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IRISH TERRIER — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Training / Grooming / Additional Information
Breed Description
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| Breed Registries: |
- Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Terriers
- American Kennel Club (AKC) - Terrier Group
- United Kennel Club (UKC) - Terriers
- The Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC) - Terriers
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) * - Standard No. 139
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. |
| Origin: |
Ireland |
| Height: |
18 inches (46 cm) |
| Weight: |
Males — 27 lbs (12 kg); Females — 25 lbs (11 kg)
These are the most desirable weights for show condition. |
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The Irish Terrier, once known as the Irish Sporting Terrier, is the only all-red Terrier and one of the oldest of the Terrier breeds. As his name suggests, he originates from Ireland, and was used as a ratter and guard dog as well as a soft-mouthed retriever. During World War I, Irish Terriers worked as messengers and sentinels displaying their courage, spirit, intelligence and faithfulness. The Irish Terrier was first registered in Canada in the years 1888-1889.
Known as the "dare-devil" of the dog world, the Irish Terrier is an active breed always appearing self-assured, intelligent and fearless. He is charming, curious, and adaptable to most types of home environments. He is affectionate, loyal and good-tempered, gentle and easygoing with his family members and an excellent playmate and companion to children. Like many of the Terrier breeds, he does not usually get along well with other dogs of the same gender and this is especially true of males. He is generally reserved and cautious of strangers and this, together with his devotion to his family, his courage, and natural instinct to protect, makes him an excellent watch and guard dog.
Being an active dog, the Irish Terrier enjoys being kept busy and does well in such activities as agility and obedience competition. In addition, the Irish Terrier is also sometimes seen working as a Therapy Dog.
The physical appearance of the Irish Terrier is of a sturdy and strong dog with no signs of clumsiness. He gives an overall impression of gracefulness, power and endurance. His coat is dense, wiry and lies close to the body with a broken appearance. He also has an undercoat which is finer and softer. His colour is either a bright red, red wheaten or golden red and he may or may not have a small patch of white on the chest. He has dark brown eyes with a very intelligent expression.
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Health Issues:
If you are considering the adoption of a Irish Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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AKC IRISH TERRIER VIDEO
21 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com
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Training Resources:
Early socialization and puppy training is important for the Irish Terrier breed.
- Training — For information on training your Irish Terrier, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Grooming:
- Grooming — For information on grooming your Irish Terrier, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of groomers centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several dog sports and activities as well as listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (For Irish Terrier specific breed clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — Dedicated to the working dog. This section includes tributes, information on various dog jobs, and listings of organizations from across Canada.
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Note: We are always in need of articles for the individual breed sections.
Submissions are welcome and encouraged. Please feel free to e-mail us.
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