Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of whom were first used for hunting vermin and therefore now have an innately spirited and aggressive character with a tendency to chase moving creatures and objects), the Irish Terrier is one of the most challenging of the group.
The Irish Terrier is not alone in its history of being bred as a superior ratter, guard dog, and soft-mouthed game retriever. In fact, it was so good for the latter that it was first named early on «The Irish Sporting Terrier.» It is also not alone in its breeding history»sharing with other terrier breeds an unclear origin»but is possibly a descendant of the Wire-haired Black and Tan Terrier, starting its existence some time in the 1800»s.
But the Irish Terrier then departs from the typical terrier in a few ways: it is surely not as «gentlemanly» as the Black and Tan, as it cannot stand others of its sex. The Irish is also an independent thinker that is willful (resisting training if it doesn»t feel like being told what to do) and that uses selective hearing (ignoring commands if it feels like it).
At the same time, an 18 inch, 25 pound breed with the dense and wiry short-haired coat, the Irish Terrier is a loyal, devoted, and affectionate dog that has much courage for protecting its humans and much patience and gentility with loved ones.
But before you go off guard, consider that the Irish Terrier is wiry, antsy, animated, and very active. So it requires the dedication to regular exercise (at least twice a day) and attend to it, not leaving it alone for very long and not sequestering it to any type of outdoor cage or pen.
As well, the Irish Terrier, with the unique red coat, must be groomed often: the wiry hairs must be stripped by hand to keep a consistent and mat-free texture; and should be knife-stripped and brushed weekly for the same reason. Since it was also used for ratting, hunting, and guarding out in the wilderness of the valleys and fields of Ireland, it has an innate daredevil personality that in the country or in the city must be kept on a lead if outdoors on a walk, else it will bolt and often not answer (return) to the one who calls it back. But it loves the hunt, loves the water, and loves the people with whom it resides, so provided the humans can keep up with the frolicsome antics, it will be a most loveable and enjoyable pet.
