Happy St, Patrick’s Day! Interested to know which pets are hot in Ireland? Read on for some fun facts about Irish pets and their history.
History of Pets in Ireland
Pets have been part of Irish culture for centuries! Dogs have been a part of the Irish people’s lives since at least the 5th century, when Irish dogs were prized for their hunting and guarding abilities. Cats were introduced to Ireland in the 12th century, and soon became popular for their mousing abilities. In later centuries, horses, birds, and even exotic animals, such as monkeys, were kept as pets by the wealthy. Today, the most popular pets in Ireland are dogs and cats, although many households also keep small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs. No matter what type of pet, it’s clear that Ireland has a strong and long-standing tradition of loving animals!
Most Popular Pets in Ireland
According to the Irish Veterinary Journal, the most popular pets in Ireland are dogs, cats, and fish. Dogs are the most popular pet, with 38% of Irish households owning at least one. Cats come in second place, with 24% of households having one, and fish come in third place with about 8% of households having an aquarium. Other pets, such as rabbits, hamsters, and reptiles, are also quite popular.
Most Popular Dog and Cat Breeds in Ireland
According to the Irish Kennel Club, the most popular dog breeds in Ireland are Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and Border Collies. The most popular cat breeds in Ireland are British Shorthairs, Ragdolls, Maine Coons, Bengals, and Siamese.
Irish Wolfhound Facts
Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest of all dog breeds, standing at an average of 32 inches tall at the shoulder. They are intelligent, loyal, and gentle in nature, making them excellent family dogs. Despite their size, Irish Wolfhounds rarely bark and are generally very quiet. They have a life expectancy of 6-10 years and require daily exercise and a healthy diet to stay healthy and happy. Irish Wolfhounds are also naturally adapted to cold climates and have a double coat that helps keep them warm.
Ragdoll Cat Facts
The Ragdoll is a breed of cat known for its affectionate and gentle nature. It has a long and silky coat and comes in various colors and patterns. The breed is named for its tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up, resembling a child’s ragdoll toy.
Fun Facts:
- Ragdoll cats are known for their gentle and relaxed temperament, making them great companions.
- They were first bred in California in the 1960s by a woman named Ann Baker.
- Ragdolls are a large breed of cat, weighing between 10-20 pounds.
- They have a soft and fluffy coat that requires regular grooming.
- Ragdolls come in a variety of colors and patterns, including seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac.
- They are often described as “puppy-like” in their behavior, as they are known to follow their owners around and even play fetch.
- Ragdolls are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and bladder stones.
- They are also known to be indoor cats, as they are not as street-smart as some other breeds.