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Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a plucky
and versatile breed that originated in Ireland and displays
unmistakable Terrier characteristics.
History:
There is, as with so many
others, no certainty as to the development of this breed. The
home of the Irish Terrier is County Cork, Ireland, and it is
likely that the breed originated around the early 1700s. The
now extinct Black and Tan Terrier and the Wheaten Terrier were
the most probable breeds to have been used in the development
of the Irish Terrier. Owners and breeders formed a club in
1879, and it wasn't until then that the breed became
standardized. As well as performing the usual Terrier activity
of vermin killing, the Irish Terrier was also used as a
retriever on land and water.
An amusing story is told of
the debut of the Irish Terrier in conformation showing. In
1872, an Irishman named Mick Dooley entered his two Irish
Terriers in a competition held in Dublin. Dooley claimed that
a leprechaun handled his dogs...but only he could see it!!
Physical
characteristics:
The Irish Terrier is one of
the more racy Terriers and should never appear cobby. Height:
18 in (46 cm). Weight: 25 - 27 lb (11 - 12 kg). Starting from
the top, their head is relatively long and there is only a
rudimentary stop between the skull and muzzle. The moderately
high-set ears are small and v-shaped, and fall forward onto
the cheeks. The eyes are small and dark, and give the dog a
penetrating gaze. The broken coat is dense and wiry and forms
small eyebrows, a moustache and a beard.
The Irish Terrier's
alternative name, the Irish Red Terrier, is derived from the
red coat, which can be bright red, wheaten red or yellow red.
The moderately long neck broadens towards the shoulders and
fits into a deep, muscular chest. The back is moderately long
and straight; the tail is docked to three-quarters of its
natural length and is carried high over the back.
Behavior:
The Irish Terrier is not a dog
for the faint-hearted. With a firm approach, this Terrier can
be made into a well-behaved and loyal dog. This dog has a very
keen sense of who is the boss, and if kept in its place it
will be an asset to the whole family. It should not be allowed
to become too bossy. The Irish Terrier makes a good watch-dog
as it readily adopts its owner's property as its own
territory. Care should be taken to adequately socialize the
Irish Terrier with other dogs when it is a puppy. This early
socialization will reduce its tendency to be aggressive
towards other dogs when it matures. It is wise to keep your
Terrier on a leash when meeting other dogs.
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