Bród, beloved dog of President Michael D Higgins, dies aged 10

President Michael D Higgins pictured in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin in 2021 with Bród (right) shortly after the arrival of Misneach.  Picture: Tony Maxwell 

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

The 10-year-old dog had been part of an adorable double act with two-year-old Misneach, winning the hearts of the nation as they welcomed dignitaries and members of the public to Áras an Uachtaráin.

Four-year-old Dubliner Lucy Eglington with Bród during a visit to the President at Áras an Uachtaráin. Picture: MAXWELLS

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.

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

President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola and Sabina Higgins with Bród at Áras an Uachtaráin earlier this year. 

However, sources at Áras an Uachtaráin confirmed that Bród passed away “very peacefully” earlier today in his 11th year. The president’s office has been contacted for comment.

President 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".  

William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, greeting Bród during a visit to President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin in 2020. Picture: Julien Behal Photography

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