Irish Terrier: temperament, size, care and health

About the Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is a rangy, athletic terrier about 18 inches tall, with a long head, a neat beard, small folded ears, and a straight, wiry coat in a solid shade of red or wheaten. It is leaner and more racy than most terriers, giving the impression of speed and endurance. The expression is keen and slightly intense.

It was developed in Ireland as an all-purpose farm dog that could kill rats, hunt small game, and guard the family and livestock. Owners prize the loyalty and the courage, and many describe a dog that is more thoughtful than flashy.

Temperament and family life

The Irish Terrier is devoted to its family and often protective. It tends to be affectionate and gentle with those it knows, including children, and it has a reputation for being steady with them once through its adolescence, which can be long and boisterous. It does not enjoy being teased.

Strangers are watched carefully. The breed is a natural guardian, and a sharp bark can be expected. It often has a short fuse with other dogs, particularly of the same sex, and it may have a strong urge to chase small animals. Early and ongoing socialization is vital. Irish Terriers do not do well when left alone for long periods.

Exercise and training

Plan on an hour of activity daily, including a chance to run in a securely fenced area. Hiking, tracking, and agility suit the breed. Dull routines lead to digging and barking.

The Irish Terrier is clever and quick to learn but can be willful, and it dislikes harsh correction. Training should be consistent, calm, and reward-based, and early classes make sense. Impulse control matters because the breed tends to react rather than think. Recall is not reliable around wildlife or other dogs.

Grooming and shedding

The coat sheds little, but it needs regular maintenance. Brushing a few times a week and hand-stripping two or three times a year keeps the texture harsh and the color rich. Many pet owners use clippers, which softens the coat and lightens the color.

Trim the beard and the hair around the feet, wash the beard after meals, clean the ears, and cut nails. The footpads are worth checking regularly.

Health

The Irish Terrier is considered a healthy breed, though two inherited conditions are particularly associated with it. Cystinuria, a metabolic problem that can lead to bladder stones, mainly affects males, and a DNA test is available. Hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis causes thickened, cracked pads in young dogs. Allergies, hip dysplasia, and some cancers are also reported. Breeders may test for cystinuria and screen joints.

This overview is general; a veterinarian is the one to ask about how a given Irish Terrier is doing.

History

The Irish Terrier is generally traced to County Cork and other parts of Ireland, where red wiry terriers were kept long before formal breeding. It was one of the earliest terrier breeds to be shown in Ireland, with a separate class at the Dublin show of 1873. During the First World War it is reported to have served as a messenger and sentinel. The breed has since become uncommon.

Is the Irish Terrier right for you?

An Irish Terrier suits an active, experienced household that wants a devoted, upright, protective dog and is ready to supply exercise and training. It is not a good match for apartments, for people who want an easy or always sociable dog, or for homes with small pets.

For a larger option consider the Airedale Terrier, while the Welsh Terrier is a smaller, black-and-tan relative. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and the Kerry Blue Terrier are two other Irish terriers with different coats.