Soft-coated Irish Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Soft-coated Irish Terrier is an ancient Irish breed traditionally used on farms to control pests and take part in badger or otter hunting. Its origins go back at least two centuries, but its official recognition by the Irish Kennel Club only came in 1937, before an FCI recognition in 1957.

This medium-sized dog has a harmonious, rustic and powerfully built silhouette, almost square in outline. Its head is rather long and well proportioned, with dark hazel eyes, small to medium ears carried forward and a tail carried gaily without curling over the back. Its coat comes in all shades of wheaten, from light to golden tending toward red, with a medium-length coat, soft, silky, wavy or curly, without undercoat.

The Soft-coated Irish Terrier is an active, courageous dog, full of enthusiasm and confidence, but also very affectionate with its family. Loyal, pleasant and balanced, it appreciates group life and can make a good guard dog without excessive aggressiveness.

This terrier needs to stay active on a daily basis and thrives with one to two long outings per day, games and activities that stimulate its senses. It can adapt to the city as well as the countryside if its exercise needs are met, but its terrier instinct calls for caution with small animals.

His training must be conducted with consistency and calm firmness, without seeking a power struggle. As he likes to work and please his owner, he responds well to positive methods, varied exercises and early socialization.

The purchase price varies mainly depending on the seriousness of the breeding, the quality of health monitoring, the pedigree and the availability of the breed. It is preferable to favor a breeder who is transparent about health and socialization rather than an abnormally low offer.

The Soft-coated Irish Terrier generally enjoys rather robust health, but several hereditary predispositions justify serious monitoring with tested breeding dogs and regular veterinary check-ups throughout life.

The Soft-coated Irish Terrier needs a complete, good-quality diet, adapted to its age, size and activity level. Its profile as a medium-sized, dynamic dog requires a balanced ration that supports muscle mass without promoting overweight.

Despite its name, this breed is better known internationally under the name Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Its coat should not be routinely clipped, as this can alter its characteristic texture, soft and silky.