Irish Terrier | The Smart Dog Guide

The Irish Terrier is known for its glowing red coat and its fiery disposition. This breed makes an excellent companion that is also considered to be hypoallergenic.

Quick Stats

Group: Terrier

Size: Medium

Height: 18 inches (46 cm.)

Weight: 25-27 pounds (11.3-12.3 kg.)

Shedding: Minimal

Grooming: Moderate

Lifespan: 14-15 years

Irish Terrier History

While it is believed to have been around much longer, the Irish Terrier as we know it today has been in existence since the 1700s. Like other terrier breeds, it was used to hunt animals in burrows and specifically mice, rats, otters, and foxes.

It also functioned as a watchdog and guardian for livestock as well as an all-around farm dog. The breed was also used by the English and their allies in World War One as guard dogs, to carry messages, and to catch and kill rats that infested the trenches.

Irish Terrier Characteristics

The ideal size for the Irish Terrier is a height of eighteen inches at the shoulder with a weight of twenty-five to twenty-seven pounds. The breed has both a long body and long legs. It has a flat head and a long muzzle.

The ears are folded over and V-shaped while the tail is docked and carried erect. The Irish Terrier coat is dense and wiry. It should be solid-colored although it may have a patch of white on the chest. The coat color for the breed may be bright red, golden red, wheaten, or red wheaten.

Irish Terrier Health

As with all dog types, this breed is known to be affected by certain health conditions. However, it is generally a very healthy breed. The most common Irish Terrier health problems include:

-hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis

-cystinuria

-cataracts

The average Irish Terrier lifespan is from fourteen to fifteen years making it a very long-lived dog.

Irish Terrier Temperament

This breed’s roots as a hunter, guardian, and pet are evident in its temperament. It’s a fabulous family dog that is good with children and extremely courageous. A naturally protective dog it won’t think twice about putting itself at risk for those it cares about.

The Irish Terrier can be very dominant with other dogs and will not back down from a confrontation with them. Its background as an independent hunter created an intelligent dog that has no problem thinking on its own.

Irish Terrier Care

The manageable size of this breed means it can be kept in an apartment just as easily as in a house. It will need exercise daily, however. Training and socialization are very important in order to help the Irish from becoming too overprotective. Because of its prey drive and confrontational attitude with other dogs, it should always stay on the leash when taken out.

When allowed off the leash it should be in a securely fenced-in yard. The breed should never be trusted around small pets. As far as grooming the Irish Terrier will need only occasional brushing to get rid of any dirt or debris. Once or twice a year however the coat should be hand-stripped to remove dead hairs. The wiry coat allows this breed to live comfortably in virtually any climate.

Irish Terrier Facts

-Because of its well-known fearlessness the breed has been nicknamed the Daredevil. Others refer to it as the Racy Terrier because of its speed. Alternatively, it is also called the Irish Red Terrier as a result of its coat color.

-Irish Terrier shedding is minimal so it’s considered one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds. It, therefore, makes an ideal selection for someone who wants a dog but happens to be allergic.

-Compared to other purebred dogs, this breed has very few inherited health problems making it one of the healthiest of all breeds. It also typically lives to quite an old age too.

-The athleticism and intelligence of the breed allow it to compete very successfully in activities such as obedience, agility, and Flyball. These traits along with their sense of smell mean they also do very well in tracking and barn hunt events.

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The Irish Terrier Guide