Irish Terrier Breed Traits

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Stages in an Irish Terrier's Life

Gregarious by nature, Irish Terriers are friendly and playful but not hyperactive. They happily rest in their favorite spot until called or have reason to spring to action. Then, Irish Terriers are playful or defensive as the situation requires.

Irish Terrier puppies, like any baby, are adorable. They grow into intelligent, independent- minded dogs, and they can be willful. Aloof to strangers, they warm quickly to their family and its circle of friends as opposed to being a one-person dog. Steadfast, loyal, and good around children, Irish are naturally watchful and protective of home, family, and property.

Irish Terriers are territorial, their territory being wherever they are. As such, they are frequently aggressive towards other animals, dogs in particular. They need obedience training early when territorial instincts are most pronounced to curb this natural tendency. Irish are easily trained dogs, but need variety and patience in the training process.

Irish Terriers readily adapt to most climate conditions -- hot or cold, damp or dry. Natural athletes, they thrive where they have room to run and jump. A fenced yard or run area is an essential part of their home environment as they are inclined to roam. They can come to harm if allowed to roam. Irish Terriers do well in agility training and make great jogging and cycling companions. Some, although not all, take to water readily. Don't expect them not to take a dip if you have a pond on your property.

Full-grown Irish Terriers are frequently larger than the breed standard (18 inches at the shoulders and 28 pounds for males, slightly smaller for bitches). Today's Irish Terrier typically average about 19- to 20-inches at the shoulder and weigh 33 to 36 pounds for males in good trim; the female is slightly smaller. Bitches tend to be "longer cast" (longer proportionately in the body) than males.

Irish Terrier coat colors ranges from light red-wheaten to dark mahogany red. Often, they will have a small white spot or blaze on the chest as does Redloch's Clancy (left). This is neither desirable nor undesirable. One pup in a litter may have the blaze while litter mates do not. Clancy has the blaze, but his litter mate Buster does not.

The Irish have a double, broken coat. The outer coat is harsh and wiry, each hair curling slightly next to another to give the broken appearance. The second or underneath coat is soft and slightly fuzzy. The Irish Terrier's facial and leg hair (called furnishings) is similar in texture to the body hair. The facial hair needs to be carefully trimmed to give the distinctive muzzle with its beard and goatee and nuanced brow protecting small beady eye. Trimming the leg hair reveals the full rear quarter, strong tubular shaped fore and hind legs, and small, well rounded feet.

Grooming Irish Terriers involves brushing/combing regularly and hand plucking (so-called "stripping") the outer coat completely down to the undercoat about twice a year. An instrument called a "stripping knife" is used for the grooming process (Pearson Products carriers them). Scissor work is limited to trimming hair from the pads of the feet, inside the ears, the underbelly, around the anus and guard hairs on muzzle, brow, cheeks, and under chin. Bathing is usually not required if the dog is regularly brushed. Nail trimming and dental care are the same as for other breeds.

Some families choose to clipper their Irish Terriers not being groomed for show. This is a practical and acceptable alternate, but it drastically changes the color and texture of the coat, softening both since the dark color and stiff texture is clipped off with the tip of each hair. Left un-groomed, the outer coat of the Irish Terrier will mask the dog's naturally elegant lines, giving a Benji-like appearance with little discernible form or shape. Totally un-groomed, Irish Terriers look like small, red, wooly sheep.

On the whole, the Irish Terrier is an excellent dog for many families. Affectionate and loyal, it learns quickly and can be readily trained when young. If you think the Irish Terrier might be the pet for you, you should invest time in getting familiar with the breed by talking with Irish Terrier breeders and owners.

If you are considering showing your Irish Terrier, you will want to read the additional information about grooming and physical appearance. Our Irish Terrier links page will lead you to substantially more information on the breed standards provided by the Irish Terrier Club of America (ITCA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC). Our links page also has an extensive list of Irish Terrier breeders and Irish Terrier Clubs in the United States and other countries.