Irish Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Irish Terrier?

There are many terrier types in this dog breed group and the Irish are one of the oldest in the bunch. As an officially recognized breed in 1875 at a dog show in Glasgow Scotland, this terrier has been a popular breed ever since.

In the 1880s, the terrier became one of the most popular breeds in Britain and has rapidly spread since in the US. The first Irish Terriers were registered with the American Kennel Club back in 1885. The first breed club, the Irish Terrier Club of America was founded later on in 1896.

Moving forward to WW1, they were used a lot as messenger dogs and sentinels and whilst fading somewhat from popularity, they remain a breed that deserves a home and a loving environment in this modern day. The Irish terriers rank 123rd among the 155 breeds in AKC.

Who are Irish Terrier dogs best for?

As one of the oldest terrier breeds, this dog type is best for families who have an adventurous nature and love to get outside. It's best to have Irish Terrier puppies that you can socialize with from a young age to adapt to households with young children, so get them involved in puppy classes and dog sports.

They will be wary of those they don't know but they rely on their owners for validation. They often are little daredevils though, so watch out for their mischievous streak.

How much grooming does a Irish Terrier need?

The Irish terrier has a dense and wiry coat with hairs that grow close together. There's a double coat that has a stiff outer coat and a softer undercoat. The coat is adaptable to most weather conditions whether it's being indoors or playing outdoors.

Brushing the coat weekly will help to keep it clean and healthy. It's important to clip the coat professionally and to hand strip it professionally too if possible. It can be a challenge to do it if you're a new dog owner, so if in doubt, turn to the pros!

Other grooming needs will include brushing your teeth two or three times a week and trimming their nails at least once a month.

Do Irish Terrier bark much?

Irish terriers make for great watchdogs and will often warn their owners if there are any new sights or sounds. However, they won't excessively bark if they're trained properly to only bark when necessary.

Do Irish Terrier bite?

Irish terriers love children, which makes them the perfect household dog for families with young kids. Most Irish terriers will be fairly well behaved when it comes to nipping or biting. It's best to try and nip it in the bud from a young age where possible.

If they tend to nip, then it's worth getting a toy to distract them with every time they go for your skin. Don't allow them to dominate you as their owner. It's also worth socialising them with other dogs from a young age too. This will help them behave with other dogs in general.

What is the temperament & personality of a Irish Terrier?

With dog breeds of any kind, temperament and personality are important to consider. With this dog breed, you'll quickly learn that this dog type is good-tempered, alert and full of life.

Their temperament can be influenced by several factors whether that's their training or socialisation. The Irish Terrier puppy can adapt very well to obedience training and with plenty of exercise, they will be great company within your home.

However, it's worth noting that these terriers can be strong-willed and independent, so they may be scrappy when it. comes to other dogs. Novice dog owners will need to be on it when it comes to correcting behaviours that aren't so good when it comes to interacting with other pooches.

Get them involved with dog sports to help them burn their energy supplies and provide mental stimulation. They're not a one-person dog, so they'll love being around all types of people, whether they live in the home or not.

What is the weight & size of a Irish Terrier?

For males, the average weight is 13 kilos and for females, they weigh slightly less at 11 kilos. The height of the dog will vary between 45 to 50 cm.

How much training does a Irish Terrier need?

When it comes to Irish terrier training, it's good to install high fences outside so that they don't think about making a run for it. They're also diggers, so you may want to reinforce the fences too at the bottom.

This native Irish breed will need around 30 minutes of exercise each day which could be spread over two or three walks. They're great for running alongside with if you'd prefer to go out jogging yourself and they are great off-lead.

Training them from a young age is key and as a family pet, they'll be the perfect family member when socialised properly.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Irish Terrier?

The Irish terrier dog is one that luckily doesn't experience much in the way of common health problems. They may have some general dog health issues later on in life but in comparison to other dog types, they're fairly lucky with avoiding most problems and diseases that can develop or be hereditary.

However, it's important that for them, you're taking them to the vets as and when required. An Irish terrier might be more invincible to health issues but they still need attending to keep them healthy.

What is the lifespan of a Irish Terrier?

The lifespan of a terrier breed like this one is 13-15 years. The terrier group is often a great one for long lifespans and as a dog owner, it's always important to have as many years with your pooch as possible!

As long as you're giving them plenty of exercise and making sure they eat healthily, they'll have a long, healthy life.

How much should you feed a Irish Terrier?

When it comes to feeding, the recommended daily amount is around 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. This is split between two meals and therefore, you mustn't allow your dog to over-eat. This can cause weight gain which can be difficult to work off.

However, if you're giving them plenty of exercise, you'll have no problem keeping them fit and healthy.

What is the price of a Irish Terrier in Australia?

Depending on the breeder you choose and the area in which you're located, you can expect to pay anywhere around $700 to $1,000 on average. This might vary depending on where you are though and you must be going with a reputable breeder where possible.

You may find some of these dogs will be available in rescue centres or shelters.