Dog Breed

Irish Terrier

Primary image of Irish Terrier dog breed
Full Name
Irish Terrier
Your PupScore
Take the best dog breed quiz to get your Pup Scores!
Life Span
12 - 16 years
Weight
25 - 27 pounds
Description

Respectful, Lively, Intelligent, Dominant, Protective, Trainable

Origin
Ireland
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Irish Terrier good with children?

    The Irish Terrier is about average in how friendly they are with children. They can be friendly and loving with children, but we recommend that they get early socialization, and are not left alone with children for extended periods.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Irish Terrier friendly with strangers?

    The Irish Terrier is about average in how friendly they are with strangers. They can be timid or protective, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for any household.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Irish Terrier friendly with other dogs?

    The Irish Terrier is about average in how friendly they are with other dogs. They can be timid or defensive, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for dog parks and living with other dogs at home.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Irish Terrier like to cuddle?

    The Irish Terrier appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
    Playfulness

    Does the Irish Terrier like to play?

    The Irish Terrier is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Irish Terrier make a good service dog?

    The Irish Terrier would not be a great fit as a service dog for several reasons.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Irish Terrier good for first-time owners?

    The Irish Terrier would not be the best fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and is motivated to please its owner.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Irish Terrier be trained?

    The Irish Terrier is about average when it comes to training potential. The Irish Terrier can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Irish Terrier shed a lot?

    The Irish Terrier does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Irish Terrier easy to groom?

    The Irish Terrier requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Irish Terrier to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Irish Terrier on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Irish Terrier need a lot of exercise?

    The Irish Terrier needs a daily exercise partner! The Irish Terrier is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Irish Terrier?

    The Irish Terrier has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Irish Terrier bark? Does the Irish Terrier bark too much?

    The Irish Terrier barks a lot. This is important to consider with your living situation- will it be ok when you leave them at home alone or will they disrupt the neighbors? The Irish Terrier will oftentimes bark just to express their thoughts... even just to be heard!
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Irish Terrier a good guard dog?

    The Irish Terrier is not a dog breed necessarily known as a guard dog, but they are alert. The Irish Terrier is protective of its family, and has above average tendencies when it comes to guarding property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Irish Terrier good at staying alone? Is the Irish Terrier independent?

    The Irish Terrier is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Irish Terrier a good apartment dog?

    The Irish Terrier is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Irish Terrier?

    The Irish Terrier is below average when it comes to size. They are not a "toy" breed, but it is still significantly easier to travel with them.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Irish Terrier tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Irish Terrier?

    The Irish Terrier can tolerate hot weather well. They still prefer having some variation and a cool space to sleep, but overall they can do well in warm climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Irish Terrier tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Irish Terrier?

    The Irish Terrier can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Irish Terrier try to run away?

    It is natural for the Irish Terrier to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Irish Terrier a healthy dog? The health of a Irish Terrier should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Irish Terrier is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Irish Terrier high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Irish Terrier?

    It seems like the Irish Terrier never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the Irish Terrier is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the Irish Terrier for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Irish Terrier drool?

    The Irish Terrier does not drool at all.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Irish Terrier have a large prey drive? Does the Irish Terrier like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Irish Terrier has a very high prey drive and will naturally chase after any small animals it sees. They can co-exist with cats or other animals at the home, but we would not recommend it without supervision.
    Athleticism

    Is the Irish Terrier atheltic?

    The Irish Terrier is very athletic and would be well suited for a family that frequently works out or goes on adventures.
  • Secondary image of Irish Terrier dog breed
  • Secondary image of Irish Terrier dog breed

1 of 3

  • Thumbnail image 0 of Irish Terrier dog breed
  • Thumbnail image 1 of Irish Terrier dog breed
  • Thumbnail image 2 of Irish Terrier dog breed
  1. Terrier
  2. Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Terrier dog breed group.
Terrier group: Anyone who has had a terrier knows that they come with a big personality. Across the Terrier dog group there is much variation, but they are all feisty, proud, and extremely loyal to their family. With this strong personality comes stubbornness, so they are not the easiest dog, especially for a first time dog owner. However, with training and a strong owner, they can be some of the most rewarding dogs- their strong personality is fun, active, and will always bring something new. Terriers were originally bred for hunting, exterminating small vermin, and home protection. Terriers are a healthy and athletic breed. Because of this they require a good amount of exercise.

Irish Terriers for adoption

Similar Breeds