Irish Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Irish terrier is a medium-sized dog breed developed in Ireland, known for their alert and rectangular body, erect tail, wiry reddish coat, and V-shaped ears that fold in half and flop forward. Old Irish manuscripts stated that the Irish terrier was the "poor man’s sentinel, the farmer’s friend, and the gentleman’s favorite."

If you are looking for a dog who has boundless energy, will be devoted to their family, and is playful, adaptable, affectionate, cuddly, and up for anything, you may find your perfect partner in an Irish terrier.

Learn more about the Irish terrier, including the breed’s history, care needs, and temperament.

Characteristics of the Irish Terrier

Irish terriers have bags of charm and character. They are brave, energetic, and determined, and tend to be very people-orientated. This will not be a breed for everyone, though. They don't always get on well with other animals, can be very strong-willed, and can get easily bored if not given proper exercise and enrichment.

It’s important to provide this dog with proper training and socialization from an early age. Exposing your Irish terrier to various people, other dogs, and other pets will help them grow up to be comfortable around everyone they meet.

Keeping your Irish terrier on a leash when not in a fenced-in yard is also important, as these dogs have a high prey drive that could cause them to chase small animals.

History of the Irish Terrier

It's not known how far back the history of the Irish terrier really goes, although they are thought to be one of the oldest of the terrier breeds. As with many terriers, they are likely descended from the old, now extinct black and tan terrier. What is known, though, is that they gained popularity because of their adaptability, bravery, and work ethic.

The breed was used on country farms and estates in Ireland for hundreds of years. Their all-purpose nature meant they were unflinching ratters, loyal watchdogs, guardians of livestock, and even hunting companions. Their coarse, wiry coat helped to keep them warm in the Irish countryside that plays host to some harsh weather conditions.

By the 1870s, the breed resembling the Irish terrier we know today was emerging and only found in the solid red color for which they are known.

In the late 19th century, their popularity began to grow and the first Irish terriers were imported to the United States. They received official recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1885.

The Irish terrier's loyalty and tenacity meant they were selected to deliver messages, act as sentinels, and rid camps of vermin during World War I. Their renowned bravery earned them the nickname of "daredevils."

After World War II, the breeding of Irish terriers slowed dramatically and their popularity dipped. To this day, though, the breed has a devoted following who fall for their feisty, independent, dynamic, and loyal characteristics.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team used an Irish terrier named Clashmore Mike as their mascot before switching to a leprechaun mascot. And in 2007, an Irish terrier starred in the movie, “Firehouse Dog.”

Irish Terrier Care

Because of their energy level and intelligence, the Irish terrier needs to be kept busy. Along with a decent amount of daily exercise, you will need to make sure you offer enough mental enrichment around the home.

Stocking up on good interactive toys and incorporating short training sessions into their daily routine will help keep boredom at bay and prevent problem behaviors.

Exercise

If you love the great outdoors and head out hiking or running in all weather conditions, then an Irish terrier is probably going to be a game companion. This is not a breed that will be content with a couple of quick walks around the block to your local park.

Give an Irish terrier a vigorous daily walk of at least 30 minutes, but aim to let them exercise and play for 60 to 90 minutes per day. They have boundless energy and stamina. With the right direction, they can excel at:

• Dog sports
• Agility
• Canicross
• Fetch
• Flyball

It’s best to let your Irish terrier play in a fenced yard. Be sure the fence is high enough and deep enough into the ground to stop your dog from jumping or digging their way out.

This dog can also have a lot of fun playing with kids, but they should be supervised to be sure no one accidentally gets hurt.

Grooming

The Irish terrier has low-maintenance, basic grooming needs. Their short, coarse coat sheds minimally, and a weekly brush out should be enough to keep it healthy.

To keep their Irish terrier's coat tidy, most pet parents have them hand-stripped (removal of dead hairs by hand) a few times a year. This is a tricky technique and it is usually best to seek the assistance of a gentle and qualified groomer for this job.

Brush your Irish terrier's teeth at least a couple of times a week to prevent tartar buildup. Also, check their ears regularly for signs of infection, excessive wax, or irritation, and use an ear cleaner for dogs when necessary. And check their eyes for symptoms like discharge or irritation. 

Training

When it comes to training, the Irish terrier is very smart, but the dog is also incredibly strong-willed. Trying to force an Irish terrier to do something is not likely to have good results, and it certainly won't help to strengthen your bond.

They respond well to positive reinforcement, and pick things up quickly because they are so clever. To keep their interest, keep training sessions short, varied, fun, and motivating, and you will likely see great results.

You will need to work hard on their recall skills. Also, they may have to remain on the leash in areas where there are lots of squirrels or rabbits.

Irish terriers bark to alert, and can make great watchdogs, but don't let their alert barking get out of control. You also don't want them to start guarding when you are welcoming visitors.

Common Health Problems

Irish terriers, like a lot of the hardy terrier breeds, are considered to be generally healthy and robust.

Finding a breeder who performs health checks on prospective parents will minimize the chance of you selecting a dog who will develop genetic health conditions. Being aware of what some of these conditions are, though, can still be helpful.

• Cataracts: This is a cloudiness that develops in the eye lens. Cataracts can often be progressive, and can cause blurry vision and lead to eventual blindness.
• Hyperkeratosis: This is caused when too much keratin is produced, and your dog can suffer from a thickening of the skin around the nose and paws. In the mid-20th century, this was a common problem among Irish terriers. As a result of responsible breeding programs and genetic testing, it is a rare occurrence now, but it can still sometimes happen.
• Cystinuria: This relates to when dogs produce excessive amounts of the amino acid cysteine in their urine. It can lead to painful cystine stones forming in the kidney, bladder, and ureter. Although still rare, there is a higher incidence of this condition in Irish terriers than in most breeds.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia: These orthopedic problems affect the hips and elbows, causing symptoms like pain and mobility issues.
• Hypothyroidism: This condition causes the thyroid to underproduce hormones. Symptoms include lethargy, cold intolerance, and weight gain, to name a few.
• Thrombopathia: This is a blood clotting disorder. It can cause the gums to bleed, and it can cause a dog’s nose to bleed. It can also cause purplish red spots on the skin.  

Diet and Nutrition

An adult Irish terrier may need to eat anywhere from 1 to 1.5 cups of food daily. Split this amount into at least two meals.

It is important to feed your Irish terrier a high-quality dog food. To prevent your terrier from becoming overweight, you should also be careful with the portions you feed and how many additional treats you give them.

Where to Adopt or Buy an Irish Terrier

Depending on the dog's lineage, expect to pay a breeder between $800 to $3,700 for an Irish terrier puppy.

You should always do your research before buying a puppy. Finding a reputable breeder who provides a nurturing home environment for the mom and pups is vital in terms of health and early socialization.

Getting in touch with the Irish Terrier Club of America (ITCA) would be a good place to start your explorations.

You could also consider adopting an Irish terrier. It can be a hugely rewarding experience. The ITCA has a rescue arm, or you could reach out to your local rescue shelter. They may not have any Irish terriers, but there will certainly be lots of other characterful terriers looking for forever homes.

Irish Terrier Overview

The Irish terrier is a playful, lively, and loving companion who is also friendly, smart, and protective. They can have a stubborn side, and have a high prey drive that can make them chase other animals, so there’s a lot to consider before bringing one into your family.

Pros of Irish Terriers

• Very people-orientated and loyal
• Clever and courageous
• Athletic and well-suited to an active owner
  

Cons of Irish Terriers

• Can have a very high prey drive
• Doesn't always get along with other dogs
• Strong-willed and stubborn
  

10 Best Energetic Dog Breeds for Active People

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Irish terriers are fantastic dogs. If you are interested in dogs similar to the Irish terrier, you could also consider the following breeds:

• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lakeland Terrier

There are lots of wonderful dog breeds out there. By doing your research, you will find one that will be best suited to having a forever home with you.