The Irish terrier is a dog that you don’t see very often. The Irish terrier is certainly very rare in the Netherlands and many people are impressed when they encounter this dog. The dog has a playful nature and likes to exercise and to play. The Irish terrier is therefore very suitable for a family with children. The Irish terrier is also very headstrong and very loyal to its owner and family. This Irish dog breed is especially suited to people who can deal with its quirky disposition.
Breed info
- Height at the withers: between 45 and 50 cm. The Irishman is a medium-sized dog.
- Color: red brown.
- Weight: about 12 to 14 kg.
Origin
The Irish terrier, as the name implies, comes from Ireland. The Irish terrier originated around 1700, making it one of the oldest terrier breeds. Due to its wire-haired coat, the Irish terrier was able to withstand the harsh climate of Ireland. Originally the Irishman was mainly kept to keep out wild animals and intruders. The Irishman also developed a nice hunting instinct which made him very suitable for hunting. The exact origin of the Irish terrier is not entirely certain, but it is likely that the wirehaired Black and Tan terrier and the Irish Wolfhound are ancestors of the Irish terrier.
Character
The Irish terrier has a self-assured and proud character and thus resembles the Irish people a bit. The Irishman is not aggressive, but very courageous and does not shy away from defending himself or his boss. Irish terriers can be very stubborn, which is also characteristic of terriers. However, this quirky trait of the Irishman does have its charm. Furthermore, the Irishman is very loyal and is therefore a real friend to the boss and his family. The dog is therefore very suitable for people with children. The Irish terrier is very playful and likes to move.
Grooming and coat
The Irish Terrier needs to be brushed from time to time so that dead hair can be removed. The Irishman also needs regular grooming to keep his rough, beautiful coat. It is therefore very important to keep a good record of this so that the coat of the dog remains beautiful. The dog may only be washed if it is really necessary, for example to keep the coat good. Washing the Irish Terrier should be done with a mild shampoo.
Education of the Irish terrier
It is very important to socialize the Irish Terrier with other people and other dogs as early as possible. It is also necessary to educate the Irishman with a tight hand. This means that the Irish terrier must have clear rules so that it does not run over its owner. This is especially necessary for males. Females often don’t tend to test who is boss. However, having a tight hand does not mean that the owner can physically punish or hurt his Irish Terrier in any way. Besides the fact that it is extremely cowardly to do physical damage to a dog, this is also counterproductive. The Irish terrier will only show aggressive behavior or become scared through physical punishment, but of course this applies to any dog.
Movement
The Irishman is a dog that needs a lot of exercise and therefore needs to be taken out for a reasonable amount of time on a regular basis. If the Irish Terrier does not get enough exercise, the animal can become bored or frustrated. If the dog becomes frustrated, it may show scraping behavior. It is therefore best to walk the Irish terrier at least three times a day. It may also be a good idea to take the dog for a long walk one or more times a week.
Suitable boss
As mentioned earlier, it is imperative that the owner of an Irish terrier is firm in his shoes and can walk a lot with the dog. It also seems advisable to have had some experience with other, smaller terriers before a boss starts an Irish terrier. Some Irish can be very easy going but this is very much down to the personality of the individual dog.
