Irish Terrier picture
Irish Terrier

Irish Red Terrier, Daredevil

Overview

The Irish terrier has a graceful, racy outline, with a moderately long body. It should not have the short back characteristic of so many of the long legged terriers. It is sturdy and strong in substance, but it is also active and lithe in movement. This is an all-round terrier that must combine speed, endurance, agility and power to perform a great variety of jobs. Its broken coat is dense and wiry, never so long as to obscure the body shape. Its expression, like its nature, is intense.

Called the daredevil of dogdom, the Irish terrier is brash, bold, assertive, playful, inquisitive, independent, strong-willed and ever ready for action and adventure. It is usually aggressive toward other dogs and small animals and tends to be reserved with strangers. It likes to chase and run and hunt and explore; it needs daily physical and mental exercise in a safe area. Given sufficient exercise, it is surprisingly well-mannered and dignified indoors. It is a loyal and entertaining companion.

Size Medium
Height 18 inches (43 cm)
Weight 25-27 pounds (11-12 kg)
Lifespan 12-15 years
Colors Red Red Wheaten Wheaten
Origin Ireland
Classification Purebred
Good Lapcat
Good In Apartments

The Irish Terrier will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised; a small yard will do. If given sufficient exercise, it is surprisingly well-mannered and dignified indoors.

Good With Children

Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. It is also shy toward other pets and shy toward strangers.

Good With Dogs

Good With Cats

Exercise Needs

Since Irish Terriers were bred for active work, these dogs need plenty of regular exercise. They need at least a daily long, brisk walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead. Do not let this terrier walk in front, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.

Trainability

Moderately Easy Training: The Irish Terrier is a very willful and stubborn dog that will require a firm and consistent pack leader. The Irish Terrier is known to be quite a handful and will likely show difficulty with housebreaking. This is not the dog for the meek or passive owner.

Affectionate

Playfulness

Grooming Requirements

High Maintenance: The Irish Terrier is a fairly low-maintenance breed that requires regular brushing with a stiff bristled brush. A fine tooth comb should be used to remove the dead hairs after brushing. Hand-plucking of the hairs of the Irish Terrier is necessary twice a year. Excessive hair around the pads of the feet must be trimmed and the ears must be kept clean.

Shedding

Minimal Shedding: A properly cared-for Irish Terrier does not shed either. The wiry coat is fairly easy to groom, pet dogs (rather than show dogs) needing stripping only once or twice a year.

Vocalization/Barking

Occassional

Irish Terrier Pictures