Other names/Nicknames:
- Irish Red Terrier
- Red Devil
- Daredevil
Country/Date of origin:
- Ireland
- 16th century
Height:
- 18 inches
Weight:
- Females: 25 pounds
- Males: 27 pounds
Personality:
- The Irish Terrier’s disposition is as fiery as its coat.
- Spirited, animated, plucky.
- Nicknamed the Daredevil because of its tendency to rush headlong and blindly at an adversary, disregarding the consequences.
- Loving, gentle, and playful nature.
- Does not get along well with other dogs or cats.
- Courageous and loyal in the extreme, often recklessly putting itself in harm’s way to protect loved ones.
History:
Originated in County Cork, Ireland in the 1700′s as a farm dog. The dogs were jacks-of-all-trades, watching the barnyard; guarding the children; hunting for varmints; tracking larger game; retrieving water fowl; and, warding off prowlers at night. The Irish Terrier breed, one of the oldest terrier breeds, was refined and standardized in the late 1800′s in Ireland and England. The Irishman came to the United States soon afterward, and was one of the original breeds shown in the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Body Type:
- A wiry, sturdy, graceful, all-of-a-piece dog, with a moderately long body and straight, strong back.
- The head is broad and slablike, and the jaws are muscular but not full-cheeked.
- The teeth are strong and even.
- The dark eyes are small and full of a fiery intelligence.
- The medium-length tail is carried low and is not altered.
- The small, V-shaped ears are set well on the head and are cropped short.
Coat:
- Whole-colored shades of red are the only colors allowed.
- A rich, very dense, wiry, close-lying, double coat free from curl, kink or softness.
- High maintenance grooming.
Health and Wellness:
- Hypothyroid conditions.
- Urolithiasis (cystine).
What you should know:
- The Red Devils served as army dogs in World War I and II, acting as sentries and messengers.
- The stubborn nature of the Irish Terrier sometimes makes it difficult to housebreak.
