- Affenpinscher
- Afghan Hound
- Airedale Terrier
- Akita
- American Foxhound
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Basset Hound
- Beagle
- Bichon Frise
- Bloodhound
- Borzoi
- Boxer
- Bulldog
- Bull Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Chinese Foo Dog
- Chow
- Cocker Spaniel
- Collie
- Dachshund
- Dalmatian
- Doberman Pinscher
- English Cocker Spaniel
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Great Dane
- Greyhound
- Irish Setter
- Irish Terrier
- Irish Wolfhound
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Labrador Retriever
- Maltese
- Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pekingese
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Pomeranian
- Poodle
- Pug
- Rottweiler
- Saint Bernard
- Yorkshire Terrier
DOGS BY BREED :: IRISH TERRIER
Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier originates from Ireland and was bred originally for hunting fox, otter, rats and mice. Its origins can be dated back to the 1700's. The Irish Terrier is also known by the other name of the Irish Red Terrier. The Irish Terrier is reputed to be the oldest and fastest Irish Terrier hence its nickname "The Racy Terrier". This dog is classified as one of the Terrier Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Irish Terrier was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1885. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is sometimes misspelled as terrior and terriors.
Coat and Colours
The Irish Terrier's coat is normally a shade of red, red wheaten or yellow-red with white markings. The coat is normally coarse and wiry.
Character & Temperament
The Terrier dogs are small to medium size and are often described as fiery or feisty. The smallest terriers are ready to take on any opponents - a necessary attribute when hunting and killing vermin but not so good for a family pet! Some terriers are yappy and are known to nip boisterous children. They can also be quite independent and difficult to train. On the positive side Terriers can be friendly, stable and loyal pets.
Potential Health Problems
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Irish Terrier, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Irish Terrier are few but can include Urolithiasis, urinary stones in the kidney or bladder.
Grooming and Care
The Irish Terrier requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Irish Terrier dogs.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 13 Ð 16 years.
Age comparison between the Irish Terrier Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.
Terrier Dog Breed Information
Dogs in the Terrier group, which include the Irish Terrier, were developed to hunt and kill vermin. The vermin included control rats, mice and other predatory animals such as foxes that might raided a farmer's produce and livestock. The very nature of these tasks require an energetic, tenacious, brave and determined dog such as the Irish Terrier . Terrier dogs have always been viewed as real assets by their owners and have worked with man for centuries.
Terrier Dog Breed Duties and Tasks
Characteristics and features of Terrier Dogs have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. The trait encouraged was the ability to dig up underground dens and burrows and "go to ground" whilst barking noisily to frighten out any inhabitants. Thus, the various Terrier breeds, including the Irish Terrier, were introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as:
- Hunting vermin
- Hunting larger animals such as foxes
- Some terriers were also able to kill their quarry
