Welsh TerrierSame FCI section
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Irish Terrier
Health grade C- Shoulder height43–47 cm
- Weight11–15 kg
- Life expectancy13–15 yrs
- Puppy price1,500–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Irish Terrier is a fiery, fearless companion—a long-legged Erdhund (earth dog) historically bred as a versatile farm guardian and intrepid hunter. Their absolute loyalty to their family is paired with an uncompromising terrier stubbornness.
- Health grade C: The Irish Terrier receives a grade of C, as the number of 8 mandatory health screenings is above average.
- You are looking for an active, enduring companion for hiking, jogging, or dog sports
- You can lead with confidence and a good sense of humor rather than expecting blind, robotic obedience
- You expect relaxed visits to the dog park—they were bred never to back down from a confrontation, which often leads to friction with other dogs
Self-check
Would the Irish Terrier really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Irish Terrier fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
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Is the Irish Terrier right for you?
At a glance
Irish Terrier overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
13–15 yrs
Shoulder height
43–47 cm
Weight
11–15 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Wiry, short, double undercoat
- Origin: Ireland
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Irish Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Irish Terrier come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Irish Terrier — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Wire
Double coat
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy working together on tasks—as a former farm all-rounder, this terrier needs mental stimulation to keep from getting into mischief
- You appreciate a courageous dog that will alert you to intruders if necessary, but isn't a constant barker
Less ideal if:
- You have small pets or cats in the household, which their genetics will inevitably classify as prey
- You have little patience for a dog that likes to question the purpose of a command before carrying it out
- You live in a building with thin walls and expect an invisible, silent roommate
The real vibes check
An Irish Terrier looks like an elegant red gentleman but has the heart of a fearless street fighter. They would literally walk through fire for their people, but in return, they expect to be treated as a true partner on equal footing. If you channel their fiery character with consistency and fairness, you won't get a servant, but an incorruptible shadow who will never let you down.
Breed Profile
The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a striking red coat color that can vary from light wheat to deep red. With his slim and muscular stature, he radiates strength and agility. Its head is elongated and adorned with glowing, dark eyes and V-shaped ears that fall forward. Its tail is usually docked, although this is now banned in some countries, including Germany. The Irish Terrier belongs to FCI Group 3: Terriers.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 43 - 47 cm (Female), 43 - 47 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 11 - 13 kg (Female), 12 - 15 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 13 - 15 yrs
- Character
- Energetic, Loyal, Confident
- Coat
- Wiry, short, double undercoat
- Coat Color
- Red, red wheat, wheat
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
If you choose an Irish Terrier as your companion, you will be amazed by their energetic and cheerful temperament. This dog is full of joy for life and loves to be the center of attention. He is very people-oriented and loves spending time with his family. Although he is playful and lively, he can also enjoy quiet moments and loves being with his people. He is naturally very alert and will ensure that you are always aware of everything that is happening around you. His strong hunting instincts also mean that he is very interested in the outside world and enjoys going for walks and exploring. Since he is also a very independent breed, he can easily learn to stay alone as long as this is well trained. Although the Irish Terrier is an active and energetic dog, he also has his quiet moments. He can get along well with other pets as long as he is well socialized, although his hunting instincts can come out around small animals. His alertness and natural distrust of strangers can make him a good watchdog, although he should never be aggressive. The Irish Terrier's robust and independent nature means that he is not a lap dog, but rather an active and engaging companion. He is known for his fearlessness and courage and is always ready to defend his family. At the same time, he is an extremely loyal and loving dog who is deeply attached to his family.
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Irish Terrier is considered one of the oldest terrier breeds and was used as a messenger and guard dog during the First World War?
What Awaits You
Irish Terriers are very active and intelligent dogs. They need active, experienced dog owners and meaningful activity. If you don't have the latter, find something yourself. They are alert and ready to defend themselves.
Housing & Care
Because of their size and adaptability, Irish Terriers make good city dogs as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are known for their friendliness towards children and can also get along well with other pets with proper socialization.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
Irish Terriers are intelligent, energetic, and eager to learn, making them great candidates for various types of training and dog sports. They are great for agility, obedience and even flyball. Despite their energy, Irish Terriers should not be kept overly busy. You also need enough rest and time to relax. This breed is at risk of becoming 'ball junkies'. It is therefore important to vary the type of activity and not to concentrate too much on the ball game. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important aspects of raising an Irish Terrier. They are sometimes stubborn, which requires patient and consistent training. Early socialization and training to a variety of environments and situations are also important to ensure the dog is well-adjusted and happy.
Nutrition & Care
Irish Terriers require a balanced diet that meets their energy needs. Their food should be rich in proteins and healthy fats, with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Grooming an Irish Terrier is manageable, even though they have a thick undercoat. They do not shed heavily and only require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and clean. They cope well with the German climate, but in the colder months you should make sure that they have enough protection from the cold.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Irish Terrier receives a grade of C, as the number of 8 mandatory health screenings is above average. The primary focus is on breed-specific hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis (HFH), which causes painful cracks on the paws, as well as eye diseases such as glaucoma (POAG) and cataracts. Thanks to modern DNA tests, the most severe risks like HFH can be eliminated through responsible breeding, but regular eye examinations remain mandatory.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly exercise during the first year, regular eye check-ups, and occasional inspections of their paw pads, your dog will usually stay fit well into old age.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the knees and eyes of the parent dogs examined and use modern tests to specifically rule out hereditary conditions affecting the paws and kidneys.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
8
Risks tracked
1
Club standard
6
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
We sort tests into three tiers — from the mandatory club standard to a fully exemplary program.
Club standard. Tests that the relevant breed club (VDH / FCI / AKC parent club) requires. Any serious breeder should be able to show you these.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Irish Terrier cost?
A Irish Terrier costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €310, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,840 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (14 years) it comes to about ~€31,030.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,840
Across the dog's life
~€31,030
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
Looking for a Irish Terrier?
Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
As the name suggests, the Irish Terrier originally comes from Ireland. It is believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds, although the exact origins of the breed remain unclear. Some believe it descends from the old Black-and-Tan Terriers and/or the red terriers that were common in Ireland in the 17th century. It was originally used as a working dog to protect the house and farm from rodents and other pests, but also as a hunting dog that helped flush out and hunt game. In the 19th century, the Irish Terrier gained popularity and was officially recognized as a breed by the Irish Kennel Club in 1875. During World War I, it served as a messenger and guard dog.
Original Use
Hunting vermin (rats, mice), guard dog, farm dog
Origin
Ireland
Date
19. Jahrhundert
Owner experiences
At home and with the family, owners describe the Irish Terrier as an affectionate, sturdy and very cheerful companion.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
At home and with the family, owners describe the Irish Terrier as an affectionate, sturdy and very cheerful companion. Many owners love the clear contrast between indoors and out: inside, these dogs are usually surprisingly calm and cuddly and doze quietly in their spot, but in the yard or out and about they go full throttle. With children they are seen as remarkably patient, fearless and anything but delicate, which makes them popular playmates in family life.
A challenge owners mention regularly, though, is how closely these dogs attach to their family: Irish Terriers want to be part of everything and don't handle being ignored for long stretches well. Many owners also note that getting one used to small pets such as cats or rodents can be very tricky because of its original vermin-hunting drive, and works best if the dog grows up with them from puppyhood. They aren't considered nonstop barkers indoors, but they are very alert and insistent about announcing anything unusual or any visitors.
Sources:terrier-vom-hungerbachtal.commagspleasure.decaramels-irishterrier.de
Owner accounts of training keep highlighting the breed's high intelligence, paired with an unmistakable terrier stubbornness.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owner accounts of training keep highlighting the breed's high intelligence, paired with an unmistakable terrier stubbornness. Owners agree that an Irish Terrier won't obey blindly; it likes to question the rules again and again and test whatever freedom it has on its own. With this sensitive but proud breed, harshness or pressure usually gets you nothing but stubbornness and withdrawal; according to owner accounts, what works is leadership with a sense of humor, complete consistency and clear boundaries.
Outdoor distractions and other dogs are especially hot topics among owners. Outside, the breed's hunting drive calls for forward-thinking management and a lot of impulse control before reliable off-leash time is even possible. Irish Terriers also aren't typical "friends with every dog" when they meet other dogs. Many owners say their terrier rarely starts a fight itself, but it won't put up with anything, sets firm boundaries quickly when a strange dog approaches rudely, and can be prone to posturing.
Sources:caramels-irishterrier.deforum.wildundhund.deterrier-vom-hungerbachtal.comreddit.com
On health and grooming, most reports describe a hardy, long-lived, tough breed.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On health and grooming, most reports describe a hardy, long-lived, tough breed. Many owners are pleased that, when kept properly, the Irish Terrier is rarely ill and shows a lot of stamina and toughness. Many owners are also amused that, while these dogs are weatherproof, they often show a clear reluctance to go swimming voluntarily or even step into rain puddles.
Newcomers sometimes underestimate the grooming: the wiry coat barely sheds day to day, but it needs regular hand-stripping to keep its texture and weather protection. Owners point out that clipping it the wrong way leaves the coat soft and dull in color. Now and then owners discuss breed-specific screening in forums, for example for metabolic problems such as cystinuria, but they stress that a dog from carefully controlled bloodlines usually makes a healthy, nearly indestructible companion.
Sources:forum.wildundhund.decaramels-irishterrier.deedogs.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
Community posts
FAQ & more
Is a Irish Terrier the right dog for me?
The Irish Terrier is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Irish Terrier live?
The average life expectancy of a Irish Terrier is 13-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Irish Terrier need?
Irish Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Irish Terrier good for families with children?
The Irish Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Irish Terrier come in?
The Irish Terrier comes in these colors: Red, Wheaten.
Are you a Irish Terrier breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Irish Terrier.