Irish Terrier

Other names: Irish Red Terrier

Irish Terrier

The Irish terrier is an active, compact working dog that has become a popular choice as a household pet. Like most working dogs, the Irish Terrier is a lively, high-energy breed. They’re also very healthy and robust and are resistant to many diseases and other health complications. The Irish Terrier was bred as a pack animal, and so they're well known for their social dispositions and fondness for other dogs and small children.

Key facts about the Irish Terrier

Life expectancy :

8

20

13

15

Temperament :

Playful Hunter

Size :

Origins and history

Experts believe that the Irish Terrier descended from the black and tan hunting breeds, and that it shares a common ancestry with the much larger Irish Wolfhound. The first breeding club was set up in Dublin in 1879. Shortly after, Irish Terriers were recognised as an official terrier breed by the English Kennel Club. They soon became a popular choice for farmers and hunters, gaining a reception for being excellent trackers and fearsome hunters halfway through the 20th century, Irish Terriers become a popular family pet, primarily for its fondness of young children.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 3 - Terriers

Section

Section 1 : Large and medium sized Terriers

Physical characteristics of the Irish Terrier

    Adult size

    Female : Between 17 and 19 in

    Male : Between 17 and 19 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 24 and 29 lb

    Male : Between 24 and 29 lb

    Coat colour

    Red

    Type of coat

    Long

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    Irish Terriers have stocky frames with a deep chest. Their legs are much longer than most terriers, and they also have long necks and a high head carriage. This gives them a proud, elegant posture that is always ready for action. Irish Terriers have short, folded ears and longs muzzles covered with patches of long hair.

    Good to know

    Irish Terriers are not a naturally obedient breed. Without the right training and socialisation, they will be very difficult to handle. An unsocialised terrier will be destructive, stubborn, and aggressive toward other dogs and family pets. 

    Terriers were bred to hunt foxes, badgers, and other den-dwelling animals, meaning they love to dig. If you don’t want them digging up your flowerbeds, you’ll need to create some space where your Terrier can satisfy this instinctual behaviour.

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      The Irish Terrier will certainly show its family lots of affection, but don't expect these high-energy dogs to spend too much time cuddling up on your lap. They're far too independent and active to be treated like a lapdog.

    • 100%

      Playful

      Like most terrier breeds, the Irish Terrier is very playful. These working dogs are eager to please and find reward-based games and training extremely stimulating. They also like having fun and will happily keep their owners entertained for hours at a time.

    • 66%

      Calm

      Irish Terriers are not known for being one of the calmer breeds! These dogs are full of energy, have a low tolerance for boredom, and will likely chase after anything that moves. They can also be very territorial, meaning they're likely to start barking and yapping when “strangers” come to visit.

    • 66%

      Intelligent

      A highly-intelligent breed with a willingness to learn, the Irish Terrier requires an experienced handler who understands positive reinforcement training techniques. Like many intelligent breeds, these dogs can be a bit stubborn and independent. So you’ll need to keep them engaged in the right way.

    • 100%

      Hunter

      These dogs were bred to hunt. As with many terrier breeds, they were first used to hunt small vermin and later became valuable hunting companions in the search for bigger game. Today's Irish terrier retains many of these hunting instincts.

    • 33%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      Irish terriers aren’t fearful or wary of much, and when they are, they tend to go on the offensive. Rather than avoiding or hiding from strangers, an Irish Terrier is much more likely to start barking and yapping at them. This is their way of saying “who are you? And what are you doing in my space?"

    • 66%

      Independent

      Irish Terriers are very social animals and shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time. If they are, they do have a tendency towards destructive behaviour. That being said, these dogs are very independent minded. This requires a skilled handler, especially when it comes to training.

      Behaviour of the Irish Terrier

      • 66%

        Tolerates solitude

        Irish Terriers are pack dogs who need plenty of company. Leaving an Irish terrier alone for long periods of time will have a very negative effect on its mental health. This will result in a host of behavioural issues including destructive behaviour and separation anxiety.

      • 100%

        Easy to train / obedience

        Providing you understand the fundamental principles of positive training methods, the Irish Terrier is very easy to train. Without such techniques, the Irish Terriers independent streak can take over, and you'll have a very stubborn and disobedient dog on your hands. If you've never owned a dog before, then do plenty of research on reward-based training methods before adopting an Irish terrier. You may even want to invest in some professional help from a certified dog trainer.

      • 33%

        Barking

        He never barks without reason.

      • 100%