Dog
Group:
Terrier 
Irish Terrier Champions
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Pronunciation:
Irish Terrier
Breed Description:
This medium-sized, well-proportioned terrier looks very similar to the Wirehaired Fox Terrier, though somewhat longer and taller. The Irish Terrier breed of dog has a flat skull, long whiskers and bearded muzzle with powerful jaws. The stop is only really noticeable in profile. The nose is black. The ears are v-shaped and fold forward. The hair on the ears is shorter and often darker than on the rest of the dog. Bushy eyebrows top the small, dark, fiery eyes. The front legs are long, straight and muscular. The tail is docked 3/4 of its original length and carried erect. The rough looking wiry outer jacket is lined with a softer undercoat. The Irish Terrier is solid colored and may be red, golden, or wheaten. The ears of an Irish Terrier sometimes require "training." The ears get glued to the top of their heads so that they form the correct shape as the cartilage fills in. Not all dogs require this, and it's definitely not necessary if you're not going to show the dog. A special non-toxic leather glue called tear-mender is used.
Temperament:
The Irish Terrier breed of dog is hot-tempered, reckless and exceptionally courageous. These animated, spirited and loyal dogs are affectionately called "Daredevils" by their fanciers. The Irish Terrier plays hard and is a good friend for active children. Bold, inquisitive and ready for action and adventure. Intelligent and trainable. If they sense an owner has a meek side to them they will become willful as the dog will believe he needs to be in charge. Can be quite a handful. Train firmly right from the beginning providing rules the dog must follow and limits to what he is and is not allowed to do. Be calm, but stern and always consistent. Very affectionate and kind with humans. Can be quite combative with other dogs if the owners are not on top of them communicating that they are not in change and fighting is an unwanted behavior. This terrier should not be trusted with non-canine pets. The Irish Terrier has a strong protective instinct, so he should be socialized well with people at an early age. They can be difficult to housebreak. The Irish Terrier likes to dig, explore and chase things. They should be kept on a leash except in a safe enclosed space. This is truly a loyal and entertaining companion.
Height:
18 to 19 inches
Weight:
25 to 27 pounds
Health Problems:
The Irish Terrier breed of dog is a very healthy breed and is not prone to any major hereditary disorders.
Living Conditions:
The Irish Terrier breed of dog will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised, and a small yard will do. If given sufficient exercise, it is surprisingly well-mannered and dignified indoors.
Exercise:
Since Irish Terriers were bred for active work, these dogs need plenty of regular exercise. They need at least a daily long, brisk walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead. Do not let the Irish Terrier breed of dog walk out in front, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.
Life Expectancy:
12 to 14 years
Grooming:
The hard double coat of the Irish Terrier breed of dog is easy to groom and rarely sheds. Brush regularly with a stiff bristle brush and remove the dead hair with a fine-tooth comb. Bathe only when necessary. Irish Terriers are also supposed to be hand-stripped/ hand-plucked twice a year (just like an Airedale). Dogs that compete need much more attention.
Origin:
The Irish Terrier breed of dog, originally from Country Cork, Ireland, is probably one of the oldest terrier breeds. It is two thousand years old, but the earliest images we have of it is in a painting of the 1700's. He is a feisty hunter and exterminator of den animals, otter, and water rats. The breed has also been used as a retriever and wartime messenger. The Irish Terrier became very popular in England during the late 1800's. The United States' breed club was started in 1896. Today the Irish Terrier serves mainly as a companion dog and sturdy, loyal guardian of home and family, though he still retains his vermin hunting prowess. Some of the Irish Terrier's talents include: hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdog, guarding, police work, and military work. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
