Irish Terrier

The Irish terrier is a native of Ireland and was discovered in the 1870s. Known to be a great pet, this breed of the dog is suited to any type of environment. The Irish terrier is just one of those types of breeds which fall under the family of terriers.

The Irish terrier also known as the red Irish terrier gets its name due to the bright reddish yellow coat that these dogs possess. History states that these dogs were used as messengers during times of wars and sometimes, even used for fighting in the war. Those dogs which were used for fighting had cropped ears which differentiated them from an average domestic pet.

These dogs in general make great companion for they abound in energy and can always be a constant source of entertainment with their antiques. It is perhaps for this reason too that these dogs are regular winners at fog shows. Their nature is more suited to being a watchdog.

Physical Appearance of Irish Terrier

The Irish terrier matches its looks with the Irish Fox Terrier. A furry coat with bushy ears that hang on the sides of the face, you just cant help adoring this dog. The hair is slightly darker on the sides of the ears as compared to the other parts of the body. Another distinct feature of this breed is the numerous whiskers that adorn the cute face of the Irish terrier. The double coat which these dogs possess makes grooming an easy task. The legs are long which makes them fast runners. The jaw is strong with well aligned sharp teeth. When they bite, it is like a scissor cut. Generally bony, these dogs when regularly provided with outdoor exercises and regular walks stay healthy.

They are generally available in shades of red ranging from reddish yellow to sunset red. An average healthy Irish terrier weights around fifteen pounds and can grow up to a height of twenty inches. The life expectancy of this dog breed is around fourteen to sixteen years.

Character

Friendly yet ferocious, these dogs have pretty much retained the characteristics which made them excellent hunting and fighting dogs. They are a courageous lot and hence make good watch dogs. They are loyal and very entertaining. They also tend to be reckless sometimes and short tempered when provoked. So take care not to annoy the Irish terrier or else be prepared to receive a scissor cut. They are devoted to their owners and when you adopt an Irish terrier as your pet, you can rest assured that your pet has made it his mission to remain faithful to you all his life. Such is the undying loyalty of this breed. These dogs love traveling and being outdoors. Regular exercise is a must for the health of the bones.

The Irish Terrier as a Pet

Easy to train, these dogs are a pleasure to have around. They also are very friendly towards humans as well as other pets. These dogs especially love children and are bound to be famous and well loved in the neighborhood. Make sure that you take these dogs out for regular walks.