Erin Go Bark: The Most Popular Irish Dog Breeds and Names

In celebration of St. Pawtrick’s — er, Patrick’s — Day, here are the most popular Irish dog breeds and names in the United States.

No matter what breed or mix of breeds your dog happens to be, have a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day. And let’s hope every homeless dog has the luck of the Irish and finds a forever family!

Top 5 Irish Dog Breeds

According to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2021, these are the Irish breeds that made the list:

1. Irish Setter (71 on the list)
2. Irish Wolfhound (85)
3. Irish Terrier (124)
4. Irish Red and White Setter (154)
5. Irish Water Spaniel (165)

Top 5 St. Patrick’s Day-Inspired Dog Names

VPI, the first and largest pet insurance provider in the U.S., listed the most popular Irish-inspired names, based on its database of more than 525,000 insured pets.

“The Irish heritage is widely celebrated in the U.S., and the pet-loving community is no exception,” said Curtis Steinhoff, VPI director of corporate communications, in a press release. “While we may not have our own pet parade for St. Patrick’s day, we continue to see a trend of Irish-themed pet monikers year over year.”

These are the top 5 names:

1. Lucky
2. Seamus
3. Clover
4. Patrick
5. Shamrock

The most popular name for Irish Wolfhounds is Finnegan, VPI notes. Dublin, after the capital of Ireland, and Jameson, a famous Irish whiskey, are also popular names.

Top 5 Irish Beer-Inspired Dog Names

1. Murphy
2. Guinness
3. Harp
4. Smithwick
5. O’Hara

Although VPI doesn’t mention it, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Bailey, after the famous cream liqueur, is also a very popular name, sure and begorrah.

Photos: peggycadigan; frame.fusion; Kathleen Tyler Conklin; Pleple2000