Irish Terrier
The Daredevil — a flame-red heart that never learned the meaning of retreat.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium · 45–48 cm |
| Weight | 11–12 kg |
| Life expectancy | 13–15 years |
| Energy | High — 60 min/day |
| Shedding | Low — wire coat, hand-stripped |
| Coat | Dense wiry coat · solid red to red-wheaten |
| Group | Terrier · FCI №139 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred as an Irish farm all-rounder — ratter, watchdog, hunting companion — the Irish Terrier earned its 'Daredevil' nickname honestly: it simply does not do fear. With its family it is warm, loyal and surprisingly soft; with vermin, uninvited dogs, and physical danger it maintains a policy of magnificent, unbudging defiance.
Habits & quirks
The sentry stance
Chin up, tail up, surveying the territory — every garden becomes a post to be held.
Selective hearing
Recall works beautifully until something furry runs; terrier priorities are ancient and firm.
The velcro rebel
Fiercely independent outdoors, then glued to your side on the sofa all evening.
Grudge management
Rarely starts trouble with other dogs — but never, ever backs down from it.
Care
| Exercise | An hour of brisk walking and vigorous play daily; a bored Daredevil freelances. |
| Grooming | Hand-strip the wire coat two or three times a year to keep its colour and texture; minimal shedding between. |
| Training | Confident and clever but independent — keep sessions short, fair and interesting. |
| Socialising | Meet plenty of polite dogs young; same-sex scrappiness is the breed's classic flaw. |
Common questions
Do Irish Terriers shed?
Very little — the wiry coat holds dead hair until it's stripped out. Hand-stripping a few times a year keeps it tidy and vivid red.
Are Irish Terriers good with other dogs?
With family dogs they're usually fine; with strange, same-sex dogs they can be fiery. Early and ongoing socialising matters more than with most breeds.
Are Irish Terriers healthy?
One of the healthier pure breeds — hardy, long-lived, and with few widespread hereditary problems. Buy from health-tested lines all the same.