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Irish Terrier Information & Dog Breed Facts

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

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank114
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Irish Terrier dog profile picture
OriginIreland flagIreland
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an Irish Terrier known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
DaredevilIrish Red Terrier
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Irish Terrier? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Irish Terrier Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Irish Terrier? Learn how big the Irish Terrier breed typically grows.
Medium
Weight Statistics
How much does an Irish Terrier weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Irish Terrier breed.
25-27 pounds (11-12 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Irish Terrier?
26 pounds (11.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Irish Terrier? Irish Terrier height:
18 inches (43 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Irish Terrier?
18 inches (43 cm)

Irish Terrier Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Irish Terrier puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Irish Terrier costs.
$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Irish 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 Terrier for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Irish Terrier gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Irish Terrier? How many Irish Terrier are there in the world?
Frequent: The Irish Terrier is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Irish Terrier Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Irish Terrier? Discover the Irish 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 Terrier ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

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

Irish Terrier Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Irish Terrier have? Learn about characteristic Irish Terrier temperament and behavior traits.
ProtectiveIntelligentDominantLivelyTrainableRespectful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Irish Terrier sensitivity:
Irish Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Irish Terrier a good family dog?
High: Irish 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 Daredevil need? Irish Terrier social needs:
Irish Terrier dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Irish Terrier to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Irish Terrier roam?
Irish Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Irish Terrier have high prey drive?
Irish Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Irish Terrier Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Irish Terrier bark a lot? Learn about typical Irish Terrier vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average: The Irish Terrier barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

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

Playful Nature
How playful is an Irish Terrier? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Irish Terrier breed.
The Irish Terrier is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Irish Terrier live in an apartment? Learn about the Irish 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 Terrier indoors.

Irish Terrier Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Irish Terrier to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Irish Terrier's flexibility to new situations.
Irish 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 Terrier be left alone? Learn about the Irish Terrier's tolerance to solitude.
Irish Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Irish Terrier Bite Characteristics

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

Low 🔽

The Irish 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 Terrier mouthy? Learn about the Irish Terrier's tendency to use mouth during play.
Irish 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 Terrier dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Irish Terrier bite? Learn about the Irish Terrier's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Terrier bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Irish Terrier measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an Irish Terrier is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Irish Terrier bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Irish Terrier bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an Irish Terrier puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Irish Terrier, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Irish Terrier bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an Irish Terrier can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Irish Terrier Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Irish Terrier live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Irish Terrier breed.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Irish Terrier: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Irish Terrier handle different weather? Learn about the Irish Terrier's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Irish Terrier? Discover typical conditions affecting the Irish Terrier breed.
Irish Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Irish Terrier need vet visits? Learn about the Irish Terrier's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Irish Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Irish Terrier Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Irish Terrier? Understand daily activity needs of the Irish Terrier breed.
Irish Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Irish Terrier need? How much exercise do Irish Terrier dogs require per day?

Do Irish Terrier dogs need a lot of exercises?

Irish Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Irish Terrier breed need?
Irish Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Irish Terrier Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Irish Terrier prone to weight gain? Learn about the Irish Terrier's obesity risks.
Average: The Irish Terrier has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks 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 Terrier weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Irish Terrier need daily? Learn about the Irish Terrier's feeding requirements.
1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Irish Terrier Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Irish Terrier hypoallergenic? Learn about the Irish Terrier's suitability for allergy sufferers.
Yes
Irish Terrier dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the 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 Terrier come in? Discover all possible Irish Terrier color variations.
Red Wheaten
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Irish Terrier need? Learn about Irish Terrier coat maintenance requirements.
Advanced: The Irish 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 Terrier a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Irish 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 Terrier drool a lot? Learn about the Irish Terrier's drooling habits.
The Irish Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Irish Terrier could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Irish Terrier.

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 Terrier smell bad? Learn about the Irish Terrier's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Irish 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 Terrier have? Learn about the Irish Terrier's fur characteristics.
WiryStraight
Bathing Needs
How often does an Irish Terrier need baths? Learn about the Irish 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 Terrier dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Daredevil? Do Irish Terrier dogs shed a lot?
Irish Terrier dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Irish Terrier dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.

Irish Terrier Good With

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

Irish Terrier As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Irish Terrier be a service dog? Learn about the Irish 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 Terrier is not the best breed for service purposes.

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

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a 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 Terrier is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Irish Terrier good at detection work? Learn about the Irish 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 Terrier is not the best breed for detection purposes.

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

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a 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 locating missing people.

The Irish Terrier is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

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

Not really

Irish 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 Terrier pull carts? Learn about the Irish Terrier's drafting abilities.

Not really

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 Terrier is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

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

Not really

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

Irish Terrier Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Irish Terrier usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Irish Terrier pregnant? Learn about the Irish Terrier's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Irish 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 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 Terrier Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Irish Terrier in? Learn about the Irish Terrier's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Irish Terrier in? Learn about the Irish Terrier's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section.

Irish Terrier Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Allergy Friendliness: Irish Terrier dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
  • Shedding Level: Irish Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Irish Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Rating: Irish Terrier dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Irish Terrier dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Irish Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Irish Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Irish Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Irish Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Health Concerns: Irish Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Grooming Requirements: Advanced: The Irish Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Irish Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Irish Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Irish Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Irish Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Irish Terrier Breed

Irish Terrier Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Finnegan

    Feb 23, 2021, 1:32:33 AM:

    Good Boy