Irish Terrier - Irish Terrier

Irish Terrier Temperament

The Irish Terrier is a dog that is very loyal and friendly, yet also very determined and territorial. These dogs have spirit, courage, and plenty of energy, making them ideal as watchdogs, companions, and family pets. This is a dog with great agility, and his boundless energy means that he does need a lot of exercise, which means that he will fare best with more active owners. These dogs thrive on physical stimulation and plenty of attention, and neglect will often lead to boredom and destructive behavior. The Irish Terrier loves to jump, dig, chase, and in many cases bark, so if you are looking for a quiet, calm dog then this is probably not the breed for you. He loves playing games of fetch.

The Irish Terrier is a very territorial dog, and can be very wary with strangers. This does make him an effective watchdog, and he will be protective of and loyal to his family. When it comes to other pets, the Irish Terrier can be both dominant and aggressive - any pet that tries to stand up to the Irish Terrier will have the bear the wrath of this breed. Strange animals will usually be challenged by the Irish Terrier, and owners should be warned that smaller animals such as rodents and rabbits may not live to see another day if they get in the way of these dogs. On the other hand, the Irish Terrier tends to get along well with children providing they are gentle and considerate. It is important to ensure that your Irish Terrier is socialized from an early age in order to promote a more stable temperament. He can be very stubborn and over-confident, which can make training difficult and makes him better suited to those with some experience of dog ownership.
Irish Terrier Appearance

The Irish Terrier has a distinctive appearance, with a long and slightly rectangular muzzle. He is a medium sized dog, with a sturdy build and an inquisitive expression. The weight of the Irish Terrier is around 25-27 pounds, and reaches around 18-20 inches in height. The coat of these dogs has a wiry, harsh texture, and the coloring of the Irish Terrier is red (various shades) or wheaten. His ears are small and folded, falling forward from near the top of the head, adding to his alert and curious expression.
Irish Terrier Grooming

The grooming requirements for the Irish Terrier are moderate, and you will need to ensure that his coat is brushed and combed on a weekly basis to keep it in good condition. Pet Irish Terriers may need to be clipped every few months, and show dogs will need to have the dead coat stripped several times a year. Also, check the teeth and ears of the Irish Terrier regularly for cleanliness and to reduce the chances of infection and health problems. With property grooming this breed is a low shedder, which means that he could prove ideal for those with allergies.
Irish Terrier Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The Irish Terrier is generally a hardy and healthy breed, and there are not many health issues that are linked specifically to this breed. Amongst the health problems to look out for are allergies, skin problems, eye problems, and urinary stones. The life expectancy of the Irish Terrier is around 13-16 years. The parents of the Irish Terrier puppy should have CERF certificates.
Irish Terrier History

The Irish Terrier was developed in Ireland, and has enjoyed a versatile past making him something of a Jack of All Trades. These dogs have been used as farm dogs, hunters of small game, for vermin control, and during the Great War their intelligence and courage made them the ideal choice for messenger dogs in the trenches. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1885.

# AKAIrish Red Terrier
# SizeMedium
# Ease of trainingMedium
# GroomingMedium
# SheddingLow
# Exercise neededWalk and a run daily
# Energy levelMedium
# ProtectionHigh
# Good with childrenYes, with gentle, older children
# Health clearancesCERF
# Popularity123/155