Irish Terrier Prices Australia

If you’re thinking of adding an Irish Terrier to your family, get ready for an adventure! These spirited, affectionate dogs are full of mischief but equally as loving, making them excellent companions for the right person. But, just like any other dog, they have specific needs, and, as they’re fully dependent on their human, you’ll need to be confident you can cover the cost of owning one. But how much are we talking exactly? Well, along with the cost of buying an Irish Terrier, you’ll need to foot the bill for ongoing care, which can total thousands of dollars every year. To give you a much clearer idea of where this money goes, join us as we break down the costs of Irish Terrier ownership into easy-to-understand budgeted sections.

How Much Does an Irish Terrier Cost in Australia?

The first major cost is purchasing an Irish Terrier puppy, the price of which will vary depending on whether you buy from a registered breeder or through an adoption shelter. On average, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $4,000 for an Irish Terrier puppy from a registered breeder, but if you choose to adopt, the cost is much lower, usually between $300 and $600.

Now, as you scour through listings in search of your little redheaded companion, you might find puppies being sold at very low prices. Avoid these at all costs. Put simply, these are likely from unregistered breeders, who may not have raised their puppies or their parents in the best conditions or prioritised health screenings, meaning you could end up with a puppy with serious medical or behavioural issues. This is why it’s best to only ever buy from a registered breeder or a rescue shelter.

Average Price of an Irish Terrier When Buying Through a Registered Irish Terrier Breeder in Australia

Purchasing an Irish Terrier puppy from a registered breeder will cost between $2,500 and $4,000, but the final price will depend on several factors, including lineage and health checks. For example, a puppy with a champion bloodline and extensive health testing will be priced at the higher end of the scale. We’ll look at what affects the pricing in more detail further down the page.

Average Price of an Irish Terrier When Buying Through an Adoption Shelter in Australia

If you’re open to adoption, you’ll pay the much lower price of $300 – $600 in fees. Don’t think of this as a purchase price, either, but as a payment that covers the costs of essential healthcare, like vaccinations, desexing, and microchipping, which means you could also save money in your first year of ownership. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that because Irish Terriers aren’t as common as some other terrier breeds in Australia, finding one in your local shelter might be difficult, so you may have to research a little more and, if need be, travel further afield to find one available for adoption.

Factors Influencing the Cost of an Irish Terrier

No matter where you decide to get your Irish Terrier from, there are a few factors that will determine how much you’ll pay for them. These include:

Lineage

Irish Terriers who come from champion bloodlines, particularly those bred for show competitions and that closely meet the breed standards set by Dogs Australia, will be priced more toward the $4,000 mark. This is because the parent dogs are carefully selected for their superior genetics, reducing the risk of inheriting hereditary conditions and increasing their puppies’ chances of performing well at dog shows. However, if you’re simply looking for a companion rather than a show dog, an Irish Terrier with a pet-quality background will be priced lower.

Breeder Reputation

As well as the puppy’s inherited traits, the efforts the breeder has put into raising them will affect the price. Experienced and ethical breeders will invest in the best quality of care for their puppies, including early socialisation, responsible breeding practices, and genetic health screenings to rule out health issues, all of which cost the breeder money. These costs are then reflected in the price of the puppies, along with the opportunity for the breeder to make a profit, and while this does mean paying a higher upfront cost, it significantly reduces the risk of costly health problems in the future.

Rarity

Compared to some other terrier breeds, Irish Terriers are relatively uncommon in Australia. This means there are fewer breeders, and demand can sometimes exceed supply, which, in turn, drives prices up. This is something to keep in mind when you’re deciding whether this is the right breed for you, especially considering you might need to wait for a puppy to become available from a registered breeder.

Costs of Essentials for Your Irish Terrier

That’s how much you’ll pay on average for an Irish Terrier, but it’s by no means the end of the expenses. You’ll also need to pick up some essentials to welcome them into your home, including:

• Dog crate: $150 – $200 for a small, durable crate suitable for training and as a safe space for them to call their own.
• Dog bed: $90 – $150 for a plush, cosy bed with added memory foam or orthopaedic padding that will cushion and support their joints while they sleep.
• Dog collar/lead: $40 – $80 for a strong collar and lead set that can withstand occasional pulling and offer you good control during walks.
• Feeding bowl: $25 – $40 for a non-slip bowl made from ceramic or stainless steel for better hygiene.
• Dog toothbrush: $20 – $40 for a toothbrush and toothpaste set designed to stop plaque buildup and prevent gum disease in small breeds.
• Dog car harness: $60 – $100 for a well-fitting, crash-tested car harness to keep your furry friend safe throughout car rides.
• Puppy treats: $20 – $40 per month for grain-free, all-natural training treats and tougher chews for downtime.
• Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 for disposable or washable training pads that are invaluable during the early stages of housetraining.
• Dog shampoo & conditioner: $35 – $50 for a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner made with natural ingredients that will keep their wiry coat clean without irritating the skin.
• Dog nail clippers, brushes, & combs: $50 – $100 for a slicker brush, stripping knife, and nail clippers for at-home grooming between trips to the professionals.

Irish Terrier Maintenance Costs

Along with these essentials, your Irish Terrier is going to need ongoing care, which continues to add to the cost of owning one. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to budget for on a monthly and yearly basis to keep them happy and healthy.

How Much Does it Cost to Feed an Irish Terrier?

One of your biggest ongoing expenses is food, and as an Irish Terrier should weigh between 11kg and 12kg when fully grown and needs 200g – 300g of food each day, your monthly spend could be between $60 and $300, based on these diets:

• Cost per day on a dry kibble diet: $2 – $5 for a high-protein dry kibble with added omega fatty acids for coat health.
• Cost per day on a wet food diet: $4 – $8 for an all-natural, grain-free wet food made with meats and vegetables.
• Cost per day on a raw diet: $6 – $10 for a custom-designed raw food plan made up of mixed meats, organs, bones, and vegetables.

It’ is important to remember that these are just estimates, and the amount you’ll spend on dog food each month will depend on several things. This includes your dog’s age, sex, and overall health, as well as the brand and diet type you choose. Speak with your vet about the best food for your individual Irish Terrier before settling on a diet.

How Much Will Veterinary Care Typically Cost for an Irish Terrier?

Another ongoing expense you’ll need to consider before buying an Irish Terrier is vet care. This is preventative care, not just emergency care, and here’s what you might spend:

Cost of Routine Preventative Care:

• Annual vet checkups: $100 – $200 for a checkup that monitors your Irish Terrier’s weight and looks for early signs of diseases or common terrier health issues.
• Vaccinations: $120 – $250 per year for initial vaccines and annual boosters to protect your pup from parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and more.
• Worming and parasite treatments: $20 – $50 per month to keep your dog tick and flea-free, as well as protect them from various worms.
• Dental cleaning: $300 – $600 every few years for a thorough cleaning under anaesthetic and, if need be, extractions.
• Pet insurance: $50 – $100 per month across different coverage levels and any pre-existing conditions to help cover the cost of unexpected medical bills.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for an Irish Terrier’s Grooming?

Because Irish Terriers have a wiry, dense coat, they need regular professional grooming to stop matting and keep them looking and feeling great. Here’s a breakdown of some grooming costs:

• Hydrobath prices: $40 – $80 per session for a deep-cleaning bath that will remove dirt, excess oils, and allergens from their coat.
• Full groom prices: $100 – $200 for a bath, hand-strip, nail trim, ear cleaning, and coat shaping.
• Face, feet, and tail groom prices: $30 – $50 to tidy up these areas in between full grooms for improved hygiene and appearance.

Irish Terrier Training Costs

Just like all other terrier breeds, Irish Terriers are independent and stubborn, so they need training to make sure they’re as well-behaved as possible. There are various training classes on offer, and each comes with an average price:

• Basic obedience training: $200 – $300 for a multi-week group class that covers essential commands, loose-lead walking, and recall training.
• Puppy training class prices: $150 – $200 for early training with other puppies focused on socialisation and teaching good manners.
• Specialised training prices: $120 – $150 per session for one-on-one training focused on improving specific issues like excessive jumping, barking, or reactivity.

Understanding the Full Costs of Owning an Irish Terrier

Before you bring an Irish Terrier into your home, you need to understand that they’re not just an investment of money but also time and energy. Their intelligence and independence require consistent training, their wiry coats need regular grooming, and their high energy levels require food and exercise, all of which you’ll need to pay for. But if you feel confident in your finances and are up for the challenge, you’ll have a loyal and loving pet that, over the course of their average 13 – 15-year lifespan, will bring you endless amounts of adventure, love, and happiness.