The Irish Terrier stands out as one of the taller, slimmer terrier breeds with an almost endless supply of energy. They make excellent furry companions for active families and will thank their owners with affectionate gestures. In this article, you’ll discover more about this breed’s background, including their Irish origins, how to best maintain their wiry double coats, and why they earned their nickname of “daredevils.”
1. Irish Terriers Are Medium-Sized Dogs
Here’s some fast information to help you visualize these tenacious dogs:
- The Irish Terrier is 18 inches tall at the shoulders.
- Males weigh about 27 pounds, and females weigh 25 pounds.
- They have an average life span of 13 to 15 years.
- Irish Terriers are described as a bold, dashing, and tenderhearted breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
- They are one of the oldest terrier groups and one of Ireland’s oldest breeds.
2. These Dogs Come from Ireland
It’s no surprise that Irish Terriers, or ITs, are native to the Emerald Isle. They were especially popular in rural Ireland and were used as vermin hunters and versatile farm dogs. Families also often used them as watchdogs and as general hunting partners on dry land and in the water. As one of the oldest breeds, some of their history has been lost, and the exact origins are not clear. It is believed that ITs developed from several contemporary terriers and local breeds.
3. Irish Terriers Have a Distinctive Appearance.
These canines stand out from other terrier breeds because of their relatively long legs. ITs are also known for their red, wheaten, or red-wheaten colored coats; however, before the 19th century, they also came in black and tan varieties. In the 1800s, breeders worked to remove this fur pattern from the breed and create the fur standard recognized today. The IT’s medium-length, wiry, double coat acts as a layer of insulation for colder climates or water activities.
4. Irish Terriers Have Beards!
Discussing the Irish Terrier’s appearance is not complete without talking about their sophisticated mustache, beards, and goatees. Their fur fans out starting about halfway down the bridge of their nose, over their top lip, and along their jawline. These sections are kept longer than the rest of the body but are still groomed and trimmed for a clean appearance. While an IT’s facial fur has more aesthetic purposes now, a few hundred years ago, it served as protection against bites and scratches from rats and other small game.
5. Irish Terrier Puppies Don’t Have Beards (Yet!)
Before they reach adulthood, ITs are sweet, enthusiastic puppies. With a smaller stature, they look more like teddy bears. Generally, their facial hair hasn’t fully grown in. Fun fact: although this breed is known for its red and wheaten coat, puppies are sometimes born with black fur patches. This darker coat typically disappears when they reach maturity. Similar to most breeds, puppyhood is the best time to socialize and train these Irish dogs.
6. Irish Terriers Have Grooming Needs
Owners can get away with monthly brushing, trimming, and fur stripping if their pup doesn’t spend much time outdoors. However, their coat will remain in the best condition if it is groomed once a week. It is also recommended to handstrip the outermost layer to encourage more growth. If done correctly, this is a painless process for wire-haired breeds that involves using a stripping comb/knife, pulling the outer fur, and removing the loose hairs. In addition to coat grooming, Irish Terriers need regular ear and teeth cleanings and nail trimming to complete their hygiene routine.
7. These Medium Dogs Have Big Personalities
Irish Terriers are nicknamed “daredevils” for a reason: they are courageous dogs that do not back down for mental or physical challenges. This breed feels protective of its family and is very vigilant, especially around unfamiliar faces. ITs are moderate barkers and will use their voice to alert their owners about potential dangers. That being said, they are super affectionate and lovey-dovey with their owners. They’re also good dogs for families with young children.
As an added bonus, they are adaptable to changes to their routine and home and are up for spontaneous adventures.
8. Sorry Multi-Pup Homes: ITs Prefer Living Solo
Unfortunately, ITs are not the most social and welcoming of other dogs. The AKC ranks them as a 1 out of 5 on the “Good with dogs” rating, which means they get along poorly with other pups in household and public settings. Overall, the AKC recommends avoiding or limiting these interactions to prevent potentially troubling behavior. With that in mind, every dog is different, and there may be exceptions to this recommendation. If an Irish Terrier does engage with other dogs, specifically smaller breeds, they must be supervised and on a leash for easier owner intervention.
9. Irish Terriers Have Moderate Exercise Needs
Irish Terriers have moderate energy and play levels and need regular mental stimulation to reduce common problem behaviors. They have enough stamina for multiple walks each day and over one hour of physical activity. These canines will thrive in an environment with a large, enclosed area for play or regular access to a dog-friendly park. In addition, owners can play off their pets’ prey drive and engage in canine-specific sports (such as barn house hunts) to feed their terriers’ rat-hunting instincts.
10. Irish Terriers Can Engage in Many Sports
Because of their versatile background, Irish Terriers can be trained in a variety of sports and activities. They need firm owners who can keep them engaged and will not become discouraged by the IT’s independent nature. Once this bond is established, they can learn, excel in, and compete in the following categories:
- Obedience
- Agility
- Rally
- Tracking
- Lure coursing
- Barn hunts
- Dock diving
- Flyball and more!
In addition, there are Irish Terriers who have completed therapy dog training and provide mental and emotional support for communities in need. Their success in so many areas proves how they give each job their best effort.
11. These Terriers Were Messengers During WW1
The Irish Terrier’s bravery and grit shined when they were used as messenger dogs during World War I. They remained determined and accomplished their job despite the chaos, noises, and action on the battlefield. A lieutenant from the British War Dog praised the breed in his writing when he said, “I can say with decided emphasis that the Irish Terriers of the service more than did their part. Many a soldier is alive today through the effort of one of these very terriers.”
12. Irish Terriers Have Some Health Considerations
The Irish Terrier Club of America (ITCA) has identified two hereditary diseases affecting ITs. Hyperkeratosis occurs when the footpads harden and thicken, potentially leading to painful cracking and calluses. Thanks to DNA testing from responsible and ethical breeders, this disease is uncommon in North American Irish Terriers.
The second disease is cystinuria. This develops when the kidneys cannot reabsorb cystine, which causes a higher concentration of this substance to be removed through urine. Due to the lack of cystine, stones may form and block the urine’s flow. There are a few questions regarding Cystinuria; however, it’s believed to depend on testosterone and primarily affects mature, intact males. If the male is treated and neutered, symptoms can improve drastically.
13. These Dogs Are Popular in Ireland
This year, Irish Terriers were named the fifth most popular dog in Ireland. Despite this ranking and adoration in their home country, the Irish Kennel Club considers them a vulnerable native breed. The lack of population numbers can be seen in other countries too. Irish Terriers ranked 137 out of 200 on the American Kennel Club’s 2023 list of most popular dogs. While they are in better condition than the Irish Water Spaniel –who was No. 177 on the list– ITs are still a relatively rare breed in the United States.
14. Anyone Can Adopt an Irish Terrier!
As a rare breed outside of Ireland, finding a full-bred Irish Terrier at an adoption center might not be likely. Shelters may have IT-mixes or pups that might not fit the Irish Terrier show standard, such as having dark fur into adulthood or a coat that isn’t as wiry as it should be. If someone is looking to bring one of these pups into their home, the best route is finding an ethical breeder. Sites such as the AKC and the Irish Terrier Club of America have directories dedicated to connecting eager pet parents with responsible breeders.
One thing to note is that adopting an IT might take patience. Breeders may live in other states, and the process might require travel time, or they may not have an expected litter for a few months.
15. ITs Are One of Many Irish Breeds
The Emerald Isle is home to several breeds with contrasting appearances. There is the tall and lean Irish Wolfhound that was used for hunting wolves, and the playfully sweet Irish Setter, known for its luxurious red coat. The friendly Irish Water Spaniel, with its waterproof, curly fur, rat tail, and water-retrieving abilities also calls this country home. Other Irish breeds include the:
- Kerry Beagle
- Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Irish Red and White Setter
