ADDITIONAL IRISH TERRIER PICTURES
Family: Terrier
Breed Group: Terrier, AKC Terrier
Origin: Ireland
Date of Origin: Early 19th century
Originally used for: Ratters, retrievers
Used today: Companion, sporting
Other Name(s): Irish Red Terrier
History of the Breed: Irish Terriers are one of the oldest terrier breeds and are superior ratters, and soft-mouthed game retrievers.
The breed was initially named The Irish Sporting Terrier because of its excellent retrieving abilities. The exact origin of the Irish Terrier
is unknown however, it is likely a descendant of the Wire-haired Black and Tan Terrier dating it to the early 19th century.
Small terriers that resemble the Irish Terrier were used as working farm dogs and as guard dogs in Ireland for centuries.
During World War I, the Irish Terrier was used as a messenger dog in the trenches and acquired a reputation for being fearless
and intelligent.
General Appearance: A spirited red terrier with a long flat head that is narrow between the ears, and narrowing slightly toward the eyes.
The eyes are small and dark brown in color. The ears are small and V-shaped and dropped forward closely toward the outside corner of the eye.
The body is moderately long with a strong and straight back. The loin is strong and muscular, and slightly arched, the ribs fairly
sprung, deep rather than round, reaching to the level of the elbow. The hindquarters are strong and muscular with powerful thighs.
The tail is docked and set high and the body is covered with harsh, rough hair.
Height & Weight:
Height 18 Inches
Weight 25-27 Pounds
Coat: Dense and wiry in texture, rich in quality, having a broken appearance, but still lying fairly close to the body,
the hairs growing close and strong together. The undercoat has finer, softer and lighter colored hair.
Color: Should be whole-colored: bright red, golden red, red wheaten, or wheaten.
Grooming needs: High, the wiry hairs must be stripped by hand to keep a mat-free texture.
Temperament of Breed: Irish Terriers make excellent companions. These dogs are loyal to the family and protective to the death.
Friendly with children: Yes, socialization is strongly recommend at an early age.
Friendly with other dogs: Not typically, this dog needs to be socialized with other pets at an early age. A leash is
strongly recommended around other dogs.
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: High, this is a working breed and should be exercised every day.
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: PRA, deafness, hyperthyroidism
Minor: Aggression
Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 123
First Registered by the AKC: 1885
Registries: FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, CKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Irish Terrier Club of America
The Irish Terrier Association of Canada
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