| Description: The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized | | | | This breed was recognized by the AKC in 1885. In |
| breed, that is slightly longer than it is tall. This | | | | the later part of the 19th century a proper |
| breed has a long head ,that is flat between the | | | | selection process of this breed began, which |
| ears. In show dogs, the ears are glued, using a | | | | eliminated the differences between dogs. Without |
| special glue, to the top of their heads. This forms | | | | which we would have seen all colour coats and |
| the correct shape, as the cartilage fills in. This will | | | | different sizes within the same breed. |
| give us the V shape folded forward in the | | | | Temperament: Here we see an energetic and |
| direction of the outer corner of the eyes. The | | | | loyal dog. This dog is a kind and loving showing |
| Irish Terrier teeth meet in a scissor or level bite. | | | | great ability to entertain their families. The Irish |
| This breed has a black nose, and has long | | | | Terrier can make an excellent friend for children. |
| whiskers with a bearded muzzle. The stock has | | | | They are active and they love playing, being |
| small eyes that are dark in colour, with bushy | | | | inquisitive and ready for action and adventure. |
| eyebrows which are a feature of the breed. It | | | | This breed needs a good strong willed owner. This |
| has muscular, strong straight front legs. In | | | | will prevent the dog becoming difficult to manage. |
| countries that permit docking, the tale is docked | | | | Start training with a firm, but consistent approach |
| to about a quarter. They have a thick wiry coat | | | | when this dog is a puppy, setting rules it must |
| that is close to the body. This comes in solid | | | | follow, and always include limits of his behaviour. |
| colours; golden red, bright red, red Wheaton, all | | | | The Irish Terrier breed may not get along with |
| Wheaton, a small patch of white is permitted on | | | | other dogs. This is not a breed to trust with |
| the chest. This breed has a double coat, with the | | | | hamsters' mice and rat pets, as his nature is to |
| undercoat being soft. The Irish terrier stands at | | | | hunt these creatures. This dog will enjoy digging, |
| about 18 inches in height, and weighs 25 to 27 | | | | and with its great love of life, enjoys the chase |
| pounds. | | | | and exploring. Extreme caution needs to be taken, |
| History: It is believed, this is one of the oldest | | | | if you wish to release this dog from the lead. |
| breeds of terrier and is thought to be some 2,000 | | | | Health issues: Irish Terriers have little problems |
| years old. It is thought the Irish Terrier has come | | | | and are a hardy breed. |
| from black and tan terrier type dogs found in | | | | Grooming: This dog is easy to groom and sheds |
| Britain and Ireland, similar to the Kerry blue. This | | | | rarely. Brush ready with a stiff brush is all that is |
| dog was bred not for genuine looks, but for its | | | | required. Hand stripping or hand plucking needs to |
| working abilities. As with all terriers this breed is a | | | | be done twice a year. |
| good ratter. In their history, they were a mix of | | | | Living conditions: An Irish Terrier will cope with an |
| colours, whereas today we see solid colour. This | | | | apartment, if it has sufficient exercise. It is to be |
| breed was found in County Cork, Ireland and was | | | | noted this dog needs plenty of brisk walks, at |
| used for hunting. Animals they hunted include; | | | | least once daily. He will benefit from a |
| water rats, and otter as well as rats and mice. | | | | medium-sized garden. |