their family names. Let’s explore some of these canine-inspired Irish surnames:

• O’Connell (from “Ó Conaill” meaning “descendant of Conall,” where Conall comes from “con” (hound) and “gal” (valor))
• McNamara (from “Mac Conmara” meaning “son of Cú Mara” (hound of the sea))
• O’Connor (from “Ó Conchobhair” meaning “descendant of Conchobhar,” where Conchobhar means “lover of hounds.”)
• MacNamee (from “Mac Con Midhe” meaning “son of the hound of Meath.”).

These are just some examples – and there are many more. Let’s now have a look at some of the more famous Irish breeds of dogs.

A Chronology of Ireland’s Beloved Dog Breeds.

Kerry mentioned that she had an Irish Terrier in the family – a lovely dog and the mascot of Notre Dame University. Let’s have a look at just some Irish dog breeds – from earliest origins to most recent:

Glen of Imaal Terrier (16th century): The Glen of Imaal Terrier originated in County Wicklow, Ireland. It was developed as a general-purpose farm dog and to hunt badgers and foxes. Quite rare outside Ireland, The Glen of Imaal Terrier wasn’t recognised as a distinct breed by the Irish Kennel Club until 1934.

Kerry Beagle (16th century): The Kerry Beagle is also one of the oldest Irish dog breeds. The Kerry Beagle was developed in Ireland for hunting, particularly for stag hunting. It nearly became extinct in the 20th century but has since recovered, though it remains rare outside of Ireland.

Irish Water Spaniel (at least 17th century): Next we have the Irish Water Spaniel which has been around since the 17th century, making it one of the oldest spaniel breeds – but the modern breed was developed in the 1830s. It was an excellent waterfowl retriever in Ireland’s challenging bogs and wetlands.

Irish Setter (18th century): The Irish Setter developed from a mix of English Setter, spaniel, and pointer breeds. Initially, these dogs were red and white, but selective breeding led to the solid red coat we most associate with the breed today. It gained popularity as a hunting dog, particularly for bird hunting, due to its keen nose and endless stamina (not a house dog!).

Kerry Blue Terrier (early 19th century): The Kerry Blue Terrier emerged in the early 19th century in the mountains of Kerry, Ireland. Initially used for hunting small game and birds, controlling livestock, and eliminating vermin, the Kerry Blue had gained recognition mostly as a show dog by the early 1900s.

Irish Terrier (1870s): The Irish Terrier is often called the “Daredevil” of dogs (would you agree, Kerry?). The breed was developed in County Cork in the 1870s and it’s believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds. Irish Terriers were used for hunting vermin and as watchdogs.

You may notice one particular dog breed missing from the list above – The Irish Wolfhound. The following story of the Irish Wolfhound represents the story of so many Irish dogs in Irish surnames, history and mythology – and the great Irish love for dogs.

The Mighty Irish Wolfhound: From Ancient Legend to Gentle Giant.

The Irish Wolfhound’s origins stretch back to ancient times. These majestic creatures have been a part of our island’s story since at least 391 AD, when the Roman consul Quintus Aurelius Symmachus mentioned receiving seven Irish hounds as a gift, describing them as dogs “which all Rome viewed with wonder.” However, the history of such a practical dog most likely goes back even further.

In Irish mythology, these hounds hold a place of great honour. Have you heard of “Cú Chulainn”, one of our greatest legendary heroes? His very name means “the Hound of Culann,” after he offered to take the place of a wolfhound he had killed. The tales speak of how he embodied the strength and loyalty of these magnificent dogs. Another famous mythological Irish Wolfhound was Bran, the faithful hound of Fionn mac Cumhaill, leader of the Fianna warriors.

Interestingly, the modern breed name of “Irish Wolfhound” didn’t come into use until much later, most likely around the 15th century when wolf hunting became more formalised. Before that, they were distinguished by their use and characteristics rather than a specific breed name as we understand it today. They were known by various names in ancient Irish, such as “Cú” (hound), “Cú Faoil” (wolf dog), and “Árchú” (war dog), each reflecting their diverse roles in society.

Throughout history, Irish Wolfhounds have been prized by nobility and commoners alike. They were used not only for hunting wolves (hence their name) but also as war dogs and guardians. Their imposing size and strength made them formidable in battle, while their gentle nature made them beloved companions.

In the 19th century, the breed nearly went extinct as the wolves they were bred to hunt disappeared from Ireland. It was thanks to the efforts of Captain George Augustus Graham that the Irish Wolfhound was revived. He began a careful breeding program in 1862, using the few remaining Irish Wolfhounds and crossing them with Scottish Deerhounds and Great Danes to restore the breed.

The Irish Wolfhound Today.

Today, Irish Wolfhounds are beloved pets and show dogs, though they’re not as common as some other breeds. They’re popular among those who appreciate their gentle nature, loyalty, and impressive size. Did you know they’re considered the tallest of all dog breeds by the American Kennel Club? A male Irish Wolfhound can stand up to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 180 pounds!

Despite their size, they’re known as “gentle giants” for their calm and friendly disposition. They’re patient with children, though their size means they need supervision around little ones. They’re not as energetic as some breeds, preferring a good walk and then a nice nap on a soft bed (preferably your sofa, if they can fit!).

One thing to note is that, sadly, these magnificent dogs have relatively short lifespans, typically only 6 to 8 years. This, combined with the space they need and care requirements, means they’re not as common as pets as some other breeds. However, those who do share their homes with Irish Wolfhounds often say there’s no other dog quite like them.

Here in Ireland, we’re immensely proud of our Irish Wolfhounds. They’re a living link to our past, a symbol of our nation’s strength and gentleness, and a beloved part of many families. If you ever visit our green isle, keep an eye out for these magnificent beasts – they’re hard to miss!

How about you, do you have a favourite among the various dog breeds that I mention above? Do let me know in the comments section below.

That’s it for this week,

Slán/Bye for now,

Mike.