Irish Terrier
Other names: Irish Red 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
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
An Irish Terrier’s coat will usually be light brown or tawny colour, although it can also be a reddish, rust type colour, or wheaten red.
Type of coat
Irish Terriers have a short, straight and wiry topcoat with a soft and much thicker underlayer.
Double layered with a thick undercoat.
Eye colour
Dark 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.