The Irish Terrier is very popular in the United States. Bred as a hunting dog, the Irish Terrier has a very lively temperament and is only moderately suitable for beginners. However, when properly trained, Irish Terrier puppies become loyal and robust companions for any situation. The appearance of the animal is one of the main reasons for its popularity. The Irish Terrier simply looks adorable, to put it that way.

History of the Irish Terrier

The history of the Irish Terrier is closely linked to the history of Ireland. The first breedings could already be traced back to the Bronze Age. This makes the Irish Terrier one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The Irish Terrier became known primarily as a hunting dog but also as a status symbol for British nobility. The characteristic reddish color is seen by some as a reference to the red hair of the inhabitants of Ireland, while others see it simply as a practical solution for better visibility of the animal during hunting.

The small size of the Irish Terrier was compensated for by better color visibility. What exactly lies behind this remains unclear. Due to the long duration of breeding, a complete traceability of the breeding animals is unfortunately not possible. The first breed standard for the Irish Terrier was set in 1880. This is also the date when breeding began to be documented officially.

Nature and Character

The Irish Terrier is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise. Being a hunting dog, it has an increased need for movement that must be met. Otherwise, the animal tends to aggression. The nature of the Irish Terrier is very playful and at the same time very affectionate. The dog is strongly focused on its owner and only listens to other parts of the family to a limited extent.

Therefore, the Irish Terrier is not a classic family dog but a very good companion for sports and active people. Due to its playfulness, it requires a higher level of training, and its proper upbringing should be addressed from a young age. However, the teachable animal is very easy to care for in its later years and is the ideal partner for many beautiful hours together.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	Low
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	High
Trainability	Medium
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	High
Amount of Shedding	Low

Acquiring an Irish Terrier

Acquiring the animal should definitely be done through a certified breeder. While there is a rich offering of crosses, the character of the animal is often greatly diluted here. The typical appearance, as well as the health of the animal, can also be compromised. The price for a purebred and certified puppy starts from $1,000 upwards. Investing the money is worth it because an Irish Terrier is a reliable companion for many years to come.

What should I consider when purchasing?

Buying from a breeder is largely unproblematic. It is a different story, however, when opting for a private purchase. The crossbreeds available here are significantly cheaper but also often have one or the other shortcomings. For families, the Irish Terrier is only a good choice with older children. The animal is very demanding, especially at the beginning, and requires a lot of attention.

Otherwise, as a keeper, you quickly lose control, and the animal cannot develop its typical characteristics in full. Families with small children should opt for a mature and trained animal. This decision, in turn, can be a true blessing for the family. Well-trained Irish Terriers are ideal playmates for young children. Animal shelters are a good address for acquiring adult animals. Here you can also save Irish Terriers in need and offer the dog a new home.

For older people, the Irish Terrier is only a good choice if enough activities can be carried out. Less mobile people have problems with an Irish Terrier and cannot fulfill its need for activity.

Puppy Development and Training

The Irish Terrier is very intelligent and playful. Its hunting instinct emerges very early. Therefore, you have to set early boundaries. The animal is very small but grows very fast. It always wants to be actively engaged, and as a owner, you should plan at least two hours of daily activity. More is better, and the Irish Terrier is only satisfied when it can sink exhausted into its basket.

Strict training is necessary but does not need to be applied frequently. Generally, the animal almost instinctively obeys the trained commands and learns them very quickly. It is important to integrate the animal quickly into its social environment so that it can adapt its own prey schema. This significantly minimizes the risk of attacks.

How to Care for an Irish Terrier?

Owners without adequate mobility options should keep a clear distance from acquiring the animal. The Irish Terrier needs a lot of movement and always wants to be occupied. A large garden is ideal and provides enough space for the animal to run around. However, this alone is by no means enough. A multi-hour walk in nature is the best opportunity for the Irish Terrier to explore its surroundings and play. Regular play indoors, ideally with catching and biting games, also benefits the animal greatly.

Activities with the Irish Terrier

There is basically no activity that cannot be successfully carried out with an Irish Terrier. The animal needs a lot of exercise and can be taken almost anywhere. Outdoor sports are ideal for the animal and offer many possibilities. From hiking to jogging to cycling: the Irish Terrier always wants to be there and is full of strength and zest for life. The activities are of great importance to the animal and ensure that it can satisfy its natural urge to move.

Health and Grooming

For purebred animals, there are no known problems with breeding. The Irish Terrier is very robust and requires little care. If the Irish Terrier remains untrimmed, it is not a problem. The short fur almost takes care of itself, and only occasionally do individual areas with overlong hair need to be trimmed. It is important to regularly brush the fur. This keeps it shiny and simply looks good.

The right nutrition, combined with sufficient exercise, ensures that the animal can reach its maximum age without any problems. The diet must be adapted to the animal’s activity level. Animals with a lot of movement eat a lot, and animals with less movement restrict their diet. Overweight should definitely be avoided.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

The Irish Terrier is well known from movies. From “Little Lord Fauntleroy” to more recent series like “Peaky Blinders,” the Irish Terrier has made its way into film culture and somehow stands for a particularly British way of life. In recent years, breeding has become increasingly popular, but many owners forget the needs of the animal. Anyone who wants to acquire an Irish Terrier should be aware of the responsibility and be able to provide the animal with an appealing level of activity.

Do you have an Irish Terrier or are you planning to get one soon? Tell us in the comments what makes the Irish so special!