BRIAN J. LOWNEY: Irish eyes smiling on terrier Finn
If you're looking for a keenly intelligent dog that is a lot of fun to own, consider the Irish terrier, one of its homeland's best-kept canine secrets.
Seldom seen in this country except at dog shows, this racy, red-jacketed vermin hunter is known for its loyalty, versatility and buoyant sense of humor.
South Dartmouth resident Ruth Furman and her husband Ernest Fisher fell in love with the breed in the mid 1990s while living in England, after discovering a picture of one of these pleasant dogs in a library reference book. Their discovery led to exhaustive research, and while Fisher wasn't quite convinced that the couple needed a feisty terrier in their lives, he was smitten once he discovered a handsome specimen living with a breeder in London.
"You don't see a lot of them in the United Kingdom," says Furman, adding that after that meeting, the couple subsequently purchased Oscar, a charming puppy that was sired by the dog they'd met in the British capital.
"They have small litters," she says, adding the Irish terriers found in Britain have "subtle but distinct differences" that distinguish them from their American cousins, such as broader skulls and a slightly stockier body.
When the couple lost Oscar in 2008, they acquired Emmy, a small terrier-mix, which continues to bring joy to their lives.
However, while they loved Emmy, the pair still yearned for another Irish terrier to join their family.
"We had a hard time finding a puppy in the United States," Furman says, noting that the couple finally found a breeder in western Massachusetts who had a male puppy for sale.
Now 3 years old, that dog, affectionately named Finn, keeps its owners constantly amused and entertained.
"They're lively," Furman says. "Their personality is bigger than they are. Irish terriers are always curious and ready for a challenge."
The dog fancier says that Irish terriers love children and have a sense of adventure.
Finn, his owner says, gets along very well with Emmy and delights in rousing the older yet still playful canine.
"He's like the younger brother that likes to tease his older sister," Furman says.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Irish terrier should always have a long head, racy outline and convey great character and strength. These agile, athletic canines are known for their dense, wiry coats, which should always be whole-colored, ranging in shades from bright red to wheaten.
When evaluating an Irish terrier, whether in the show ring or as a family pet, temperament should always be of utmost importance. The dogs must be good-tempered, spirited and ready to meet a challenge, reflecting the breed's early and versatile background as a family pet, guardian and vermin hunter known for its ability to hunt woodchucks and small rodents.
These intelligent canines, which were trained by British forces to work as sentinels and messengers during World War I, are also excellent water dogs that can be trained by sportsmen to retrieve waterfowl.
"If Finn sees something move, he's on high alert," Furman says. "He'd be ready for the chase, if allowed."
Furman says that contrary to what some dog fanciers believe, Irish terriers can be taught to be obedient.
She adds that it takes perseverance and a fair yet firm hand to teach the canines to become well-mannered family members. Finn has completed basic obedience training and Furman hopes that the delightful dog will earn an AKC Canine Good Citizen title in the spring.
Furman describes her chosen breed as "low maintenance," noting that Finn requires regular brushing as well as grooming at a local pet shop. Show dog coats are hand-stripped, a costly and laborious process that requires expertise and great patience.
The proud dog owner says that when many folks encounter Finn during walks or car trips, they confuse the medium-sized canine with an Airedale, a much larger terrier that has black and tan markings. Many people ask questions about the Irish, while others just look and smile.
"There is something pleasant about an Irish terrier's face," Furman says, recalling the great joy that her dogs have brought to their happy owners' lives.