Irish terrier | Facts & Information

Temperament: protective, respectful, intelligent, dominant

Origin

Irish Terrier breed dates back about 2000 years, being considered one of the oldest breeds of Terriers. The origin of the breed is controversial, and many believe that this dog was created in the south of Ireland (Country Cork) by mating different Terriers. The first attestation of the Irish Terrier comes from pictorial representations dating from around the 1700s.

The Irish Terrier is a skilled hunter, but also an exterminator of burrowing animals, otters and Water Rats.

The breed was also used at the time as a retriever dog and as a messenger during wars. In 1875, The Irish Terrier was featured in canine exhibitions throughout Ireland for the first time. Around 1880, this dog was designated as one of the most popular breeds in England.

Ear cupping was a common workmanship in England until the late 1880s. In 1889, The Irish Terrier Club of England decided that newborn Irish Terriers starting that year would no longer have cupped ears. This sparked a controversy that led to a ban on ear-cupping on any breed displayed in dog shows in England.

In 1896 the American Irish Terrier Club was founded. The Irish Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the terrier group. Today, the breed is recognized by the following international offices and organizations: FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, CKC, APRI, ACR. The Romanian Kennel Association recognizes the Irish Terrier in the terrier group.

Feeding Irish Terrier

The dog is not a picky one at all.

They get along just as well with the usual food, from the master's table, but also with the special food, whether it is dry, whether it is canned meat or something else.

It does not require special attention to feeding, having no tendency to fattening or the development of secondary problems due to nutrition.

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Appearance Irish Terrier

A medium-sized dog, this terrier is well proportioned and muscular, resembling a wiry-haired fox terrier, although it is a bit longer and taller than this one.

The face is framed by long whiskers, a beard, a black nose and powerful jaws. The Irish Terrier has a long flat head, small dark eyes and "V" - shaped ears, bent at the tip towards the face. His tail is shortened and worn high. The forelimbs are long, straight and muscular.

The coat of the Irish terrier is double, consisting of a rough, thick, spiky and wiry outer protective hair and a deep soft and thin fluff. The hair on the ears is shorter and often darker than on the rest of the body. Color varieties are represented by red, orange or gold.

The adult Irish Terrier can reach a height at the Withers of about 40-43 cm and a body weight around 11-12 kg.

Irish Terrier Behavior

The Irish Terrier is extremely intelligent and balanced, but has a combatant nature, being always put on a fight, like many other members of the terrier group.

This dog really likes to play, seeming inexhaustible. Brave and curious, the Irish Terrier is always ready for action and adventure.

He has a very well developed property instinct, which is why he needs to socialize from an early age in order not to become destructive and aggressive. Like other Terriers, The Irish Terrier likes to dig holes and chase small creatures, which is why it must be kept on a leash when taken out in public spaces.

Training Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is easy to educate. He has a tendency to be stubborn, but nevertheless wants to please his master.

When taken out in public, the Irish Terrier must be kept on a leash to curb his uncontrollable urges and tendency to get into fights with other dogs.

This behavior can be processed and blurred through basic training and submission.

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Features Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is affectionate, loyal and courageous, but can be very aggressive towards other dogs. He loves to run and play with children, as well as being around his family.

Irish Terriers are excellent guard dogs, being extremely vigilant and courageous. The Irish Terrier will accommodate living in an apartment, if it is taken out for a few daily walks or benefits from a yard, no matter how small.

The Irish Terrier is full of energy, requiring a lot of movement to expend its energy and keep it controllable. Because of their dislike for other dogs, consistent training and constant supervision are absolutely necessary when Irish Terriers are taken out into public spaces.

The Irish Terrier needs daily brushing to keep its coat in good condition. Its vigorous and Hardy fur is easy to maintain and is rarely replaced.

Bathing it will be done only when necessary, otherwise the use of dry shampoos, in the form of powder, or wiping with a damp cloth are sufficient.

Diseases Irish Terrier

Irish Terriers are generally robust and Hardy, with few medical sensitivities. Apart from bladder lithiasis with cystine, this breed is also prone to behavioral disorders such as digging pits.

Although these occur rarely, the following conditions have also been reported:

Melanoma is a type of tumor that originates melanocytes, pigment synthesizer cells. Cataracts cause a loss of normal transparency of the lens.

The condition can occur in one or both eyes and gradually lead to blindness.

Retinal dysplasia is a congenital condition of the retina that can induce blindness.

The life expectancy of the Irish Terrier is about 12-15 years.