It is said that kissing the stone on top of The Blarney Castle of Ireland will give you the power of eloquent and persuasive speech and kissing a decent of the region will bring you good luck. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we are celebrating breeds of cats and dogs that come from Ireland.
Ireland takes great pride in their native breeds. If you are lucky enough to have one of these Irish breeds, show them a little more love this St. Patrick’s Day and go give one a big smooch!
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter was originally bred for hunting, specifically for setting or locating and pointing upland game birds. They are a tireless, wide-ranging hunters, and well-suited to fields and wet or dry moorland terrain. They have an excellent sense of smell for locate prey. They are a very patient animal that will hold a pointing position, indicating the direction in which the bird lies hidden. The Irish Setter became popular in the United States in the 1970’s. They are still sought after due to their beauty and their stable personalities. They are great with children, which makes them easy companions. They are excellent therapy dogs, but because of their enthusiasm to visitors, would not be considered good guard dogs.
Vitality Science Product Tip: The Irish Setter has a beautiful coat, that has to be maintained and brushed often. Being such active dogs, we recommend Superfood Supplement. Superfood will provide the proper lipids to maintain a healthy and shiny coat and the proper nutrients to maintain a happy and healthy dog.
Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Sometimes referred to as the Wicklow Terrier from the county in which they originated, this adorable small dog was originally used for vermin control, specifically badgers, rats, and fox. Dogs love a job, and this small, strong, and tenacious breed was most commonly given the job of a “turnspit dog,” meaning they ran on a wheel that would turn meat on a spit over a fire. The Glen of Imaal Terrier has four growth spurts in their lives, sometimes not reaching maturity for four years. This is a rare breed and highly favored by some, partially for the fact that they are a quiet dog that rarely barks.
Vitality Science Product Tip: Glen of Imaal Terriers have large heads and bowed legs, although stout and strong at full maturity. The Flex-N-Free and Vital Pet Lipids combo will provide lubrication to the joints, reducing growth pain. The Glucosamine and Chondrotin will ensure proper bone growth.
Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is native to Ireland dating back at least 1000 years. It is believed in Irish folklore to be the descendant of the Dobhar-chu. They have dense coats that do not shed, thus ideal for people who are allergic to dog fur. This Spaniel was bred to fetch and return game from the water without a fuss. They are energetic, intelligent and quizzical by nature. They are a great companion dog because they are eager to please, easy to train, and will do ordinary things in an extraordinary way to achieve what is asked. They can have a blue to purple tint to their coat making them as beautiful as they are lovely to be around.
Irish Terrier
This terrier made it’s first appearance in the Dublin dog show in 1873. By the 1880’s, Irish Terriers were the fourth most popular breed in Ireland and Britain. They are hard working and have a reputation for being loyal and brave. They were used as couriers in World War I, taking messages back and forth to troops on the front lines. These compact dogs are suited for life in both rural areas and cities. Their harsh red coat protects them from all kinds of weather. These active dogs need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. They are good with people and have a high sense of loyalty. Most are great with children and tolerate rough-housing to a certain extent. Although the Irish Terrier is a healthy breed, they are known to be susceptible to food allergies.
Vitality Science Product Tip: Because the Irish Terrier ‘s food allergies we recommend our Allergy Protocol.This protocol will help topically with skin outbreaks and internally with digestion and GI stability.
Irish Wolf Hound
Irish Wolfhound
This Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest breeds in the world, they often reach the height of a small pony. There is indication that these huge dogs existed even as early as 279 BC. They are mentioned by Julius Caesar as being gifted to fight lions! These enormous ancient dogs have a coarse, shaggy coat and can be intimidating, however, they are gentle giants with a calm temperament. They are built for speed and were often used as early as the 6th century for hunting wolves and wild boars.
Wheaten Terrier
Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
These hypoallergenic dogs are not nearly as large as their ancestors, the Wolfhound, but they are brave and loyal dogs with beautiful thick coats. They are quiet, athletic, and make wonderful companions. Originally bred to do farm work, these dogs are highly trainable, playful, and great with children. They first became popular in the United States in the 1940’s, today, Wheatens commonly compete in obedience, agility, and tracking competitions, and are used as therapy dogs.
Kerry Blue Terrior
Kerry Blue Terrier The Kerry Blue Terrier is known as “The National Dog of Ireland.” These strong headed and highly spirited dogs were originally bred to control rats, rabbits, badgers and fox. They are usually born with black fur, but it grows into a thick curly blue or grey coat that feels like a mix of human hair and wool. They can be aggressive, but they are very loyal to their families. They are strong, fast, intelligent, and are proficient sheep herders and trackers. This breed is prone to some genetic health disorders such as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eyes), Cataracts, and Entropion, skin tumors, hypothyroidism and other skin related diseases.
Vitality Science Product Tip: Due to the genetic disorders that this breed faces we recommend our Advanced Immune Restoration Protocol to keep the immune system strong.
Manx
Manx
The Manx, also known as the Manx Gaelic, originated on the Isle of Man. They are a unique breed of cat usually born without a tail due to a genetic mutation that has occurred over many generations, and intensified due to their remote location. They have wide round heads and elongated legs that will often appear as if they are always crouched. Some people think they look almost rabbit like. They are one of the world’s first show cats. They were bred and valued for their ability to hunt rodents.
Cymric Domestic Cat
Cymric
A Cymric is the long-haired version of the Manx. Their thick coat comes in many colors and patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell or calico. They are loyal companions to their owners. Their varying tail lengths are classified into four categories: rumpy (no tail at all), rumpy riser, stumpy, and longy. The Cymric and Manx cats can both suffer from their lack of tails. They do not have balancing problems, but they can experience pain, arthritis, or even have exposed nerves at the tail stump.
Vitality Science Product Tip: Pet Flora is beneficial for all animals, especially those that have a tendency to eat rodents and other game. Pet Flora will help to maintain the healthy flora in the digestive tract. These cats will also benefit from our Flex-N-Free to ease the pain of arthritis.
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