What makes an Irish Terrier?

 

 

 

 

 

In days gone by, the Irish Terrier was also known as the ‘gentleman’s favourite’ and the ‘poor man’s sentinel’

Being one of the oldest terrier breeds, at one stage he was one of the four most popular breeds in Britain.  This guy was originally bred for fox hunting but like all terriers he is also a good vermin catcher. 

During the Great War, they were used as a war-dog in the trenches.  They were companions for the soldiers, rat catchers, guarding and accompanied the stretcher crew onto the battlefield.

The Irish terrier has characteristics suited to hunting but his bloodline means you would be well to supervise closely around small animals of the non-canine variety.  The breed seldom presents with breed-related health conditions and generally lives to around 12 years.

He can happily live in an apartment or a farm but you need to meet his exercise requirements and he is a higher energy dog.  Some people who suffer from dog allergies report that his coat does not affect them.

Around town this lively dog will get about confidently and you will regularly see an upright tail in his posture.  He generally seeks out the company of people rather than other dogs.  One reason they weren’t used as messenger dogs in the war was because they all too often stopped to say hello to soldiers along the way and so the message would be delayed.

The breed is commonly described as independent and stubborn but if you give him training you will get the most out of him by engaging and challenging his high intelligence.  He can be persistent when he’s onto a hot trail but remember that dogs with drive are very suited to training.

That rough looking teddy bear coat helps protect him from harsh weather.  It is easy to care for his coat and he only sheds a little.  Just look at those gorgeous teddy bear ears !!!!

Leah & Angela O’Meara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Cares Brisbane)