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Irish Terrier
Medium Breed
The Irish Terrier is a gentle dog and a daredevil, loving to seek out adventure and scared of very few things. These dogs have an active and affectionate nature and they befriend children with active lifestyles.
Breed standards
Country of origin
Ireland
Weight
Males 12kg / 7lbs;
Females 11kg / 25lbs (standards may vary)
Height
45cm / 18in (standards may vary)
Coat
Dense and wiry, shorter on the head with a slight beard on the face
Markings
Red, red-wheaten or yellow-red. White sometimes on the chest.
Lifespan
Above average, 12-15 years
A unique and beautiful coat sets them apart from other breeds of terriers. The Irish Terrier has a working heritage in hunting, guarding, police work and military work.
Temperament
The Irish Terrier can be a hot-tempered breed, but it is also exceptionally courageous. It is a breed that plays hard and is naturally inquisitive, always ready for action. It can be wilful and needs training from an early age. Whilst Irish Terriers are affectionate to humans, unless they are well-socialised and trained, they can be overly territorial to other dogs.
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PoorChildrenGood
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VeryCombativenessNot very
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VeryDominanceNot very
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Not veryFriendlinessGood
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Not veryIndependenceVery
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LoudNoiseQuiet
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Not veryTrainabilityVery
Good to know
The Irish Terrier is a wonderful-looking dog that has a knack of getting into mischief, enjoying exploring and digging. The Irish Terrier is sure to keep you on your toes.
- Makes a good family pet and can be a fantastic companion for children
- Very light shedder
- Excels as a watchdog
- Adapts to most climates
- Requires sufficient socialisation from puppyhood onwards
- Professional trimming and stripping are needed
- Fairly active indoors
- Requires sufficient exercise