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Terrier group · Ireland

Irish Terrier

Also called Red Devil, Irish Red Terrier.

Medium dog, high energy, trains well with consistency.

  • Bold
  • Dashing
  • Tenderhearted
  • Loyal
  • Fearless
AI-generated illustration of an adult Irish Terrier
AI-generated illustration
Size
Medium
Weight
11 to 12 kg25 to 27 lb
Lives
13 to 15 years
Energy
High
Trains
Moderate
Barks
Moderate

Training

Training an Irish Terrier

Terrier breeds. Impulse control and a rock-solid leave it. Short, high-value sessions; they bore fast.

  1. Early Dog Socialisation

    Start here

    Irish Terriers can be aggressive with other dogs if not properly socialised. Start young and continue throughout life.

  2. Respect Their Intelligence

    Highly intelligent but independent. They may understand commands but choose not to obey, stay patient.

  3. Channel Their Courage

    Fearless to a fault. Teach impulse control and reliable recall to keep them safe.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Irish Terrier and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to go to ground after vermin. Fearless, quick, and not built to back down.

Gets on with

  • ChildrenHigh
  • Other dogsLow
  • StrangersModerate
  • CatsLow

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise
1-2 hours daily. Vigorous exercise including running, hiking, and active play.
Grooming
Hand-stripping 2-3 times yearly. Regular brushing to maintain coat texture.
Drool
Low
Coat
Wiry, Dense, BrokenRed, Golden Red, Red Wheaten
In a flat
Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

  • Cystinuria

    Moderate

    Metabolic disorder causing bladder stones. DNA test available

  • Hyperkeratosis

    Mild

    Footpad condition causing thickened, cracked pads. DNA test available

  • Cataracts

    Moderate

    Eye condition that can impair vision

Where they come from

History

One of the oldest terrier breeds, originating in Ireland. Served as messenger and sentinel dogs during WWI, known for their bravery. Originally came in various colours but red became the standard by the 1880s.

  • Ch. Doubletime · Irish Terriers gained fame during WWI as messenger dogs, with many receiving commendations for bravery under fire

Similar breeds

All breeds

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