Irish Terrier breed guide

The Irish Terrier is lively, playful and outgoing with abundant energy. AKC calls it very smart and willing to please, though it also tends to be strong-willed, independent and challenging.

Early, consistent socialization and basic obedience training help make it a well-mannered member of the household who is comfortable with family and friends.

Irish Terriers live 13 to 15 years. AKC names hyperkeratosis, hardened and cracked footpads, as rare in North America but possibly carried in dogs from European lines, with a genetic test available.

Cystinuria, which causes bladder stones, is also uncommon and no genetic test exists for it in Irish Terriers, so prospective owners should ask about both diseases.

The short coat needs regular brushing, stripping and trimming. The dense, wiry broken coat hugs the body in a tight, water-resistant jacket over a soft undercoat that traps body heat on cool, damp days.

Great athletes that need regular exercise, Irish Terriers do best with a fenced backyard. Failing that they need leashed walks several times a day to stay fit in mind and body.

For hundreds of years the Irish Terrier has been a fixture of rural Ireland and the model of an all-purpose farm dog. It is a tenacious ratter, but a dog with this much spirit and cleverness cannot be contained by one job description.

Irish Terriers earned their feed as watchdogs, flock and family guardians and hunting companions on land and lake. The type was set sometime in the 1870s and the breed joined the AKC in 1885.