Irish Terrier
A racy, red-coated terrier from Ireland that is devoted to its family and famously bold with other dogs.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 46–48 cm · Females 45–46 cm
- Weight
- Males 11.5–12.5 kg · Females 11–12 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Regular trips to a groomer
- Coat
- Wire-haired, Double coat, short
- Colours
- Red, Wheaten
- Bred for
- Terrier work, Guarding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Ireland
- FCI
- Group 3, no. 139 · Terriers
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want an active, loyal and confident companion
- enjoy long walks or runs
- have older children
Think twice if you …
- have other dogs at home, especially of the same sex
- keep cats or small pets
- want a calm couch companion
Care
Temperament
Loyal, brave and affectionate, with a lively, high-spirited character. Can be quick to stand up to other dogs.
Exercise
Needs at least an hour of daily activity; it enjoys running, hiking, agility and tracking.
Grooming
Brush the wiry coat weekly and hand-strip a few times a year; shedding is light.
Training
Intelligent and responsive to fair, consistent training, but independent. Start socialisation with other dogs early.
Health
The breed is generally robust, though hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis and cystinuria have been reported. Ask the breeder for DNA and eye results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Eye examination
DNA tests
- Hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis (HFH)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds and was used on Irish farms to hunt vermin, guard property and accompany its owners. Its longer legs and athletic build set it apart from many shorter-legged terriers.
With people it is loyal, affectionate and good-humoured, and it often does well with children. With other dogs it can be challenging, especially those of the same sex, so careful socialisation and management matter. It needs daily exercise, mental work and an owner who enjoys a confident, spirited dog with a mind of its own.
Did you know?
Irish Terriers served as messenger and sentry dogs in the trenches during the First World War.