Ireland

Bród, ‘very much loved’ dog of Michael D Higgins, dies aged 11

The 11-year-old had been part of a double act with Misneach as they welcomed dignitaries to Áras an Uachtaráin

Bród, with President Michael D Higgins, his wife Sabin and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Áras an Uachtaráin in 2020. Photograph: Julien Behal Photography

Darragh Mc Donagh
Sat Apr 22 2023 - 19:41

Bród, one of the beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs owned by President Michael D Higgins, has died.

The 11-year-old had been part of a double act with two-year-old Misneach as they welcomed dignitaries and members of the public to Áras an Uachtaráin.

Mr Higgins and his wife Sabina said they were sad to confirm Bród’s death on Saturday.

“Bród was 11 years and two months at Áras an Uachtaráin, having come to the Áras as a eight week old puppy. Bród was a very much loved dog by all that met him and he enjoyed meeting with the thousands of members of the public who came to Áras an Uachtaráin over the years and he was probably one of the most photographed dogs in Ireland,” the statement from Áras an Uachtaráin read.

READ MORE

“He will be missed by the President, Sabina and all at the Áras, particularly Misneach, the President’s remaining dog who is 2½ years old, and who has shared his space with Bród over recent months and was his constant companion, aware of Bród’s situation and very attentive to him.”

Prior to Misneach’s arrival in March 2021, Bród had been kept company by Síoda, another Bernese Mountain Dog who died following a short illness in September 2020.

The President’s dogs have become celebrities in their own right during his tenure, with unofficial social media accounts set up in their names attracting thousands of followers.

Members of the Ireland women’s hockey team playing with President Michael D Higgins’ dog, Bród, on a visit to the Áras. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

They were the focus of global attention as recently as last week, when videos of them “snubbing” US president Joe Biden during his visit to the Áras went viral and were reported on around the world.

However, sources at Áras an Uachtaráin confirmed that Bród passed away “very peacefully” on Saturday. The president’s office later issued official confirmation.

President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina on the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin with Bród and Misneach. Photograph: Tony Maxwell/Maxwells

Mr Higgins is known to be a dog lover and previously had another Bernese Mountain Dog called Shadow during his early years in the Phoenix Park.

Speaking about his dogs previously, he said they “are not merely ice-breakers, they’re also a great source of wisdom, and they must be protected from the stresses of the Anthropocene.”

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant breed that was originally bred in Switzerland as farm dogs or draft dogs, and were used to pull carts. Their average lifespan is between eight and 10 years.

LATEST STORIES