Irish Terrier

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Ireland.

MOST SUITED AS Hunting dog, watchdog, and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 46 - 50cm (18 - 191/2in) and the weight should be about 14kg (311b).

COAT
The outer-coat is very hard, while the under-layer is both softer and finer. The accepted colours are golden-yellow, wheaten, and light red. Small white markings on the chest are permissible.

CARE REQUIRED
The Irish Terrier's grooming depends upon the condition of its coat and whether you wish to show the dog, but in any event requires hand-plucking the hairs at least twice a year. Trim excessive hair between the pads of the feet and keep the ears clean.

CHARACTER
The Irish Terrier is a dog of character which is loyal, protective, vigilant, playful, has a sense of humour, is intelligent, tends to be over-coura­geous, sensitive, active, and bonds very strong­ly with its family. In the Country of origin it is tellingly dubbed "dare devil."

TRAINING
This breed requires a confident handler who can train it in a very consistent and tactful way. When in a good mood it can learn anything, but try to ensure that there is plenty of variety in the training routine.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
This character of a dog tends to be rather eager to fight when in the presence of other dogs. Teach it when young not to chase cats. It is naturally friendly with people and adores children and is very tolerant of them. The bitches are generally calmer than the dogs.
The Irish Terrier becomes very dependent upon its family and regards it as a punishment to be left alone for a long time. It will defend its territory and that of its family against wrongdoers but is not really mistrustful of strangers.

EXERCISE
The Irish Terrier requires a lot of exercise so take it out regularly. They enjoy playing with a ball in the garden or romping in open countryside. People say that they love riding in cars and want to be taken everywhere with you.