Traditional Irish Pets

People across the pond have their own history and culture when it comes to pet ownership, and they love their favorite pets just as much as the rest of us. As far as traditional and continuously popular Irish pets, dogs take center stage, with horses and cats playing second fiddle.

  1. Pet Ownership Stats

    • Research from University College Dublin discovered three times as many people in Ireland own dogs vs. cats; dogs grace about 36 percent of homes, and cats just 10 percent. This ratio is more noticeable than in other countries, notes Dr. Martin Downes from the school's Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis. Horses and other animals were not mentioned in the study, and dogs appeared to have the most solid, longstanding spot in Irish pet ownership culture.

    Why Dogs Rule

    • The researchers believe the explanation for dogs' continuing popularity -- aside from having worldwide man's best friend status -- may include the fact that personal and professional farming is a longtime staple of Irish culture. Over the generations, dogs have played the roles of companion, guardian and wildlife intimidator. Further, homes in Ireland tend to be more spread out and rural, with fewer cramped city settings. As a result, there's more room for dogs to be dogs.

    Popular Irish Dog Breeds

    • Irish breeds include the namesake Irish setters, known for their red hair, stable personalities, high energy and birding abilities. Several terrier breeds include 30- to 40-pound wheaten terriers, with soft, white coats; blueish-gray Kerry blue terriers, 30- to 40-pound herding and retrieving experts; and Glen of Imaal terriers, recognized by the Irish Kennel Club and American Kennel Club. Irish water spaniels are one of the oldest spaniels, but are rare. Irish wolfhounds can weigh 120 pounds and are the tallest dog breed at 35 inches.

    Cat Ownership

    • Owning cats isn't ingrained in Irish history, says Tony Forshaw of the Siamese and All Breeds Cat Club of Ireland. In Ireland, cats are often viewed less as pets and more as strays. However, organizations like SABCCI and the Irish SPCA do exist, protecting cats in need of homes in care. Some history of showing cats exists, but that's dwindled. Irish horses and ponies include the Connemara and Kerry bog ponies, Irish draught horses and Irish sport horses.