Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is one of Ireland's most distinguished native breeds, with roots in County Cork stretching back centuries.
Originally developed as a versatile working dog, it excelled at hunting fox and otter whilst also serving as a farm guardian and loyal companion.
11-15kg
Weight
Small
Size
13-15yrs
Lifespan
About the Irish Terrier
The breed gained further recognition during the First World War, when Irish Terriers served with distinction as messenger and sentinel dogs. Today, this spirited terrier makes an excellent family pet for those who appreciate its lively character. Standing 46–48 centimetres tall and weighing 11–15 kilograms, the Irish Terrier is a compact, lean dog with a distinctive wiry, red or wheaten coat that sheds moderately. Its alert expression and muscular build convey the boldness typical of the terrier group. Temperamentally, the breed is intelligent, affectionate, and intensely loyal, thriving on close bonds with its family. It displays a playful, fun-loving nature and is generally good with children, though its typical terrier independence requires patient, consistent training from an early age. The Irish Terrier needs up to an hour's daily exercise and makes an effective watchdog despite its primarily companion-focused nature. With a lifespan of 13–15 years, it offers many rewarding years as a devoted family member.
Irish Terrier at a Glance
- Group
- Terrier
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 11–15 kg
- Height
- 46–48 cm
- Lifespan
- 13–15 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Irish Terrier Temperament
The Irish Terrier is a spirited, loyal and affectionate breed that makes a wonderful family companion. It is intelligent and full of character, with an energy and enthusiasm for life that is infectious. Generally good with children, the Irish Terrier is playful and devoted to its family, and its happy, fun-loving nature makes it a popular choice as a pet rather than a working dog. It can be trained to a high standard in obedience when work begins early, though it has a typical terrier independence that requires patient handling. The Irish Terrier is brave and alert, making an effective watchdog, but it is primarily a companion that thrives on being close to its people.
Irish Terrier Lifestyle
The Irish Terrier is well matched to a smaller property and suits a home with a reasonably sized garden. They are versatile and do well in both city and countryside settings.
Dog Food for Irish Terrier
Top-rated foods for Small breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Irish Terrier
Irish Terrier Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Irish Terrier weighing around 13 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£2.82 - £3.01
Per month
£85 - £90
Per year
£1031 - £1099
Irish Terrier Characteristics
The Irish Terrier is a high-energy breed that needs a real outlet every day and is one of the easier breeds to train. They are a fantastic choice for families with children, but handle being left alone fairly well with the right routine. The coat requires moderate upkeep and is a moderate shedder. Exceptionally clever, they thrive when given jobs to do or puzzles to solve.
Irish Terrier Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sharp and quick-witted, they pick things up fast and enjoy a mental challenge
- Naturally gentle and patient with children of all ages
- Equally at home in town or countryside, as long as they get enough exercise
- Devoted watchdogs with a protective nature that never tips into aggression
Cons
- Relatively rare in the UK, often meaning waiting lists and limited availability
- Strong prey drive requires secure fencing and thoughtful management outdoors
- Needs a good amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay content
- Prone to digging and can become vocal if bored or under-stimulated
