Irish Terrier

Irský terier

Irish Terrier – front view — Photo: Andrew Clark, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Irish Terrier – in motion — Photo: Goldmull, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Irish Terrier – head — Photo: Goldmull, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Irish Terrier – puppy — Photo: Jodie Wilson, CC BY 2.0, source

Key facts

FCI group	3. Terriers
Country of origin	Ireland
Category	Medium

Recognition features

Dense red to wheaten-red wiry coat
Long, flat-skulled head with beard and small V-shaped ears
Lean, racy outline built for speed and endurance

Purpose

Versatile farmyard dog, guard and gundog; used as a messenger dog in the First World War.

History

Possibly the oldest of the Irish terriers, though records are scarce. Colour was unsettled before the 1880s (red, black-and-tan, brindle) and red was then fixed. The first club was set up in Dublin in 1879, and the dogs served as messengers in the trenches of the First World War.

Coat

Hard, wiry, close-lying and abundant; solid red, golden red or red-wheaten.

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard. Report a photo or rights.