ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISIrish terrier
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog irish terrier!
Here, you will find all the useful information about irish terrier. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
As its name suggests, the Irish Terrier has its origins in Ireland and despite the few written records of its history, we assume that it is one of the oldest terrier breeds in Ireland. It is also thought to have been involved in the creation of many breeds in the UK, such as the Kerry Blue Terrier. They have been found for centuries in Munster where they were mainly used on farms as guard dogs, but their confident temperament, scent and intelligence made them very good at herding and hunting small game. Although not widely known outside his native country, the Irish Terrier has been officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club since 1937. He was registered by the International Kennel Federation two years earlier than his soft-coated counterpart, on 28 January 1955, and his current standard was updated on 13 March 2001.
The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog, with a rustic and homogeneous appearance. It has a strong build in proportion to its size, giving it the appearance of a cube. The length of his body is equal to the height of his withers, so he fits into a square. Despite its small size, it is a powerful animal, particularly vigorous and agile. Its head is long, well proportioned as a whole, with a strong square muzzle and a rather pronounced stop. Its medium sized ears will be carried on the front of its skull, its slightly sunken eyes are round, small and dark in colour. Unlike its cousin the Kerry Blue Terrier, the Irish Terrier's tail will be carried proudly, but will not be carried over the back in any way. The semi-longhair has a hard texture to the touch, and the colours permitted by the breed standard are wheaten in shades of light wheaten to golden with reddish tones.
The Irish Terrier's character is balanced, bold and fearless, and its willingness to adapt to any environment or lifestyle. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners, but like all good terriers, they need a good education from the start, as they can sometimes be stubborn. Good guardian, his instinct of protection is well developed, but without ever being aggressive, always attentive to the limits of his territory, he will take care that nobody ventures there without the authorization of his master. Jovial and playful, he enjoys playful activities in the company of his family, with whom he is very close. His boundless energy will allow him to be enduring and tenacious, a long daily walk will be necessary for his well-being. His education is important, learning the rules of life in the community must be acquired from an early age, once the basics are understood, you will be able to enjoy this tender, perfectly balanced companion.
Adult: Irish Terriers will weigh 33 to 39.6 lbs for males and 28.6 to 33 lbs for females, their height at the withers will be between 18.1" to 19.3".
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Origins
The Irish Terrier, also known as the Irish Terrier, originates from Ireland, where it is one of the oldest terrier breeds. Its origins date back several centuries, and it was primarily used as a versatile farm dog, excellent for vermin hunting, guarding, and even companionship. The breed is particularly valued for its robustness, agility, and courageous character. The Irish Terrier perfectly embodies the lively and bold spirit of terriers, combined with unwavering loyalty towards its masters.
History
The history of the Irish Terrier is rich and ancient. This breed is one of the oldest in Ireland, mentioned in documents dating back to the 18th century. Initially used for hunting pests and protecting farms, the Irish Terrier quickly gained popularity for its hunting abilities, vigilance, and loyalty. In the 19th century, the breed was standardized, and in 1875, the Irish Terrier Club was founded in Ireland. During World War I, these dogs served as messengers and sentinels, proving their courage and intelligence.
Standard
The Irish Terrier breed standard describes a dog of medium size, measuring between 45 and 50 cm at the withers and weighing between 11 and 13 kg. Its coat is dense, hard, and wiry, of a red, golden red, or yellow-red color. The head is long with a flat skull, small dark eyes, and V-shaped ears folded forward. The body is well proportioned with a deep chest, a straight back, and a tail carried jauntily. The limbs are straight and muscular, giving an appearance of agility and robustness. This standard ensures a dog that is both elegant and functional.
Physical characteristics
The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog, with an athletic and well-proportioned body. Its dense, harsh and wiry coat protects it from bad weather, and its bright red or golden red color is one of its distinctive features. The head is long and noble, with small, dark and expressive eyes. The V-shaped ears are folded forward. The body is muscular and compact, with a deep chest and a straight back. The legs are straight and powerful, giving it great agility. The tail is often docked, but when left natural, it is carried jauntily.
Character
The Irish Terrier is known for its lively, courageous, and loyal nature. This dog is intelligent, independent, and full of energy. It is very protective of its family and makes an excellent watchdog. Sociable and affectionate, it gets along well with children and can coexist with other pets if properly socialized from a young age. Although it can be stubborn at times, it is generally obedient when well trained. Its playful temperament and dynamism make it an excellent companion for active families.
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Irish Terrier is typically 12 to 15 years. To ensure a long and healthy life, it is crucial to provide them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate veterinary care. Regular visits to the vet help to quickly detect and treat any health issues. Special attention should be paid to signs of aging, such as decreased mobility or changes in behavior, in order to adjust care accordingly and maintain a good quality of life for this faithful companion.
Exercise and activity needs
The Irish Terrier is an energetic breed that needs a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, outdoor play sessions, and activities like agility or tracking are ideal to stimulate its active mind. It loves to explore and run, and needs to expend its physical and mental energy. Without adequate physical activity, it can become bored and develop destructive behaviors. A fenced yard is ideal, but it can also adapt to apartment living with enough daily outings.
Recommended diet
The diet of the Irish Terrier must be balanced and tailored to its energy needs. High-quality food, rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, is essential to maintain its health and activity level. It is recommended to feed this dog with portions adapted to its weight and level of exercise, usually divided into two meals a day. Treats should be given in moderation to avoid obesity. A specific diet for active dogs or working breeds may be beneficial to support its metabolism and overall health.
Training and obedience
The Irish Terrier is intelligent and responsive to training, although it can sometimes be independent and stubborn. A firm but gentle education, based on positive reinforcement techniques, is most effective. Starting training at a young age is crucial to establish good habits and reliable obedience. Socialization is also important to prevent any shyness or aggressiveness. Regular and varied training sessions, including puzzle games and obedience exercises, will stimulate its active and curious mind.
Behavior with children
The Irish Terrier is generally very gentle and affectionate with children, making it an excellent family companion. Its patient nature and energy make it an ideal playmate for youngsters. However, as with any dog, it is important to supervise interactions between the Irish Terrier and very young children to avoid any accidental incidents. Teaching children to treat the dog with respect and gentleness is essential for a harmonious coexistence. With proper socialization, the Irish Terrier can become a loyal protector and friend to children.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The Irish Terrier can live with other pets, but early socialization is essential to ensure good relationships. Due to its hunting instinct, it can sometimes be reserved or dominant with other dogs, especially males. Introducing the Irish Terrier to other animals from a young age, and supervising initial interactions, helps establish positive relationships. With proper training and ongoing socialization, this dog can live harmoniously with other pets, including cats.
Grooming needs
The Irish Terrier requires regular grooming to maintain its coat in good condition. Weekly brushing is essential to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Its tough, wiry coat also requires hand-stripping every three to six months to maintain its texture and color. An occasional bath every two to three months is usually enough to keep its coat clean and healthy. It is also important to regularly check and clean its ears to prevent infections, trim its nails, and brush its teeth to maintain good oral hygiene.
Health
The Irish Terrier is generally a robust breed, but it can be prone to certain specific health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, eye problems such as cataracts, and dermatological disorders. Regular visits to the veterinarian for routine check-ups and vaccinations are essential to prevent and manage these health issues. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, also contributes to the longevity and overall well-being of the Irish Terrier. Owners should be attentive to signs of illness and consult a veterinarian if they have any doubts.
Average price
The average price of an Irish Terrier puppy can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the quality of the lineage, the reputation of the breeder, and the geographic location. In general, one can expect to pay between 800 and 1500 euros for a puppy from a reputable breeder. In the United States, the price can range between 1000 and 1800 dollars. It is crucial to choose a responsible breeder who adheres to ethical breeding standards and conducts necessary health tests to ensure a healthy puppy.
Expenses
Annual expenses for an Irish Terrier can vary but typically include food, veterinary care, grooming, and various accessories. On average, these expenses can be estimated at around 800 to 1200 euros per year. In the United States, this translates to a range of 900 to 1300 dollars. These costs can increase in case of health issues or specific care needs. It is important to budget for unexpected expenses and ensure good insurance coverage for veterinary care.
Name ideas
To name an Irish Terrier, it is possible to choose names that reflect its qualities and Irish origin. "Finn" means blond in Irish, perfect for a light-colored dog. "Bran" is a mythical Irish hero. "Aine" means radiance or splendor. "Cian" means ancient, ideal for a dog with a rich history. "Niamh" means bright or radiant. "Conan" means little wolf, reflecting its hunting side. "Orla" means golden princess. "Ronan" means little seal. "Maeve" is a legendary Irish queen. "Seamus" is a classic Irish name meaning supplanter.
Legislation and regulation
Regarding legislation and regulations, the Irish Terrier is not subject to any particular restrictions in most countries. This breed is generally well accepted and is not on lists of dangerous or prohibited dogs. However, it is always recommended to check local regulations, as some cities or regions may have specific restrictions regarding dog ownership. Overall, the Irish Terrier is perceived as a safe and suitable companion dog for various environments.
Official recognition
The Irish Terrier is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under the standard number 139. This breed is also recognized by other major worldwide registries such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK, and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). The official breed organization in the country of origin is the "Irish Terrier Club" based in Ireland. These recognitions ensure that the breed is well established and respected worldwide, allowing breeders and owners to maintain the breed standards.
Pedigrees
The available pedigrees for the Irish Terrier help to guarantee the purity of the bloodline and trace the genetic background of the puppies. Serious breeders generally provide pedigrees certified by recognized organizations, ensuring that the dogs meet the breed standards. These documents include detailed information about the puppy's ancestors, health tests performed, and titles obtained in dog shows. Owning a dog with an official pedigree can be important for those who wish to participate in dog shows or breeding programs.
Destination and usage
The Irish Terrier is above all a hunting dog, appreciated for its exceptional sense of smell and endurance. It is mainly used for hunting badgers and foxes, but it can also adapt to hunting small game. Apart from its hunting skills, this breed makes an excellent companion dog thanks to its affectionate and sociable nature. It is also used in some canine sports activities such as agility and tracking, where it can express its energy and intelligence. The Irish Terrier is a versatile dog that excels in various functions.
Prohibitions
Currently, the Irish Terrier is not subject to any specific restrictions in most countries. It is not classified among dangerous or regulated dog breeds, making it easier to adopt and own in various jurisdictions. However, it is still recommended to check local and regional laws as some areas may have specific restrictions regarding pets. In general, the Irish Terrier is seen as a safe and suitable family dog.
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