Irish Terrier: Dog Breed Profile

The Irish Terrier is the devil of a terrier. With its fiery, daring temperament and its strong urge to move, it is not suitable for easy-going or conflict-averse people. But if you know how to take him, he is an extremely loyal, teachable, affectionate, and lovable companion.

Origin and history

Officially known today as the Irish Terrier, the dog breed may be the oldest of the Irish Terrier breeds. One of his ancestors was probably the black and tan terrier. It was not until the end of the 19th century and with the founding of the first Irish Terrier Club that efforts were made to exclude the black and tan terriers from breeding so that at the beginning of the 20th century the monochrome red terrier prevailed. Because of the red coat color and his daring, dashing temperament, the Irish Terrier is also known as the “red devil” in his home country.

Appearance

The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized, high-legged terrier with a wiry, muscular body. It has a flat, narrow head with dark, small eyes and V-shaped ears that are tipped forward. All in all, he has a very energetic and bold facial expression with his mustache. The tail is set very high and carried happily upwards.

The coat of the Irish Terrier is dense, wiry, and short all over, neither wavy nor frizzy. The color of the coat is uniformly red, red-wheat, or yellowish-red. Sometimes there is also a white spot on the chest.

Nature

The Irish Terrier is a very spirited, active, and confident dog. It is extremely alert, courageous, and ready to defend. The hot-headed Irishman also likes to assert himself against other dogs and does not avoid a fight when circumstances require it. However, he is extremely loyal, good-natured, and affectionate towards his people.

The intelligent and docile Irish Terrier is also easy to train with a lot of loving consistency and natural authority. Nevertheless, he will always test his limits. You have to accept and love his exuberant temperament and boisterous nature, then you will find in him a cheerful, very affectionate, and adaptable companion.

An Irish Terrier needs a lot of exercise and activity and would like to be there anytime, anywhere. He can also be enthusiastic about dog sports such as agility, trick training, or mantrailing. And of course, he can also be trained as a hunting companion. The sporty dog ​​is not suitable for easy-going people or couch potatoes. The rough hair has to be professionally trimmed regularly but is then easy to care for and does not shed.