THE IRISH TERRIER

The Irish Terrier is considered one of the oldest terrier breeds, although the exact time that they came into being is still disputed today. The Dublin dog show in 1873 was the first to provide a separate class for Irish Terriers. By the 1880s, Irish Terriers were the fourth most popular breed in Ireland and Britain. Irish Terriers were bred for a number of uses and is happy working on the farm or as a companion animal.

The Irish Terrier coat can be golden red, red wheaten, or wheaten. As with many other solid-coloured breeds, they may have a small patch of white on the chest. As an Irish Terrier grows older, grey hair may appear here and there. Irish Terriers are broken coated, so they don't shed hair all year round, they are said to be a good dog for asthma sufferers. The coat may need trimming once or twice a year. As they are double coated is best to have the coat stripped out but clipping is the next best option. The harsh coat protects it from all kinds of weather.

Irish Terriers need a moderate amount of exercise. They are not a big but they are active and athletic dogs and need and enjoy consistent mental and physical challenges. They are well suited to dog sporting activities such as agility. Irish Terriers require regular walking and enjoy training. They learn quickly but can be stubborn, like other terrier breeds, so require a consistent, reward based, and interesting training regime.

Irish Terriers are good with people but often dominant with other dogs. Most have strong guarding instincts and when these instincts are controlled, make excellent alarming watchdogs. They have a highly developed sense of loyalty and it is important that they have a strong responsible leader, for whom they have natural respect. Most Irish Terriers love children and tolerate rough-housing to a certain extent. The Irish Terrier is full of life, but not hyperactive; it should be able to relax inside the house and be roused to full activity level quickly.


Irish Terriers have a great sense of humour, they will make you laugh and are a lot of fun to have around. They are not suitable for everyone though and if you want a subdued, quiet lap dog or a dog that will sit in the corner and not be with you all the time then look elsewhere, this breed is not for you.

The Irish Terrier is a generally healthy breed. The life expectancy is around 13-14 years.