Quick Facts:

Group classification: Terrier

Country of origin: Ireland

Date of origin: 19th century

Weight (M): 25-27 pounds Height (M): 17 -18 inches

Weight (F): 24-26 pounds Height (F): 16-18 inches

Life expectancy: 12-16 years

History of the Breed

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History

From its name, it clearly shows that the Irish Terrier is a dog breed that originated in Ireland. The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest terrier dog breeds, which most assume to be a descendent of tan and black dog breeds of Ireland and Britain. The Irish Terrier has a very long honourable history because it was one of the most loved dog breeds in the nineteenth century in most countries in the United Kingdom especially England and Ireland. The Irish Terrier breed was popular among kings and painters because of its beautiful unique coat, though originally it was used for hunting.

General Description

Irish Terrier is red, racy and rectangular. Racy means the Irish appears powerful without having to be heavy with strong looking body features. Its rectangular shape and nose outline gives it a trademark that makes it appear different from other terrier breeds. The Irish Terrier has a long graceful outline with the body and its legs being perfectly proportionate. This tall physical appearance displays strength, power and speed. The Irish Terrier has a coat that is mostly golden red, wheaten or red wheaten, with at times a white patch on a small portion of the chest. The coat is dense and the outer part of the coat has a wiry and straight texture.

Temperament

This is one of the most courageous terrier dog breeds and though it maybe bold, it is very friendly. The Irish Terrier is so playful and it can make a very good house pet since it is protective, assertive, loving and has a nature of always eager to explore new things. This breed is a very loyal protector and unafraid to offer protection to its family when they are in danger. However, the breed has a very hot temper and it tends to be aggressive to other dog breeds and small animals. Therefore, it does require some training for it to learn how to control its temper in public.

Health and Care

The Irish Terrier has a dense lean coat that rarely sheds and can be easily maintained by simply brushing or combing it at least once a week. It may be necessary to shape the dog’s coat two times in a year. Regular baths are also essential. Since the Irish Terrier is very active and playful, it will require daily exercises, but one has to keep a firm control to prevent it from attacking other people and other animals. Irish Terrier can adapt to different climatic conditions and has a long healthy life. The only health complication an Irish Terrier can face is urinary stones.

Additional Information

Nicknamed as the “daredevil”, the Irish Terrier is very intelligent, loyal, high-spirited and remarkably courageous. A combination of such personality made this dog very popular in the 19th century whereby it was used as a messenger and a guard dog during the First World War. The breed has a body that is strong, powerful and muscular. The Irish Terrier breed can be very hostile to strangers and other dogs; therefore, training is necessary for taming down the dog.

Pets4You offers listings of Irish Terrier breeders with puppies for sale.