Irish Terrier
To describe the Irish Terrier as a dog that looks like a small Airedale with a self-coloured yellow coat would far from satisfy the many lovers of this ancient and most attractive breed. We have today in the Irish a fine watchdog, a loyal protector and a most excellent family pet. Its only drawback is its somewhat exaggerated reputation for fighting other dogs. True to its terrier blood it is tremendously courageous, and stories of faithfulness to its master are legion.
Origin and history
Irish sources say that the Irish Terrier was established in the country even before the arrival of their patron saint, St Patrick. Some go so far as to say that the Irish Terrier is a smaller version of another of their national dogs, the Irish Wolfhound; but the relationship seems somewhat remote.
It is more likely that the Irish Terrier is a descendant of the Black and Tan Wire-haired Terrier whose purpose was to hunt fox and destroy vermin in the United Kingdom 200 years ago. Study of the Welsh and Lakeland terriers shows the similarity between the breeds, and it would certainly seem that all have the old Black and Tan Terrier as a common ancestor.
It is said that in the area around County Cork in Ireland a large Wheaten Terrier existed that could have been the forerunner of the Irish Terrier and also have contributed to the evolution of the Welsh and Lakeland terriers.
The standard breeding of the Irish Terrier did not take place until 1879, before which there was considerable variation of type, size and colour; it is said that the Irish Terrier in Antrim was black, brown and white, whereas those in Whitley were of a reddish colour and those in Kerry were black or black/brown. In 1879 a specialist breed club was formed, and in the following years the Irish Terrier in its present form and colour became tremendously popular.
It is perhaps worth mentioning that many enthusiasts insist that a terrier similar to the Irish was included in Noah's famous ark.
These dogs were used as messengers in World War I. There is a tale about Ordinary Seaman Foc's'le, a nautical terrier on a Canadian destroyer in the Atlantic during World War II, who raised the alarm when an enemy submarine was not picked up by the ship's instruments and kept the crew going during the engagement with barks of encouragement.
The Irish Terrier Club was the first body in the British Isles to bring about the banishment of the practice of cropping dogs' ears. Unfortunately, this practice has yet to be outlawed in the United States, which generally lags behind the United Kingdom in matters pertaining to animal rights and welfare.
In addition to his exploits in the twin sports of war and hunting, the Irish Terrier exhibits the flair of a born showman. As intrepid looking in the ring as in the field, the Irish Terrier has been called 'the D'Artagnan of the show ring'.
Irish Terrier Puppies
Good points
- Alert and loyal protector
- Courageous
- Good with children
- Not as snappy as most terriers
Take heed
- Can be a prodigious fighter
Size
The most desirable weight in show condition is: dog 271b (12.3kg); bitch 251b (11.3kg). Height at the shoulders should be approximately 18in (46cm).
Exercise
The Irish Terrier is a sporty little dog that has been trained successfully to the gun and is first-class at destroying vermin. It has also been a creditable performer in obedience competitions. It will, however, adapt happily to life as a household pet provided it has a garden to romp in an,d is taken for regular walks and given plentiful off-the-Iead runs.
Irish Terrier Information
General appearance
The dog must present an active, lively, lithe and wiry appearance with lots of susbtance, but at th_ same time it should be free of clumsiness, as speed and endurance, as well as powe_ are esential. They must be neither cloddy nor cobby, but should be framed on the lines of speed, showing a graceful racing outline.
Colour
Should be self-coloured, the most preferable colours being a bright red, red wheaten or yellow red. White sometimes apears on the chest and feet and is more objectionable on the latter than on the former, as a speck of white on the chest is frequently to be seen in all self-coloured breeds.
Head and skull
Head long; skull flat and rather narrow between the ears, getting slightly narrower towards the eye; free from wrinkles; stop hardly visible except in profile. The jaw must be strong and muscular, but not too full in the cheek, and of a good punishing length. The nose must be black.
Tail
Generally docked to about three-quarters; should be free of fringe or feather but well covered with rough hai_ set on pretty high, carried gaily but not over the back or curled.
Feet
Should be strong, tolerably round and moderately small, toes arched and turned neither out nor in; black toenails are desirable. Pads must be sound and free from cracks or horny excrescences.
Irish Terrier Feeding & Grooming
Grooming
Like the Airedale, the Irish Terrier will need hand stripping several times a year, and it is best to have this done professionally - at least until you have learned the knack. An inexperienced attempt at stripping could prove a painful experience for the dog and even do some harm to its temperament. Some owners resort to clipping, and this is excusable with an elderly animal but causes loss of colour and condition. Normally, a frequent brushing will suffice to keep this healthy, hardy dog in smart condition.
Feeding
Recommended would be 13-200z (369-587g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 13/4-3 cupfuls of a dry, complete food, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to 1/2 cup of hot or cold water. This breed will appreciate a big bonemeal type biscuit as an additional treat.