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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+9
Dogs
# The Irish Terrier: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Ireland
A red terrier, lively and courageous, built for action and companionship.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–15 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €1,000 – €1,100
[Find a breeder 5](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=irish-terrier)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Excellent
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Good
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Limited
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Very good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Courageous: He displays a strong-willed and protective temperament without losing his attachment to his family.
- Affectionate: Despite his terrier temperament, he is close to his owners and pleasant on a daily basis.
- Hardy: The breed generally benefits from good sturdiness and fine endurance.
- Strong personality: His assertive temperament requires consistent training and an involved owner.
- Delicate cohabitation: He can be difficult with other animals, especially without early socialization.
- Need for activity: A lifestyle that is too sedentary does not suit him well and encourages boredom.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active owners: It is suitable for people who like to walk, play and share regular activities with their dog.
- Present and consistent households: It thrives with owners who are able to set a clear and stable framework.
- Families with respectful children: Its good nature and energy make it a pleasant companion when interactions are well supervised.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary people: He does not tolerate well a daily life with few outings and little stimulation.
- Unavailable beginner owners: His strong-willed temperament and exercise needs require time and consistency.
- Households looking for very simple cohabitation with animals: His terrier temperament can complicate life with other animals.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
46 cmIrish Terrier
- Height at the withers
- 43–48 cm
- Weight
- 11–12 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, harsh
- FCI group
- 3
- Origin
- Ireland
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Irish Terrier in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Irish Terrier is probably one of the oldest terrier breeds in Ireland. In the past, several coat colours existed, notably black and tan and brindle, before selection at the end of the 19th century gradually established the red coat. The first breed club was founded in Dublin on 31 March 1879, and the Irish Terrier was the first of the Irish terriers recognised by the English Kennel Club. The FCI recognised it definitively in 1955.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog, elegant, proud and well proportioned, built for speed and endurance. Its back is straight and firm, the loin muscular and the chest deep. The head is long, with a flat and narrow skull, very expressive dark eyes and small V-shaped ears falling forward. Its coat is very dense, of wire texture, lying flat, generally red, red wheaten or yellow red, sometimes with a small white mark on the chest.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Lively, courageous and loyal, the Irish Terrier is an affectionate companion that retains a true terrier temperament. He knows how to be protective without being excessively aggressive and shows great confidence. With his family, he is close and playful, but he often keeps a strong personality and a certain bite when faced with other dogs.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Sociable Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
This dog needs an active daily routine to stay comfortable in its paws. It enjoys long outings, physical games and activities shared with its owner. It can live in an urban environment if it really gets enough exercise every day, but it thrives more in a house with a well-secured outdoor space.
Training
## Training and socialization
The Irish Terrier requires consistent, early and constant training. Its reputation as a stubborn dog comes mainly from its strong-willed temperament: it learns well when sessions are motivating, fair and dynamic. Serious socialization from the youngest age is important, especially with regard to other dogs, and varied exercises help it stay focused.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Irish Terrier
The price of an Irish Terrier varies mainly depending on the quality of the lineage, the seriousness of the breeding, compliance with the standard and the follow-up offered. For this breed that is still relatively uncommon, it is relevant to prioritize a breeder that is transparent about health, socialization and breeding conditions.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-terrier/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Irish Terrier is generally a robust dog, with a solid constitution and good overall resistance. The breed is not known for accumulating many fragilities, but it still deserves regular veterinary monitoring and particular attention to certain hereditary and ocular points.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-terrier/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Irish Terrier needs a good-quality diet, consistent with its medium size and high activity level. Its ration must support its musculature, its endurance and the quality of its coat without promoting unnecessary weight gain.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-terrier/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Irish Terrier is often presented as the oldest terrier in Ireland. Its red coat, now emblematic, has not always been the only one accepted in the breed. Its proud bearing and its courage have earned it a solid reputation as a hardy and determined dog, while remaining a companion very attached to its home.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Irish Terrier
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Irish Terrier easy to train?
He can learn very well, but he is not an obedient dog in the passive sense of the term. His assertive temperament requires consistent, early and motivating training, with real consistency in the rules.
### Can the Irish Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, but only if his exercise needs are genuinely met every day. He copes better with apartment living when he benefits from long outings, games and regular activities.
### Does the Irish Terrier get along with other animals?
Living together can be delicate, especially with other dogs or small animals, as the breed retains an assertive terrier temperament. Early socialization improves things, without guaranteeing easy harmony with all other animals.
## Find a Irish Terrier breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Irish Terrier breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Irish Terrier breeders by country
[80 breeders of Irish Terrier in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier/germany) [6 breeders of Irish Terrier in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier/austria) [5 breeders of Irish Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier) [5 breeders of Irish Terrier in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier/united-kingdom) [3 breeders of Irish Terrier in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier/denmark) [2 breeders of Irish Terrier in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier/italy) [2 breeders of Irish Terrier in Slovakia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier/slovakia) [2 breeders of Irish Terrier in Switzerland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier/switzerland)
[All breeders of Irish Terrier in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier)
## Ready to welcome a Irish Terrier?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-terrier)
## Discover other breeds
[Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/irish-glen-of-imaal-terrier)
[Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/soft-coated-irish-terrier)
[Kerry Blue Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kerry-blue-terrier)
[Airedale Terrier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/airedale-terrier)
[Skye Terrier
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