My Dog Training Secrets 

Irish Terriers look very much like a smaller version of Airedale Terriers, with a solid red, wheaten or yellow color rather than the Airedale's black saddle, and share a number of similarities with Airedales, but Irish Terriers have a number of advantages. They are unusual, less than 100 puppies are born in the US every year. Born partly black, the red comes in as they mature. By the time they are about 8 weeks old, they only have black on their nose, ears, tails and sometimes the spine. They have a lifespan of up to 16 years, with 13 to 14 years being the average. The coat should be wiry in texture, never soft, silky, curly, wavy, or wooly. Irish Terriers have v-shaped ears that fold forward and shorter hair on the ears and often darker than the dog’s body.

Irish Terriers are hot tempered, reckless and exceptionally courageous. They are animated, spirited, loyal and make good watchdogs. This breed is an excellent people dog when they receive early socialization, and this helps make them wonderful family companions. They're best suited to families where someone is home during the day. Being energetic dogs, they require regular exercise. Most enjoy walks and jogging, but this should be done on a leash.

Irish Terriers are medium-sized dogs with a feisty and boisterous attitude, making them great companions for healthy, active children. They can tolerate a lot of rough play with children. This dog is an affectionate and can bond closely to its family. He'll hardily adapt to any situation, which proves his deep loyalty to his owner. Not only will he be an enthusiastic playmate for children, he'll guard them and the home with fierce determination and pluck.

Irish Terriers are often dominant with other dogs, particularly same-sex aggression is a common problem. Poorly socialized dogs will start fights with minimal, if any, provocation. They are combative with other dogs and do not do well with other household pets. They are extremely protective of their family, home, and territory and make excellent guard dogs. Irish terriers often excel in the show ring. They are intelligent and possess a demeanor and personality that makes them immediately loved by judges.

Irish Terriers are not always receptive of training. Breed novices may need help. They can be strong willed and thus difficult to train, but they respond best to firm, consistent training. Many are intelligent and learn new things easily and can learn complex tasks with relative ease, when they have the motivation to do so. Irish Terriers are one of those breeds that change rapidly with age, so an 8 or 10 week old puppy with "show" potential may NOT have that quality at 8 to 10 months of age. They are usually intelligent quick learners who can easily master the basic household rules that make them charming household companions.

The fundamentals of obedience (sit, down, stay) present little problem for the clever Irish. Care must be taken not to get violent or aggressive with Irish Terriers, as they tend to disobey and become violent in return. Training and socialization with people should begin at an early age to help this dog become a fun-loving and loyal companion. Firm training right from the beginning is needed.

This is a very healthy breed. Irish Terriers are not prone to major hereditary disorders as with other breeds, such as hip dysplasia or liver problems. They are supposed to be hand-stripped/ hand-plucked twice a year, although they do shed very little, which is a big bonus for people with allergies. Usually, brushing removes the dirt and dead hair while distributing natural skin oils and virtually eliminating the need for bathing. Irish Terriers have a double coat; a dense thick under coat, and a harsh outer coat. Coats vary in texture.

Great family companions, these dogs are alert, friendly, and eager to please their owners. Irish Terriers, if properly trained and exercised sufficiently, can be ideal pets for all environments. An affectionate, loyal dog, the Irish Terrier enjoys the company of children and adults alike.