Irish Terrier

Irish Terrier Facts

Irish Terrier Information

Irish Terrier Description:

Irish Terrier Care & Grooming:

Irish Terrier Health Problems:

Group:	Terrier
Size:	Medium
Life Span:	12-14 years
Height:	Male: 17-19 inches
	Female: 17-19 inches
Weight:	Male: 25-27 lbs
	Female: 25-27 lbs

Coat :	Dense and wiry
Gait :	Strong and powerful
Color(s) :	Golden red, wheaten, red wheaten or bright red
Living Area :	Any
Hair Length:	Short
Exercise Need :	Daily long walk and jog
Recognized By :	(FCI) Fï¿½dï¿½ration Cynologique Internationale (AKC) American Kennel Club (UKC) United Kennel Club (KCGB) Kennel Club of Great Britain (CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (ANKC) Australian National Kennel Council (NKC) National Kennel Club (NZKC) New Zealand Kennel Club (CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (APRI) America Pet Registry, Inc. (ACR) American Canine Registry (DRA) Dog Registry of America
Date of Origin :	Ancient
Place of Origin :	Ireland
Todays Use :	Companion Dog
Originally Used :	Vermin hunter, Farm dog
Other Name :	Irish Red Terrier

The origin of the Irish Terrier, as the name suggests, lies in Ireland. However, the exact origin of the breed is unknown. It is believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds. It is thought to have descended from the terrier breeds of Britain and Ireland. Earliest historical accounts of this breed date back to early part of the 18th century. It was primarily used for hunting otters and rats and was also used as a messenger during the First World War. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1885.

The Irish Terrier is a medium sized dog with a well balanced body, typical of the terriers. It has a long but proportionate head; small eyes which are dark brown in color; high set ears which are small in size and V in shape; a black nose; a long muzzle with a slightly tapering appearance; close fitting lips which are black in color with teeth which meet in scissors or an even bite. This breed has a medium length tail which is set high. It is carried erect, with a slightly forward pointing position, well above the line of the back. It has moderate length legs which are muscular with square paws. This breed has a short, dense and wiry coat which is broken in appearance. The color of the coat can be golden red, wheaten, red wheaten or bright red; with a small white patch on the chest.

The Irish Terrier is a fearless breed which is loyal to its master. With proper training it can does well with kids as well as other dogs. It has strong protective instincts, which makes it a good watchdog. However, it has strong hunting instincts as well and thus, caution is advised with smaller pets such as birds, rabbits, cats etc. It is an obedient breed which is easy to train. However, training must start at an early age. It is difficult to housebreak, and therefore, patience is required for this breed. So this breed is not suited to everyone. It adapts well to indoor as well as outdoor, so if sufficiently exercised it can do okay in an apartment life.

The hypoallergenic coat of the Irish Terrier sheds very little hair. The dense and wiry coat of the dog needs regular grooming. The coat needs to be brushed 2-3 times a week with a firm bristle brush and also a professional grooming 2-3 times a year to maintain a healthy looking coat. It should be bathed regularly and must be dried properly after each bath. The eyes and ears of the dog should be cleaned properly. Its beard should be cleaned daily to remove any food remains.

It is an active breed which needs lot of daily exercise. Daily walks are essential to make the dog healthy both physically and mentally. These need to be supplemented with jogging or running in an open but secure area to release the excess energy of the dog. However, it should not be let off the leash in an open area as it has a tendency to chase small animals.

Grooming:

Shedding:

Energy Level:

Protection:

Watch Dog:

The Irish Terrier is a hardy breed. It is prone to some health issues like Cataract, Hypothyroidism etc.

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