"I'm a daredevil!"
With a long head, folded ears, and a strong jawline, the Irish Terrier may look sweet on the outside, but their fierce and brave inside. These daring dogs love to chase animals, watch over their families, and go on adventures—especially sniffing out those sneaky squirrels in the backyard.
Irish Terriers are high-energy and tenacious dogs. Their keen curiosity often takes them on exciting adventures and keeps them busy. The breed’s strong senses make these pups ideal watchdogs but also contribute to their hard-headed nature. However, with training, daily activities, and consistent routines, you can keep your Irish Terrier energized yet under control.
Irish Terrier coats are typical of the terrier breeds. Their outer coat is tough, wiry, and thick, while their undercoats are soft and warm. Irish Terriers come in golden red, red wheaten, bright red, and plain wheaten, often with a small white patch on the chest. Their color may change throughout their lifetime, so it’s not uncommon to have a black puppy that turns red as it gets older.
Irish Terriers are not the easiest dogs to care for. They tend to take charge, so in order to prevent aggression, it’s important for their families to override that instinct with training and socialization. Irish Terriers don’t co-exist well with other animals, especially those that are smaller than them. They can get along well with kids as long as they’ve been trained, but keep an eye on them around strangers. Being a true member of the family is especially important for Irish Terriers and will make them easier to live with in the long run.
Irish Terriers are high maintenance when it comes to activity. As a working breed, they need to be busy to stay out of trouble. Long walks, outside playtime, and training will help keep them calm and well behaved. Being assertive and identifying yourself as the pack leader is particularly helpful when training Irish Terriers to be obedient, loving dogs.