Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is a breed of dog originating in Ireland, known for its courageous and energetic temperament. They are small and robust dogs, originally bred for hunting small animals and eliminating pests.

General details

The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed, with an average weight of 11-12 kg and a height of 45-50 cm in males and 40-45 cm in females. The average life expectancy of this breed is around 12 years. According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the Irish Terrier belongs to Group 3, which includes Terriers.

Breed history in brief

The Irish Terrier, also known as Irish Terrier, is a breed of dog originating in Ireland and one of the oldest in its country of origin. It was developed in the early 19th century to hunt small animals such as foxes, rabbits and badgers. Throughout its history, the Irish Terrier has been used for hunting, as a war dog and as a companion animal. During World War I, the breed gained worldwide popularity for its courage on the battlefield. It was also used in World War II and as a search and rescue dog in emergency situations. Today, the Irish Terrier is used primarily as a companion animal and is valued for its intelligence, courage and loyalty.

Breed characteristics

The Irish Terrier is a dog of compact and muscular appearance. Its head is proportional to the body and has a strong, sharp jaw. Its eyes are small and dark, and its ears are small and V-shaped, drooping forward. Their coat is dense and rough and the most common color is red, but they can also be tricolored with black and bronze, or gray. In addition to its appearance, the Irish Terrier is known for its bold and courageous temperament. It is a very intelligent and energetic dog that needs daily exercise and adequate mental stimulation to avoid destructive behavior. It is also a loyal and affectionate dog with its family, but can be reserved with strangers.

Common health problems

Some of the most common diseases they may present are hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease and some eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataract.