Choosing an Irish Terrier
By: Barbara Maroon
The Irish terrier, also known as the Irish red terrier, is a courageous dog in the fields of hunting
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History and Origin
The Irish terrier breed is about 2,000 years old and is considered one of the oldest of the terriers. Though the breed's origin is debated, many feel that the dog was developed in southern Ireland from various terriers. The earliest documentation of the Irish terrier comes from paintings dating to the 1700s. In 1875, the Irish terrier was first shown in dog shows all over Ireland. By the 1880s, this dog was one of the top five popular breeds in England.
Cropping of ears was a common practice in England up until the late 1880s. In 1889, the Irish Terrier Club of England decided that future Irish terriers must not have their ears cropped.
This began a debate that led to the banning of ear cropping in any breed exhibited in England.
In 1896, the Irish Terrier Club of America was formed. The feisty terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Terrier group.
Appearance and SizeThe Irish terrier has a long flat head, small dark eyes and V-shaped ears that fall forward. The tail is docked and carried erect. With a medium-sized body, this terrier is a well-balanced, muscular dog. The face is framed with long whiskers, a bearded mustache and a black nose. The Irish terrier has a coarse, hard, wiry topcoat with a soft, fine undercoat. The hair
coat
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Personality TraitsThe Irish terrier is extremely
intelligent
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Home and Family RelationsThe Irish terrier is affectionate, loyal and brave to their owners, but can be very intolerant of other dogs. They love to run and play with children and be around the family. They make excellent watchdogs.
TrainingThe Irish terrier is easily trained. He has a high-strung spirit, but still wants to please his owner. When in public, the Irish terrier must be leashed to prevent the dog from following through on his seemingly uncontrollable urge to scrap with other dogs. This potential behavior needs to be worked on in basic and advanced obedience classes.
Grooming
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Special CareThe Irish terrier is full of
energy
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