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Irish Saint Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Irish Saint Terrier so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly Ireland flagIreland
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Irish Saint Terrier? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Irish Terrier and St. Bernard mix

Irish Saint Terrier Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Irish Saint Terrier? Learn how big the Irish Saint Terrier breed typically grows.
LargeGiant
Weight Statistics
How much does an Irish Saint Terrier weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Irish Saint Terrier breed.
80-100 pounds (36-45 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Irish Saint Terrier?
90 pounds (40 kg)
Height
How tall is the Irish Saint Terrier? Irish Saint Terrier height:
20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Irish Saint Terrier?
21 inches (53.5 cm)

Irish Saint Terrier Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Irish Saint Terrier puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Irish Saint Terrier costs.
$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Irish Saint Terrier, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Irish Saint Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Irish Saint Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Irish Saint Terrier? How many Irish Saint Terrier are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Irish Saint Terrier is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Irish Saint Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Irish Saint Terrier? Discover the Irish Saint Terrier's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Irish Saint Terrier ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Irish Saint Terrier? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's trainability and response to training methods.
Irish Saint Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Rating
How good is an Irish Saint Terrier as a watchdog? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's alertness and guarding instincts.
Irish Saint Terrier dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Irish Saint Terrier dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is an Irish Saint Terrier protective of its territory? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's guarding instincts and behavior.
Irish Saint Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Irish Saint Terrier can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Irish Saint Terrier will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Irish Saint Terrier Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Irish Saint Terrier have? Learn about characteristic Irish Saint Terrier temperament and behavior traits.
IndependentHappyProtectiveIntelligentFriendlyDominantLivelyGentleGoingSocialTrainableQuietRespectful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Irish Saint Terrier sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Irish Saint Terrier dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Irish Saint Terrier a good family dog?
High: Irish Saint Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Irish Saint Terrier need? Irish Saint Terrier social needs:
Irish Saint Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Irish Saint Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Irish Saint Terrier roam?
Irish Saint Terrier dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Irish Saint Terrier have high prey drive?
Irish Saint Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Irish Saint Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Irish Saint Terrier bark a lot? Learn about typical Irish Saint Terrier vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Irish Saint Terrier rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is an Irish Saint Terrier? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Irish Saint Terrier breed.
Average: Irish Saint Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Irish Saint Terrier live in an apartment? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Irish Saint Terrier indoors.

Irish Saint Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Irish Saint Terrier to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's flexibility to new situations.
Irish Saint Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Irish Saint Terrier be left alone? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's tolerance to solitude.
Irish Saint Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Irish Saint Terrier Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Irish Saint Terrier biting potential? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Irish Saint Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Irish Saint Terrier mouthy? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's tendency to use mouth during play.
Irish Saint Terrier dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Irish Saint Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Irish Saint Terrier bite? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's bite force measured in PSI.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Irish Saint Terrier bite force: The Strongest. The Irish Saint Terrier bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Irish Saint Terrier measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Irish Saint Terrier dogs is impressive, and their Irish Saint Terrier bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Irish Saint Terrier PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of an Irish Saint Terrier bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train an Irish Saint Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Irish Saint Terrier Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Irish Saint Terrier live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Irish Saint Terrier breed.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Irish Saint Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Irish Saint Terrier handle different weather? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Irish Saint Terrier? Discover typical conditions affecting the Irish Saint Terrier breed.
Irish Saint Terriers are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Irish Saint Terrier need vet visits? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Irish Saint Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Irish Saint Terrier breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Irish Saint Terrier breed? Most common health risks of Irish Saint Terrier:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesBloatEpilepsyEntropionElbow DysplasiaDilated Cardiomyopathy

Irish Saint Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Irish Saint Terrier? Understand daily activity needs of the Irish Saint Terrier breed.
Irish Saint Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Irish Saint Terrier need? How much exercise do Irish Saint Terrier dogs require per day?

Do Irish Saint Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

Irish Saint Terrier dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Irish Saint Terrier breed need?
Irish Saint Terrier dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Irish Saint Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Irish Saint Terrier prone to weight gain? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Irish Saint Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Irish Saint Terrier weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Irish Saint Terrier need daily? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's feeding requirements.
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Irish Saint Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Irish Saint Terrier hypoallergenic? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Irish Saint Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Irish Saint Terrier come in? Discover all possible Irish Saint Terrier color variations.
Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Irish Saint Terrier need? Learn about Irish Saint Terrier coat maintenance requirements.
Advanced: The Irish Saint Terrier requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Irish Saint Terrier a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Irish Saint Terrier, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Drooling Tendency
Does an Irish Saint Terrier drool a lot? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's drooling habits.
The Irish Saint Terrier is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Irish Saint Terrier smell bad? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Irish Saint Terrier has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Irish Saint Terrier have? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's fur characteristics.
WiryDenseRoughSmoothStraight
Bathing Needs
How often does an Irish Saint Terrier need baths? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's bathing requirements.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Irish Saint Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Irish Saint Terrier? Do Irish Saint Terrier dogs shed a lot?
Irish Saint Terrier dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Irish Saint Terrier Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Irish Saint Terrier good with children? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's behavior around kids of different ages.
Irish Saint Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Irish Saint Terrier get along with other pets? Discover the Irish Saint Terrier's compatibility with other animals.
Irish Saint Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Irish Saint Terrier temperament with other people:
Irish Saint Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Irish Saint Terrier dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Irish Saint Terrier breed live with a cat?
Irish Saint Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Irish Saint Terrier good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Irish Saint Terrier dogs get along with other dogs?
Irish Saint Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Irish Saint Terrier can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Irish Saint Terrier breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Irish Saint Terrier breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Irish Saint Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Irish Saint Terrier dogs good office canines? Do Irish Saint Terrier dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Irish Saint Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Irish Saint Terrier dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Irish Saint Terrier temperament with senior people? Are Irish Saint Terrier dogs good for elderly owners?
Irish Saint Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Irish Saint Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Irish Saint Terrier be a service dog? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Irish Saint Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an Irish Saint Terrier good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Irish Saint Terrier breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Irish Saint Terrier good at detection work? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Irish Saint Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Irish Saint Terrier do search and rescue? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Irish Saint Terrier breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Irish Saint Terrier good on boats? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Irish Saint Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can an Irish Saint Terrier pull carts? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's drafting abilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Irish Saint Terrier breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an Irish Saint Terrier used in military service? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Irish Saint Terrier Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Irish Saint Terrier usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Irish Saint Terrier pregnant? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Irish Saint Terrier: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an Irish Saint Terrier have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Irish Saint Terrier Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Irish Saint Terrier in? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Irish Saint Terrier in? Learn about the Irish Saint Terrier's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Irish Saint Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Concerns: Irish Saint Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Watchdog Rating: Irish Saint Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Irish Saint Terrier dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Irish Saint Terrier dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Irish Saint Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Irish Saint Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Irish Saint Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Irish Saint Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Irish Saint Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Irish Saint Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Irish Saint Terrier dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming Requirements: Advanced: The Irish Saint Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Irish Saint Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Irish Saint Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Irish Saint Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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