What are the most popular breeds of canines in Ireland?

Answer 1

Restricted Dog Breeds in Ireland (taken from - http://www.ispca.ie/Restricted-Dog-Breeds.aspx)

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 specify 10 breeds which need strict control.

• American Pit Bull Terrier

• Bull Mastiff

• Doberman Pinscher

• English Bull Terrier

• German Shepherd (Alsatian)

• Japanese Akita

• Japanese Tosa

• Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Rottweiler

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Every other strain or cross-breed of these dogs are also covered.

These dogs must be securely muzzled and kept on a dog chain or leash. not more than 2m long, in a public place and supervised by someone aged over 16 years who is capable of controlling the dog.

As far as I know, and from general observation (being a great dog-lover and admirer), the most common dogs in Ireland are Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Springer Spaniels, Terriers (especially West-Highland, Jack Russels and Yorkshires), Beagles, beautiful mutts and probably a few more that I'm forgetting. Irish people generally love their dogs, and probably every breed exists in Ireland whether common in numbers or not. Also, the Kerry Blue is not the national dog of Ireland, I'm not even sure if such a thing exists, but if it does, then the national dog of Ireland would definitely be the Irish Wolfhound.