Terrier group
Irish Terrier
The fiery-coated “daredevil” — bold, loyal and full of spirit.
Irish Terriers are athletic, red-coated terriers known for their courage and devotion. They are affectionate and playful with family, but can be combative with other dogs and need consistent training and exercise.
- Height
- 18 in46–46 cm
- Weight
- 25–27 lb11–12 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–15 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Terrier
- Origin
- Ireland
Coat: Dense, wiry, broken coat. Colours: Red, Golden red, Red wheaten, Wheaten.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Irish Terriers are spirited, loyal and good-humoured. With their families they are affectionate and often gentle with children, and they make keen watchdogs.
Their nickname “daredevil” is earned: they are fearless and quick to take up a challenge from another dog. Early socialisation and firm, fair training help, and many live best as the only dog.
Living with a Irish Terrier
Exercise
About an hour of vigorous exercise daily with walks, runs and games. They enjoy agility and hiking.
Grooming
Brush weekly and hand-strip a few times a year to keep the wiry coat. Low shedding.
Training
Intelligent but strong-willed; keep sessions varied, positive and consistent.
Kids & other pets
Good with children in their own family. Often intolerant of other dogs; unsafe with small pets.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but can be destructive or noisy when bored.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Irish Terrier right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Irish Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Irish Terrier typically lives 13–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis
Thickened, cracked paw pads in young dogs; a DNA test identifies carriers.
Cystinuria
An inherited disorder causing bladder stones, mainly in males.
Hip dysplasia
Uncommon but reported; screened parents help.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination
- DNA test for footpad hyperkeratosis
Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Irish Terrier; Irish Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, used on Irish farms to hunt vermin, guard property and retrieve on land and water.
Irish Terriers served as messengers and sentinels in WWI, where their courage became legendary. The AKC recognised the breed in 1885.
Did you know?
- Irish Terriers are nicknamed “daredevils”.
- They served as messenger dogs in WWI.
- The breed is one of the few terriers that comes only in solid red shades.
Library guides for Irish Terrier owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Irish Terrier.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Irish Terrier breeder about health screening.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Irish Terriers good family dogs?
- Yes, for active families. They are loyal and affectionate but often dog-selective.
- Do Irish Terriers shed?
- Very little, especially if hand-stripped.
- Are Irish Terriers good with other dogs?
- Often not — many prefer to be the only dog.