Irish Terrier
Group 2: Terriers
Height: 46 – 48 cm
Energy Level: High
Original Function: Hunting
Lifespan: 12 – 15 yrs
Recommended for: Active people & families.
About This Breed
The Irish Terrier from Ireland was widely used as a guard dog and for hunting foxes, badgers and otters. It is closely related to the Wire Fox Terrier. Its only now regaining some of the popularity it once had.
They are lovable and become devoted to their owner or family, they enjoy the active company of young children and if they become bored can amuse themselves by landscaping the garden. They can be a handful around other dogs so good socializing from a puppy is needed.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Medium Sized. Small dark eyes. Ears V shaped, tips drop down. An active, lively and wiry appearance; plenty of substance but free of clumsiness. Neither cloddy nor cobby but showing a graceful racy outline.
Temperament: Loyal, Brave, Intelligent.
Characteristics: There is a heedless, reckless pluck about the Irish Terrier which is characteristic. They develop a great devotion for their masters.
Colour: Red, Wheaten or Yellow/Red
Coat: Harsh & wiry
Grooming: Easy to care for, the coat only requires brushing now and then and bath when needed.
Exercise: they do need plenty of exercise, daily walks and runs off lead.
Health: This breed is very hardy but some can suffer from a hereditary urinary problem as well as foot and eye diseases.