The Irish Terrier was developed in southern Ireland around the area of
Cork as a working farm and guard dog. He is probably descended from the
Old Black-and-Tan Terrier and the Wheaten Terrier. Squarely built, he resembles
the Fox Terrier but is taller and racier. First shown as a recognized breed
in Glasgow in 1875, he was the fourth most popular breed in England by the
1880s. He was first shown at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1881. In
World War I, he was used as a messenger and sentinel dog.
The Irish Terrier is primarily a companion dog. He is equally at home on
a country estate or in a city apartment. He is good tempered, affectionate
and very loyal to his master. He also has excellent hunting ability. He
is a superb water dog and vermin killer. An active breed, he needs plenty
of exercise.
The Irish Terrier's skull is rectangular. It is flat and rather narrow between
the ears. It is free of wrinkles. There is very little drop off (stop) between
the skull and muzzle. The jaws are strong and muscular. The ears are v-shaped,
set high and have a high fold before dropping to the cheek. The eyes are
small and dark. The jaw is long, strong and powerful. The nose is black.
The neck is long and muscular. The legs are straight and moderately long.
Pasterns are short and straight. The back is straight with a slight arch
at the loin. The tail is set high and carried vertically. It is docked.
The coat is a double coat with a fine, soft undercoat and a wiry, dense
outercoat. Coat color includes any solid color from light red to wheaten.
On the chin, the coat forms a small neat beard. The Irish Terrier stands
eighteen inches at the withers and weighs approximately twenty five pounds.