Life expectancy

14 years

Age adult

14 months

Height (Shoulder height)

45 cm

Weight

12 kg

Coat texture

short-haired / flat / wiry / dense

Coat color

red, yellow red, red&wheatcolor

Common illnesses

hyperkeratosis / cystinuria

Food expenses per month in €

about € 31

Suitable for children

Rather yes

Needs a garden

Rather yes

Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment

Rather yes

First dog suitable

Rather yes

Allergy friendly

Rather not

Athletic

Attention

Care and grooming

Eager to learn

Exercise

Nature

sporting / alert / stubborn / loyal / loving / stubborn / boisterous

Bred for

hare hunt / rat and mouse hunting / messenger dog

Common illnesses

hyperkeratosis / cystinuria

Dog type according to FCI

terriers

FCI description

Terriers were bred to hunt mice and rats and to drive badgers and foxes out of the burrow. Here they are on their own. They had to decide for themselves what to do, be dauntless and fearless. Hesitant behaviour could cost them their lives, so they reacted to threats with resistance. Bull-like terriers grabbed hold in the fight against bulls or other dogs and were trained to hurt their opponent and never give up.

Almost all terriers have a pronounced hunting instinct, are persevering, courageous and stubborn. Their temperament must not be underestimated, even with good education they usually keep their own head and can become tyrants if they do not get enough species-appropriate activity and above all can live out their hunting behaviour. But they are also available for other activities. Since they are/have been left on their own, especially in caves, extreme caution is required with children when they crawl under tables etc. where a terrier has found his place.

Short description

The Irish Terrier needs variation in routine and a lot of physical exercise. He feels most comfortable in a home with a garden. Be careful he likes digging. He is suitable for dog sports and can be used for hunting as well. Like other terrier breeds he is fearless, feisty and is also called the red devil in Ireland.