Pet Wiki

Irish Terrier

Also called Irish Red Terrier, Daredevil of the Emerald Isle

Recognised breedFCI group 3Short profile

From Ireland.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male11.3 to 12.25 kg12
Weight, female10.9 to 11.8 kg12
Height, male43 to 46 cm12
Height, female41 to 46 cm12
Lifespanfrom 12 years32
Sizemedium

FCI gives about 12.25 kg (27 lb) for dogs and 11.4 kg (25 lb) for bitches; Wikipedia gives 25-27 lb for males and 24-26 lb for females.

FCI gives about 45.5 cm (18 in).

brave and spirited
loyal and affectionate with people
easily trained
14

Coat and looks how to spot one

dense wiry coat

A racy, longer-legged terrier with a tight, harsh coat that lies flat and has a slightly broken look, plus a short beard on the face. A well-kept coat sheds very little.123

Coloursredgolden redred wheatenyellow-reda small white patch on the chest is allowed12

Personality what they are like

Fearless and full of fire at work, yet good-natured, loving and devoted at home. It is keen to learn, loyal to its family and makes an alert guardian.142

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate: up to about an hour of exercise a day, plus games and training. Many enjoy agility and other dog sports.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush more than once a week; the wiry coat is usually hand-stripped a few times a year to keep its texture and colour.32

Home where they are happiest

Adaptable to town or country with a small to medium garden.3

Company who they like around

Very people-focused and devoted to its family. It can be bossy with other dogs, so careful early socialisation and supervised introductions help.12

The story where it all began

One of the oldest terrier breeds, the Irish Terrier worked on farms as a ratter, guard and hunting companion. The first breed club formed in Dublin in 1879, and by the 1880s it was among the most popular breeds in Britain and Ireland. In the First World War it served as a messenger dog.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Irish Terriers carried messages on the front lines in the First World War.1

  2. 2

    By the 1880s it was the fourth most popular breed in Britain and Ireland.2

  3. 3

    The University of Notre Dame used an Irish Terrier as its mascot until the 1960s.2

  4. 4

    Early Irish Terriers came in black and tan and brindle; the all-red coat was fixed only later.1

  5. 5

    The AKC nicknames it the 'Daredevil' of the Emerald Isle.4

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Terrier' comes from the Latin word 'Terra', meaning earth, as these dogs were bred to pursue vermin above and below ground.3

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

FinnCloverPaddyRoryEmeraldBrennanDaredevilShamrockCianRustyAislingBlarney

A day in the life told by an Irish Terrier

I wake up to a warm nuzzle from my human. After a quick patrol of the garden, I find a stick that needs serious investigation. Then it's breakfast, followed by a game of fetch that I take very seriously. I guard the front door with a wagging tail, ready to greet the postman. After a good run in the park, I curl up on the sofa, my head on my human's lap. A perfect day ends with a belly rub and a soft goodnight.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 139, Group 3 Terriers, Section 1 large and medium-sized terriers; standard dated 13.03.2001.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier group; first shown in 1870 and recognised as a pedigree breed in 1879. Not a vulnerable native breed.3
AKC
Terrier Group.4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Irish Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Irish Terrier, and at what times?

Adult Irish Terriers should be fed at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, and follow the food label's guidance for amounts, checking with your vet for your dog's specific needs.5

What should an Irish Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality, balanced dog food appropriate for your Irish Terrier's age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; avoid these entirely.6

How often should I bathe an Irish Terrier?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect the coat's natural oils.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Irish Terrier need brushing?

Brush your Irish Terrier more than once a week to keep its wiry coat in good condition. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing, which helps remove loose hair and prevents mats.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Irish Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside), and use proper dog nail clippers.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Irish Terrier need?

Irish Terriers need moderate exercise, up to about an hour a day, plus games and training. They enjoy agility and other dog sports, so daily walks and playtime are important.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Irish Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush your Irish Terrier's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal; gently clean the outer ear with a vet-recommended solution.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Irish Terrier live?

Irish Terriers typically live around 12 years, though some may live longer with good care. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle help support a long life.32

Is an Irish Terrier good with children and other pets?

Irish Terriers are loving and devoted to their family, and can be good with children when raised together. They can be bossy with other dogs, so early socialisation and supervised introductions are important.12

Can an Irish Terrier be left alone?

Irish Terriers are very people-focused and devoted to their family, so they may struggle with long periods alone. They do best with company and plenty of interaction; if left alone, provide toys and a comfortable space, but avoid extended absences.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI standard no. 139, Irish Terrier fci.beused for recognition, height, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Irish Terrier, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, height, weight, lifespan, history, fun facts
  3. Irish Terrier, The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition dates, lifespan, exercise, grooming, home
  4. Irish Terrier, AKC akc.orgused for nickname, temperament
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.