The breeding, training, working and exhibiting of the nine uniquely Irish pedigree dog breeds. These are:

• the Irish Wolfhound
• the Irish Red Setter
• the Irish Red and White Setter
• the Irish Water Spaniel
• the Kerry Blue Terrier
• the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• the Irish Terrier
• the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
• the Kerry Beagle

Background information

The social functions of each of the nine native Irish pedigree dog breeds pertain to the functionality of each of the breeds and contribute to the preservation of natural habitat and wildlife as well as engagement in rural pursuits. These pursuits include herding, vermin control, hunting with individual dogs (pointing, setting, and retrieving) or with packs, along with bird population monitoring and preservation while also recognising the social relationship and interaction between canines and humans in areas such as obedience, agility, exhibiting and companionship.

Practice and practitioners

The Irish Kennel Club is the primary practitioner as the holder and guardian of the certified studbook and pedigree register since 1922. The Irish Kennel Club is internationally recognised by the FCI as the authority on and author of the individual description and standards for each of the nine native Irish breeds.

The relevant knowledge and skills required to breed, train, work with and exhibit Irish pedigree dogs are fostered by the Irish Kennel Club and dedicated members of specific affiliated breed clubs many of whom have devoted countless hours over many years championing the traditions associated with one or more of the nine native Irish pedigree dog breeds which include field trials, working tests, lure coursing and drag hunting.

Development, transmission and safeguarding

Initiatives both past and current are instigated by the Irish Kennel Club and its members most of whom operate on a voluntary basis through 207 affiliated clubs. Membership is currently 27,000 though not all of these are actively involved in an affiliated club. In respect of some of the breeds active involvement is centred on a handful of dedicated families and individuals with a passion for this particular aspect of canine pursuits.

The Irish Kennel Club is the guardian of the certified studbook and pedigree register since 1922 with the objective of safeguarding the integrity of all pedigree dogs on the island of Ireland registered with the Irish Kennel Club. It has successfully fulfilled this mission for nearly 100 years and will continue to do so into the future.

In addition to being proactive on matters relating to canine welfare, the Irish Kennel Club currently licences in excess of 350 events (primarily dog shows and field trials but also presentations at game fairs promoting rural pursuits and cultural events with costumed pageants and historical commentary) on the island of Ireland annually.

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Irish Kennel Club

Location	Throughout Ireland
Categories	Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe Social practices, rituals and festive events
Keywords	Animals, dogs
Contact organisation	Irish Kennel Club