Irish Terrier
Breed Profile
Group: Terrier
Origin: Ireland
Colour: Red, red/wheaten, or yellow/red
Lifespan: 13 years
reckless • affectionate • courageous • devoted • good-tempered
Owner's Guide
Similar in appearance to Airedales but smaller, Irish Terriers are good-natured with their owners and, usually, strangers. Feisty and easily aroused, they are reactive and problematic around other dogs and need plenty of early socialization to remain tolerant.
Originally bred to hunt and kill rats and rabbits.
Special characteristics
The Irish Terrier is fast and curious, with a hard bite.
Exercise requirements
High. Needs plenty of exercise in a safe environment.
Attitude to
owners affectionate, loyal
children good if raised with them
other pets may kill small pets, may injure cats unless raised with them
strangers territorial
unfamiliar dogs very problematic and aggressive. Needs adequate, early and continued socialization
Perfect owner
Experienced, strong-willed active owner who has the time and knowledge to adequately socialize these dogs as puppies and provide games and safe exercise when they are older.
Potential problems
Tends to be aggressive to other dogs and strangers.
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Breed Index
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