Dogs of Ireland…..Part Two

In addition to the dogs mentioned in my last article, Ireland has produced four breeds of terriers, which are considered to be quite different from terriers in England and other parts of the world.

Irish Terriers
During World War I, these red coated dogs were used as messenger dogs, demonstrating intelligence and courage in the horrors of trench warfare. The first breed club was set up in Dublin in 1879 and the Irish Terrier was the first member of the terrier group to be recognized by the English Kennel Club as a native Irish breed.

Irish Glen of Imaal
The Irish Glen of Imaal is another old Irish breed, originating in Ireland’s Glen of Imaal. This medium sized, strong sturdy dog was officially recognized as a breed in 1934. Developed as a working dog, it was often used for badger baiting and for hunting down foxes.

Kerry Blue
Like the other Irish Terrier breeds, the Kerry Blue has been in Ireland for centuries. Originally bred as a rat catcher and farm dog, it is notable for its dense blue grey coat. Kerry Blues are considered by some to be an Irish mascot, and they are very popular working and companion dogs.

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is probably the oldest of the four terrier breeds. Written records from 200 years ago refer to “soft-coated” dogs. Despite the long history of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, it was not officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club until 1937. The popularity of the breed has grown steadily and it is now internationally known.

For more breed specific info about the dogs of Ireland, you can visit the AKC website at www.akc.org
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Happy St Patrick’s Day!

Dogs of Ireland….Part One

In honor of  St Patrick’s Day  I thought it would be interesting to do an article about dogs that originated from the Emerald Isle.

Turns out that there are nine native breeds of dog from Ireland:
• Irish Red and White Setter
• Irish Red Setter
• Irish Wolfhound
• Kerry Beagle
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Irish Terrier
• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Here’s the history of some of them.

Irish Setters (Red & White, Red)
When we think of Irish dogs, these gorgeous setters often come to mind. With their long, silky coats, feathery tails, and energetic, high spirit dispositions, Irish Setters were originally developed as a working dog for hunting game. They are intelligent, hardy dogs with a tremendous energy and enthusiasm. There are actually 2 breeds of Irish Setters, the Red and White Setter which dates back to the 17th century, and the solid Red Setter, which most of us are familiar with. By the early 1900’s, the red and white setter was so rare that the breed almost became extinct, but with the efforts of dedicated breeders, the Red and White Setter was re-established and today it can be seen in at Irish shows and Field Trials.

Wolfhounds
Irish Wolfhounds are huge muscular dogs, powerful and courageous. This is a very ancient breed, believed to have been established in Ireland by the first century AD. Historically, wolfhounds were used for hunting the packs of wolves that occupied large areas of uncleared forest in Europe. In the middle ages, pairs of Irish hounds were highly prized, and given as gifts to the royal houses of Europe. In the 1400’s, documents show that each county in Ireland was required to keep 24 wolfhounds to protect farmers’ flocks. As the wolf disappeared, so did this brave breed; their numbers were reduced almost to the point of extinction by the end of the 17th century. A revival of interest in the breed accompanied the growth of Irish nationalism in the late 1800’s help bring the Irish Wolfhound back; it is now considered a living symbol of Irish culture and of the Celtic past.

Kerry Beagle
Next to the Irish Wolfhound, the Kerry Beagle may be the oldest native Irish breed. Believed to have been brought to Ireland by the Celts, the Kerry Beagle is a large, scenthound very different from the smaller beagle that we are familiar with. (The name Beagle is believed to be derived from the Irish word “beag” (meaning small) and although they share the name, the Kerry Beagle is significantly larger than its more familiar cousin and was often used to hunt stag and other large game.

Irish Water Spaniel
Now that the Obama family has picked their breed, Portugese Water Dogs are in the news, but did you know that Ireland has its own breed of water dog? This rare breed is the sole surviving water dog of the British Isles and is also known as Whiptail, Shannon Spaniel, Rat Tail Spaniel and Bog Dog. These water loving dogs have slightly webbed feet and a dense curly coat with an unusual purple hue. Like other water dogs, they shed very little. Irish Water Spaniels are high energy dogs, intelligent, quick to learn, alert, and inquisitive. With proper training, and lots of exercise, they make loving and loyal pets.
Next article, we’ll take a look at the terriers of Ireland, including the very popular Soft Coated Wheaten

SUFFOLK COUNTY SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS News Alert

March 1, 2009

Suffolk County SPCA CONTACT: Chief Roy Gross

Your Local SPCA Serving Suffolk County 631-382-SPCA

363 Route 111 (7722)

Smithtown, NY11787

Winter Storm Alert
PROTECT YOUR PETS FROM THIS WINTER STORM

During this winter storm, animals feel the same harsh winds, snow, and freezing temperatures as we do. Animals need extra protection to survive the winter storm too.

Please make sure they’re safe and sound during this major winter storm. With a winter storm on its way, it’s time to be sure we are prepared to take proper care of our furry friends.

Always keep ID tags on pets, because animals can get lost during a winter storm. More pets are lost in the winter than any other time of the year. Pets lose their ability to scent their way home in snow and icy conditions.

In addition, never leave pets unattended in the car without heat. Animals can freeze to death very quickly, and by [allowing this to happen], the pet owner becomes just as irresponsible as those who leave pets unattended in a car during summer’s unbearable heat.”

The other basic rules are as follows:

Keep Cats Indoors: This prevents injury, frostbite, hypothermia, and death.

Be Alert to Frostbite: Skin can turn red, white or gray and scaly. If you suspect frostbite, contact your vet immediately.

Always Walk Dogs on a Leash: Dogs can become disoriented or lost. Roads are often dangerous during snow conditions due to snowplow piles and ice.
Be Aware of Sheltered Cats and Wildlife: Outdoor cats and other animals will often seek shelter beneath the hood of a car and can be killed by fans or belts. Bang on the hood or blow your horn before starting the car.

Be Aware of Exposure Time: Dogs who are ill, old, very young, or shorthaired cannot endure prolonged exposure to winter weather. Take them out only to relieve themselves. Coats or sweaters can help avoid problems for dogs that like to play in the snow. Many dogs need boots in winter weather, regardless of coat length. If your dog frequently lifts up his paws, whines or stops on his walks, his feet are uncomfortably cold and may need dog booties for his paws.

Keep Pets Dry: Never take your dog or cat out after a bath unless they are completely dry.

Have a Cleanup Routine: Keep a towel and maybe moist wipes by the door to clean dogs’ feet of salt, anti-freeze, and other harmful toxins. Road salt can irritate or burn, as well as cause vomiting and in some pets can even cause seizures. Antifreeze has a sweet, attractive smell to pets and can be deadly if ingested. Keep paws, bellies, and legs clean to avoid problems.

Keep Pets Warm: Always keep beds slightly elevated and away from cold drafts.

Dog House: Dogs left outdoors in inclement weather must be provided with shelter appropriate to breed, physical condition and the climate. Minimum standards for adequate shelter include a permanent structure with a waterproof roof, structural soundness, and sufficient insulation to protect from the inclement weather, space to make normal postural movements, freedom from excessive dirt, trash, or waste, and a clean surrounding area that does not threaten the well-being.

During this major winter storm bring your pet inside
Remember aniamls get cold just like you

“TEACHING A CHILD NOT TO STEP ON A CATERPILLAR IS AS VALUABLE TO THE CHILD AS IT IS TO THE CATERPILLAR.” Bradley Miller

“Protecting Suffolk County’s animals is the only job we do!”

We Need your Help
Donations
help us defray the cost of our programs.

Help Us Protect Our Voiceless Friends

The Suffolk County SPCA
Thank You!

www.suffolkcountyspca.org

Your Local SPCA Serving Suffolk County
The Suffolk County SPCA is not affiliated with, a subdivision of, or funded by any other local, state or national humane organization.

Would you like a Nylabone before you order……….

Something ocurred to me this morning, that made me stop and think.  I was feeding my dogs , a twice daily event that, in our multi dog household, takes on circus- like qualities.  As I prepared the food dishes, Darla, my tempramental tibetan terrier, led the canine  chorus with a shrill, piercing bark that I’m sure my neighbors have come to know and hate.   Amidst the din, it registered, that, as often is the case, my unflappable shih tzu Leilani, and her  (MUCH less unflappable son), Landon, rode out the storm, calmly laying on their beds chewing on their nylabones. 

This made me think about the way dogs (and people) react differently to the same events.  Dog feeding time at our house is a highly anticipated event that brackets my dog’s days.   Darla is clearly both stressed and excited by the prospect of eating.  (My dogs are fed seperately, so its not obvious food competition issues at work here).  I think its more basic personality and coping strategies:  Darla is so excited at the prospect of food that she works herself into a frenzy.  On the other hand,  Leilani takes the approach that the food will come, and she may as well be comfortable while she waits.

Landon is the odd dog out in this equation.  He does not have the calm temprament of his mom, he’s a big boy with strong leadership qualities, and you would not describe him as laid back.  So I wonder….is this a learned behaviour, or is it those calm genes of his mother popping through?  Probably some combination of both, I suspect.

There is something here that struck a chord with me, especially in this bleak economic climate, where EVERYONE is stressed.  We have a choice…..when faced with a potentially stressful situation, we can react anxiously like Darla, or we can  hang out and wait for a resolution like Leilani.  I’m wandering into anthropomorphism land here, I like to think that  Landon given a choice,  chose to relax with a nylabone , following the lead of his mom .  (Maybe nylabones and a glass of say, merlot have more in common then you’d think?)

Without conscious intervention, my instinctual response to stress is definitely Darla -like. I aspire to, but will probably never achieve a laid back attitude like Leilani has.   At the end of the day, like Landon,  I’m  somewhere in between.