Irish Terrier Breed Information
Learn all about Irish Terrier dogs, read about the Irish Terrier breed information, find out about the Irish Terrier Breed Standard, Irish Terrier behavior and more.
Irish Terrier Breed Introduction
The Irish Terrier breed (also known as the Irish Red Terrier) is a hunting breed specialized in hunting rabbits and otters. The breed’s keen sense of smell helped it excel at finding those animals. Today, even if an Irish Terrier can’t hunt rabbits he or she will still crave outdoor activity and a chance to use that remarkable sense of smell, even if only to find out where the mailman has been.
The Irish Terrier’s Behavior
Source: Wikipedia.
Recommended for: pet; hunting
The Irish Terrier dog breed was developed to hunt rabbits and otters, and is said to have an excellent sense of small. In general, Irish Terriers are considered intelligent. As a hunting breed, Irish Terrier dogs need plenty of outdoor activity.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog’s actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
The Irish Terrier’s Physical Characteristics
Here are some of the characteristics of the Irish Terrier breed as determined by the American Kennel Club’s published breed standard.
- Size: 18 inches, Male: 27 pounds; Females: 25 pounds
- Coat: dense and wiry.
- Color: bright red, golden red, red wheaten, or wheaten.
- Eyes: dark brown, small
- Ears: small, V-shaped
- Skull: flat, narrow between ears, narrowing slightly toward the eyes
- Nose: black
- Tail: high-set, not curled, covered with rough hair
The Irish Terrier’s Origins and History
Source: Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: Ireland
Original purpose: hunting rabbits and otters
Name: also known as Irish Red Terrier
Historical notes: The Irish Terrier breed’s origins are uncertain, though it is believed to be a descended of the Fox Terrier. The breed was once used in dog fighting.