Irish Terrier

A breed that exemplifies loyalty and spirit perfectly is the Irish Terrier. These dogs have a long history of being used as both working and companion animals. They are distinguished by their striking red coat and lively demeanor. They were first developed as devoted farm dogs and skilled rodent hunters in Ireland.

The Irish Terrier is distinguished by their special blend of intelligence and persistence. In addition to their striking appearance, they are renowned for their bravery and fierce protective instincts. They are playful and loving with kids while being watchful protectors, which makes them excellent family pets.

These dogs are energetic creatures who enjoy playing, training, and exercising. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation because they are such energetic individuals. Irish Terriers make adaptable companions for active families because, with the right training and socialization, they can thrive in a variety of living environments.

If you’re thinking about bringing an Irish Terrier into your house, get ready to welcome a devoted companion who will fill your life with energy and happiness. They are the best option for dog lovers who value a lively, affectionate companion because of their distinct charm and unwavering nature.

Breed	Irish Terrier
Size	Medium
Weight	30-40 lbs
Height	18-20 inches
Coat	Wiry, red
Lifespan	12-15 years
Temperament	Friendly, loyal
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Good with Kids	Yes
Grooming	Regular brushing

General characteristics of the Irish Terrier breed

Working dogs of all stripes are Irish Terriers. They are able to protect the house and the plot while hunting foxes, otters, hares, and even wild boars. They are now frequently employed as companions and search dogs. They work as police officers and look for drugs and other illegal substances.

With a top speed of up to 40 km/h, these are the swiftest of the terrier group. Perform well in a variety of dog sports. The Irish refer to these terriers as "daredevils" or "red devils" because of this and their fearlessness. And "sunny dogs" for a good sense of humor and cheer.

Parameters	Characteristics
Breed name	Irish Terrier (English. irish terrier)
Country	Ireland
Breed group according to the FCI classification	Terriers
Application	Universal working dog, guard, hunting, athlete
Character traits	Cheerful, passionate, temperamental, loyal, friendly, fearless
Life expectancy	13-15 years
Height	Males 43-48 cm, bitches 41-46 cm
Weight	Males 10-13 kg, bitches 9-12 kg
Activity	High, cannot live without long-term physical activity, constantly on the move
aggression	moderate: friendly to people, pugnacious with dogs
intelligence	high: smart, quick-witted
trainability	complex
care	the molt is not strong, but the wool needs trimming
health	Good

Pros

Due to their medium size, Irish Terriers can live even in small apartments. The only requirements are ample physical activity and lengthy walks. There won’t be any issues at home if the dog runs around outside. The following benefits account for the breed’s popularity:

• smart, quick-witted, learn commands well;
• loyal, become very attached to the owner;
• fearless, ready to protect the owner from any threats;
• cheerful, cheerful, playful;
• hardy, hardy, try to please the owner, doing the assigned work perfectly;
• unpretentious, easily adapt to any conditions, love to travel;
• the coat does not shed, does not smell, does not cause allergies;
• have good health and a long life expectancy.

Cons

Irish terriers are a breed of dog used for hunting. They require lengthy walks because they are so passionate and active. As such, homebodies or those with sedentary lifestyles shouldn’t initiate them. Furthermore, novice dog breeders should avoid this breed. These dogs are intelligent, but they are also stubborn, dominance-prone, and challenging to train.

There are a few more drawbacks for the Irish Terrier:

• cannot be let off the leash outside, as they love to chase cats, birds;
• will dig trenches on all lawns, dig up beds;
• temperamental, hot-tempered, often change their mood;
• playful, unpredictable;
• bark a lot;
• do not get along with other pets, often conflict with dogs;
• difficult to care for wool – requires regular trimming.

The video will enhance the traits of the breed:

Irish Terrier in video. characteristics of the breed, maintenance

History of the origin of the Irish Terrier breed

One of the earliest breeds of terriers is the Irish Terrier. Similar dogs were first mentioned in writing in the fifth century. Nevertheless, it is unclear when the breed first appeared. Furthermore, not much is known about these dogs’ ancestors. Two versions are available to researchers. One theory claims that the breed’s ancestors were imported wire-haired terriers from Britain. An alternative account claims that their forebears were Irish wolfhounds. Furthermore, genetic research indicates that the wire-haired black and tan terrier is the Irish’s closest relative.

These dogs hunted, killed rats, and served as house guards for farmers. Because the breed was intended for working purposes, breeding procedures did not prioritize aesthetics. Irish terriers back then included canines with varying coat colors, lengths, and structures. They had red, black, blue, and white hair, as well as smooth and wire hair. It wasn’t until the end of the 1800s that breeders began to discuss and plan shows, form breed clubs, and create standards for the breed. Irish terrier subvarieties were identified as distinct breeds.

Dogs with wire hair used to come in a variety of colors. Breeders avoided mating black and striped people in an effort to homogenize them. Irish terriers with hard, short wool gained the nickname "red dogs" by the end of the 1800s. Other varieties were given different names.

The breed was well-liked up until the turn of the twentieth century. These dogs served as companions, hunters, and home guards. During the First World War, they were deployed to the front lines. These courageous canines had no fear of gunfire. They assisted the injured, served as messengers, and searched for mines.

In the late 1940s, Irish terriers made their debut in Russia, but the breed did not catch on. Since there weren’t many dogs, they mated with Kerry Blue Terriers, a breed of Welsh terrier. The breed’s purity could only be attained in the late 1990s. Russian kennels were permitted to enter dogs in international dog shows.

Varieties

Every county in Ireland bred its own terrier varieties up until the end of the 1800s. Their coat colors and features were different. With the exception of wire-haired ones, there are now multiple varieties of Irish terriers.

• The soft-haired wheaten terrier is larger in height. He has soft silky wool, rather thick and long. Its color is light – sandy or golden. The character is softer, more docile.
• The Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier is a rather rare hunting breed. Small dogs up to 35 cm. The coat is of medium length, the color can be red, brindle, sandy, blue. This is an ideal family dog, obedient and peaceful.
• Kerry Blue Terrier or Blue Terrier is a large dog of grayish color. Characteristic features – an almost square muzzle with a pronounced long beard and soft wavy hair.

Description of the appearance of Irish Terriers

The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized, robust, and athletic dog. Its muscles are well defined, and its build is harmonious. The Irish Terrier is typically 45–48 cm tall and weighs 11–13 kg. The appearance’s primary characteristics are its muscular, rather long legs, hard, dense hair, and its rectangular, elongated muzzle, which is framed by a beard and moustache.

Head

The skull has distinct tunes and is long and narrow. The elongated muzzle smoothly tapers towards the nose. The halt is hardly noticeable. The jaws are powerful and the cheekbones are flat. The Irish Terrier’s nose tip needs to be black, and its bridge should be straight.

The eyes are tiny and widely spaced. Iris color is dark brown. The expression is bright and perceptive. The small, triangular ears of the Irish Terrier. elevated and facing forward. lifted from the base and dangling down to the eyes. The ear hair is darker and shorter.

Body

There is no dewlap and the neck is long, straight, and well-defined at the withers. The construction is balanced and nearly square. The loin is muscular and has a slight slope, while the back is level. The chest is not very large, but it is deep. The abdomen is drawn in.

Strong and sufficiently long, the tail is set high. The dog grasps it either straight up or with a small bend in the tip. The Irish Terrier standard prohibits docking the tail, although some breeders still do it.

Limbs

The limbs are powerful, muscular, and slender. The front legs are parallel, straight, and closely spaced from one another. The elbows are not pressed against the body, and the shoulder blades are long. The thighs are thick, the hocks are low, and the hind legs are powerful. The small, rounded paws have tightly balled, curved toes. The motions are light and sweeping. The dog is resilient and capable of rapid development.

The coat and color of the Irish Terrier

The coat is medium length, thick, and hard. shields the skin from the elements, moisture, and injuries. The coat hugs the body, allowing the outlines to be seen. It shouldn’t be lengthy or wavy. It is smoother, shorter, and forms a distinctive beard and mustache on the head. The texture of the hair feels wiry. The absence of an undercoat is another characteristic of the Irishman’s coat. As a result, trimming is necessary because shedding is not severe.

The primary hue is red, which is consistent though subject to change. Colors such as wheat-red, bright red, sand, copper, and golden are permitted. The color of the ears is darker. The chest of the Irish Terrier might have a few tiny white spots. The standard prohibits markings in other locations and with different colors.

The description of these dogs’ appearance is enhanced by photos:

Characteristics of Irish Terriers

The Irish Terrier is an optimistic, energetic, and endlessly creative dog. He is a complex individual who is erratic and fickle. The canine possesses the following traits:

• irascibility;
• energy;
• curiosity;
• inquisitiveness;
• cheerfulness;
• responsibility;
• work capacity;
• loyalty;
• unpretentiousness;
• stubbornness;
• purposefulness;
• fearlessness;
• independence;
• playfulness;
• vindictiveness;
• touchiness.

The Irish Terrier is a hardy, executive dog at work. Has the same fervor and delight for hunting, house-guarding, object-searching, and competitive running. He is fearless and ready to defend his owner at all times. Not for nothing is the name "Solder" attached to it. For an active owner who is a hunter, athlete, or traveler, this is the ideal partner.

This is a happy and mischievous pet inside the home. Capable of making you chuckle with his antics and acting, he enjoys playing and making jokes with kids. These dogs can climb into any space and jump very high. Closed cabinet doors are insurmountable for latches and hooks.

However, the Irish Terrier can grow up to be a quiet, modest, and unassuming pet. It fits into the owner’s lifestyle with ease. These dogs adore going on trips, riding bicycles, and playing active games. Always available to lend a helping hand and lend support to any events. They are indulgent and patient with children. But they won’t work as a nanny and they won’t put up with nasty behavior.

They don’t get along well with other animals. They detest rodents in particular, but they also dislike cats and small dogs. If they have lived with a cat in the same home since they were puppies, they tolerate them but act hostilely toward outsiders. They fight with dogs frequently and hunt small game.

When it comes to people, Irish Terriers are not aggressive. They are not bothersome, but they are amiable and loving toward their owners and family. They grow quite attached to them. They will not allow a stranger to enter the protected area because they are suspicious of strangers. This dog will always warn by barking loudly before attacking. However, it leaps to the defense without hesitation when threatened.

Education and training

The Irish Terrier is a true leader who strives for constant dominance. It can compete with a person for leadership and enjoys brag-worthy moments among other dogs. As a result, the first and most important rule of education is to establish authority over the puppy right away.

These dogs are quick-witted, extremely intelligent, and eager to learn. They comprehend intonation, are highly oriented, sensitive to the owner’s mood, and have an outstanding memory. However, training them is challenging, and a novice owner might find it difficult. It is essential to consider the pedigree characteristics and adhere to the following guidelines:

• training should be regular, consistent;
• In training, you need to be persistent, patient, not to cede;
• It is impossible to show rudeness, scream and beat the dog – it can become embittered;
• Classes should be short, they need to be diversified, it is better to play in the form of a game in order to interest a pet;
• alternate encouragement with varnishes, affection, praise.

From the moment a puppy moves into the house, it’s critical to begin education. It must become used to a location, a moniker, a restroom, and behavioral guidelines. It’s critical to identify the head of the household right away. Study the following primary teams on your own: "place," "to me," "near," "stand," "sit," and "you can’t." It is preferable to give a professional dog handler more thorough instruction.

These dogs won’t follow instructions without question. They prefer to work nonstop, and they think it is a waste of time to train dog sites and practice the same command. As such, it will not be possible to raise a representative of this breed to be a model dog in terms of obedience and manners. However, the Irish Terrier will make an effort to please its owner, who has proven to be a leader and shows affection and respect for the dog.

Although he needs a customized program, this dog picks up guard duty classes and search and rescue skills quickly with the correct approach. The Irishman has an innate ability to hunt, track game via blood trail, and retrieve. These skills are simple to teach. In dog frisbee, agility, and coursing, he can also demonstrate good results.

A dog of this breed can even live in an apartment in the city. But it’s essential to take a long, physically demanding walk for at least three hours every day. This dog is happiest in a private residence where he has unrestricted access. The Irishman should not be kept in an aviary; he should not be chained. This dog needs space and communication from his owner; he is more of a companion than a security dog.

These dogs are good jumpers, so the fence should be raised. Remember that they enjoy digging in the ground just like other terriers. Not only can they destroy flowerbeds and beds, but they can also dig under the fence and escape.

Grooming

This pet is easy to groom; the same hygiene precautions apply as they do for other dogs. The coat alone needs special attention. This dog, in contrast to those with smooth hair, requires trimming and a unique haircut. Professional grooming comes at a high cost. As a result, lots of owners handle it themselves.

You’ll need to buy hair clippers, stripping, thinning, and trimming knives in order to perform trimming correctly. For optimal results, it is best to use specific patterns when plucking wool.

After the initial procedure at three months of age, this should be repeated every six months. Every two months, or more frequently, for show dogs. On the body, the hair in the ears is plucked. Though not cut short, the paws, whiskers, and beard are all groomed. The coat should be thoroughly cleaned and combed before trimming.

There are other easy hygienic procedures.

• Bathe as it gets dirty, the Irish coat does not smell, it is capable of self-cleaning. Be sure to use shampoo for wire-haired dogs.
• Wash the paws after each walk, inspect the pads for injuries. After eating, wipe or wash the muzzle, as pieces of food often get stuck in the beard.
• Between trimming procedures, the coat is combed several times a week. It is better to use a hard brush for this. This not only gets rid of tangles, debris, but also provides a skin massage.
• Eyes and ears need to be regularly inspected and cleaned. A special veterinary lotion is suitable for this.
• It is recommended to brush the pet"s teeth every week. This will help to avoid the formation of tartar.
• The claws of the Irish usually grind down on their own. But if the dog rarely walks on hard surfaces, they need to be trimmed with a claw cutter.

Nutrition

You have two options for feeding: natural food or dry food. In the first scenario, you should prioritize brands that are at least as premium as the super-premium class. Medium-sized dogs that are active should be fed this food. Given that breed members are more likely to develop allergies, it needs to be selected with caution.

When feeding your pet naturally, you must select a balanced diet that will give them all the nutrients they need. It should be made up of offal and lean meat. They are combined with greens, veggies, and cereals. Fruits in season and fermented milk products are beneficial. You also need to give calcium-containing vitamin supplements; puppies in particular require these.

The Irish have a good appetite and are casual about what they eat. The weight and level of physical activity of the pet determine how much food is fed. An adult dog typically receives 200–300 g of food twice a day in portions. To prevent the dog from stooping over, it is advised to set the bowl on an adjustable stand.

Health

The Irish Terrier is unique in that it has strong immunity and excellent health. It can live up to 15–16 years if given proper care, which is a pretty long life expectancy. Because these dogs are small in weight, their musculoskeletal system is robust and resistant to disease. However, these illnesses do occasionally arise:

• hypothyroidism;
• von Willebrand-Dian disease;
• hyperkeratosis of the paw pads;
• allergy;
• dermatitis;
• melanoma.

Which particular facets of the Irish Terrier—its temperament, history, or maintenance needs—interest you the most?

How to buy an Irish Terrier puppy

Although the breed is not very common in Russia, there are reputable nurseries available. Moscow has a particularly high concentration of them. Purchasing a puppy from such a nursery is advised. This ensures that it will be purebred, documented, and free of genetic defects. Such dogs are priced starting at thirty thousand rubles. A puppy in the pet class that deviates slightly from the norm can be purchased for 20,000–25,000 rubles.

Get to know the breeder, look into the conditions under which the animals are kept, and observe the mother’s behavior before making a purchase. It is advised to check all of the paperwork, including the veterinary certifications, right away. Puppies are typically sold at two to three months of age, but if the dog is to be shown, it is best to wait until the dog is five to six months old, at which point all of the breed’s traits should be visible.

The puppy ought to be social and energetic rather than hostile. People shouldn’t terrify him. Healthy babies have clean eyes, a soft tummy, fur free of bald spots and dandruff, and no bad smell coming from their bodies.

The picture depicts the puppies’ appearance:

The breed’s description is enhanced by the following video:

Video: Irish terrier Frida

Recognized for their loyalty and intelligence, Irish Terriers are a distinct and energetic breed. It has a long history of serving and protecting its family as a working dog, giving it a strong sense of loyalty. They are wonderful companions for active homes because of their lively and playful personality.

Maintaining an Irish Terrier requires mental and physical stimulation on a regular basis. They gain from mentally stimulating training sessions and thrive on interaction. Since this breed can be a little stubborn at times, persistence and patience are essential.

Socialization is crucial starting at an early age. Introducing them to a variety of situations, people, and animals will aid in their development into well-rounded canines. They can develop a close relationship with their owners and grow to be cherished family members with the correct care.

In conclusion, the Irish Terrier is a loyal friend who infuses happiness and vitality into any household, not just a pet. Those who value their distinct character will find them to be a source of unending love and companionship due to their energetic and devoted nature, setting them apart from other breeds.

Video on the topic

Two-month-old Irish terrier guards airport security

Irish Terrier Terra Irko Chelsea Revenge

Irish Terrier 2.5 months. Learning commands.