The dog must present an active, lively, lithe and wiry
appearance, lots of substance, at the same time free of clumsiness, as speed and
endurance as well as power are very essential. The Irish Terrier must be neither
"cloddy nor cobby" but should be framed on the "lines of speed" showing a graceful
"racing outline".
Characteristics
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Temperament
The temperament of the Irish Terrier reflects his early background: he was family pet,
guard dog, and hunter. He is good tempered, spirited and game. It is of the utmost
importance that the Irish Terrier show fire and animation. There is a heedless, reckless
pluck about the Irish Terrier which is characteristic, and which, coupled with the
headlong dash, blind to all consequences, with which he rushes at his adversary, has
earned for the breed the proud epithet of "Daredevil." He is of good temper, most
affectionate, and absolutely loyal to mankind. Tender and forebearing with those he
loves, this rugged, stout-hearted terrier will guard his master, his mistress and children
with utter contempt for danger or hurt. His life is one continuous and eager offering of
loyal and faithful companionship and devotion. He is ever on guard, and stands
between his home and all that threatens.
History
Ireland has produced four terrier breeds, all of which
are markedly different from terriers on the continent and in England. The dog now
officially called Irish Terrier is possibly the oldest of the Irish Terrier breeds, but
records are so scarce that it would be difficult to prove this conclusively. Before the
1880s the colour of the Irish Terrier had not been settled. Apart from red, they were
sometimes black and tan or sometimes brindle. At the end of the 19th century efforts
were made to breed out the black and tan and the brindles, so that by the 20th
century all Irish Terriers showed the red coat. The red coated Irish Terrier soon made
its appearance on show benches in England and in the United States where it was
enthusiastically received. The Irish Terrier's reputation was enhanced during the First
World War when they were used as messenger dogs in the terrifying noise and
confusion of trench warfare, thus proving both their intelligence and their
fearlessness.
The first club in the breed was set up in Dublin on March 31st 1879, and the Irish
Terrier was the first member of the terrier group to be recognized by the English
Kennel Club in the late 19th century as a native Irish breed. The dog's reputation for
getting into scraps with others, sometimes even in the showring, is undeserved.
Though the terrier may be fierce when the circumstances call for it, the Irish Terrier is
easily trained and a gentle pet, living up to his early description as " the poor man's
sentinel, the farmer's friend and the gentleman's favourite ".
Origin
Ireland
Utilization
Ubiquitous farmyard dog, family pet, guard dog with utter contempt
for danger or hurt, hunter and gundog.
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