Fall 2021 Children's Sneak Previews

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glen of imaal terrier :: Article Creator

Born And Bred In Ireland

A new book is highlighting the nine Irish dog breeds, which include one of the rarest in the world - the Glen of Imaal Terrier

In fact, quite a few people know that there are nine native Irish dog breeds (the Glen of Imaal Terrier being one of them) and fewer still can name them.

However, 'Native Irish Dogs', a new pictorial book by Shane McCoy and Colin White, aims to put the Glen of Imaal Terrier and its eight compatriots.

The native dogs of Ireland are ancient breeds with diverse histories and mythologies and, over the centuries, each breed specific characteristics to assist them in daily life of an Ireland long past.

The breeds - four terriers, three gun dogs and two hounds - were all working dogs but also formed an integral part of Irish family life and were excellent companions.

Although hailing from humble beginnings, in the early 20th century our native dogs became increasingly connected with Irish nationalism and became symbols of a Celtic past.

The book has been written by Shane McCoy, a publishing professional and keen dog enthusiast with a love of Irish history and an academic background in Celtic mythology, while the stunning photographs were taken by Colin White, who has been working in the publishing industry for six years.

Shane said that he and his workmates were bouncing around ideas for a book when the topic of Irish dog breeds came up.

'My colleagues were shocked that we had nine breeds unique to Ireland and we had a laugh getting everyone to try and name them all,' said Shane.

'No one ever gets the Glen of Imaal unfortunately due to its rarity,' he added.

'In publishing this book, we aimed to promote the best of Irish and bring a knowledge base to people who may be thinking of getting a dog and this book will allow them to assess if an Irish breed is the right choice for them.

'Our Irish breeds also have an integral part in Irish history and are part of the fabric of our heritage,' said Shane.

While writing the book, the authors met with the Irish Kennel Club who, Shane said, thought it was 'a great idea and they were happy to support and endorse it.'

The foreword of the book is written by Sean Delmar, President of the Irish Kennel Club, who described the Irish breeds as reflecting the history, lifestyle and mythology of Ireland.

'From the hounds that were exclusively the dogs of kings, to the gun dogs favoured by the earls, and the terriers of the farmers and peasants, all fulfilled a vital role over the centuries in our social history and development,' he wrote. 'They are recognised worldwide for their beauty and working abilities, and for such a small nation, we have brought some exceptional breeds to the world of dogs.'

Enough about them - what about the adorable Glen of Imaal Terrier?

According to 'Dogs of Ireland', the Glen terrier was bred to hunt and eradicate vermin, such as rats, foxes, badgers and otters. A versatile breed, they were also used to herd sheep and cattle on farms, as well as for family companionship.

The Glen is essentially a big dog on short legs. They are, on average, 40 per cent longer than they are tall and can weigh approximately 16kg. Its unusual body shape allows it to stay close to the ground while tracking prey, to fit down narrow dens and still be able strong enough to take on the likes of badgers.

The dog, which can take three to four years to mature, exhibits a strange posture called 'the Glen sit' which, according to the book, is not commonly seen it other breeds. As the photo shows, this posture sees the dog sit on its hind legs and hold its body upright.

The book points to the breed possibly developing in the Glen of Imaal around the time of Queen Elizabeth I, 'when the French and Hessian soldiers employed to stop rebellion in Ireland brought low-slung hounds with them, who then bred with local terriers to produce the stocky breed we see today.'

The dogs themselves are 'lively and bold' and generally 'more even-tempered than other terrier breeds, more laid back and far less vocal.'

'A hard-working and explorative dog, they require less attention than other breeds - apart from regular walks, they will happily laze around the house. They have a stubborn terrier streak and can be independent dogs, but thrive with an owner who is firm and consistent.

'Unlike some terrier breeds, Glens do well with children and are fiercely loyal to their family, as well as being welcoming and generally calm with strangers.'

A rare and unique breed, some might say.

So, did anyone manage to name all nine Irish dog breeds? Apart from the Glen of Imaal Terrier, there's the Irish wolfhound, soft-coated wheaten terrier, Kerry beagle, Irish water spaniel, Irish terrier, Kerry blue terrier, Irish red and white setter and Irish setter.

'Native Irish Dogs' costs €19.99 and is available from bookshops around the county, including Bridge Street Books in Wicklow town, The Village Bookshop in Greystones and Dubray Books in Bray.

It is also available online and through the publisher www.Currach.Ie





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