Discover Everything About Irish terriers
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
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.
| Height | 45 - 45 cm (Female), 45 - 45 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 11 - 13 kg (Female), 12 - 15 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 13 - 15 years |
| Character | Energetic, Loyal, Confident |
| Coat | Wiry, short, double undercoat |
| Coat Color | Red, red wheat, wheat |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € € |
History
As the name suggests, the Irish Terrier originally comes from Ireland. He is believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds, although the exact origins of his breed are unclear. Some believe that he descended from the ancient black and tan terriers and/or from the red terriers that were common in Ireland in the 17th century. It was originally used as a working dog, protecting the home and yard from rodents and other pests, but also as a hunting dog, helping to locate 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 the First World War he served as a messenger and guard dog.
Originally bred to hunt wolves and large game, the Irish Wolfhound is known for its imposing size and gentleness.
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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.
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| Hunting or Herding Drive |
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?
Fun Fact!
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 | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
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.
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This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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