The Irish Terrier is a dog breed from Ireland, one of many breeds of Terrier.
The Irish Terrier is an active, compactly sized dog that is suited for life in both rural and city environments. The red, harsh coat protects an Irish Terrier well in all kinds of weather.
Appearance
The Irish terrier Association of Sweden has described the ideal Irish Terrier as being racy, red and rectangular. Racy: an Irish Terrier should appear powerful without being sturdy or heavy. Rectangular: the outline of the Irish Terrier differs markedly from those of other terriers. The Irish Terrier's body is proportionately longer than that of the Fox Terrier, with a tendency towards racy lines but with no lack of substance.
The tail is customarily docked soon after birth to approximately two-thirds of the original length. In countries where docking is prohibited, the conformation judges emphasize tail carriage. The tail should start up quite high, but it should not stick straight up or curl over the back or either side. The ears are small and folded forward just above skull level. They are preferably slightly darker than the rest of the coat. It is fairly common to see wrongly positioned ears, even though most dogs have their ears trained during adolescence.
Temperament
The Irish Terrier is hot-tempered, reckless and exceptionally courageous. These animated, spirited and loyal dogs are affectionately called "Daredevils" by their fanciers. The Irish Terrier plays hard and is a good friend for active children. Bold, inquisitive and ready for action and adventure. Intelligent and trainable, but somewhat willful. Can be quite a handful. Train firmly right from the beginning. Very affectionate and kind with humans, but quiet combative with other dogs and should not be trusted with non-canine pets. The Irish Terrier has a strong protective instinct, so he should be socialized well with people at an early age. They can be difficult to housebreak. The Irish Terrier likes to dig, explore and chase things. They should be kept on a leash except in a safe enclosed space. This is truly a loyal and entertaining companion.