St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to learn about dog breeds that originated in Ireland. There are a total of nine breeds from the country, and some of them date back over a thousand years. These are some of the best hunting and companion dogs on the planet, so if you’re looking for a new dog, check these ones out.

1. Glen of Imaal Terrier
One of the newest breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), this breed is actually many centuries old. They are quick, agile and love companionship. In the old days, they were used to hunt vermin around the farms and rotate a spit over the fire by using something that resembled a hamster wheel.

2. Kerry Blue Terrier
This breed is generally black and blue in color, but they can also be recognized by their beards. These dogs are great in the water as well as on land, and were used to retrieve game while on the hunt with their owners. These dogs are great companions as well as working dogs.

3. Irish Wolfhound
One of the oldest and most noble breeds in Ireland, these dogs were given as gifts between royal families in Europe. Possibly originating in the first century A.D., these dogs have a long history of being useful hunting dogs because of their size and speed. The Wolfhound is one of the first nine breeds to be recognized by the AKC. If you’re going to adopt one, make sure to have a high fence and a big yard for it to run around.

4. Irish Setter (Red, Red & White)
While the Red & White Setter dates back before the more well-known Red Setter, they both have similar personalities. Both breeds are very loving companions, and have a lot of energy for a good portion of their lives. This makes them good hunting dogs, but even better friends for when owners weren’t out hunting food.

5. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Named for their soft, brownish off-white fur, these dogs are possibly the oldest terrier breed in Ireland. References to the breed date back over two centuries. Under there soft fur exterior, these dogs have muscle and can be used to retrieve small game.

6. Irish Water Spaniel
The Water Spaniel can be identified by its dark curly hair and rat tail. These dogs love the water, as their name implies, and are very protective of their families. This was one of the first nine breeds recognized by the AKC when the organization was established.

7. Irish Terrier
This terrier is a candidate for being the oldest terrier breed in Ireland. They are very courageous, and are so brave that they were used as messengers during World War I. They used to be many different colors, but selective breeding has made most of them red in modern times.

8. Kerry Beagle
One of the oldest breeds in Ireland, these dogs were bred with other hounds to create better hunting dogs. This beagle is larger than others, and can retrieve game that other Irish breeds might be too small for.