Irish Terrier
Bold, spirited, and affectionate, this breed thrives on adventure and close bonds with its family. Quick-witted and loyal, it brings lively energy to any home.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
46–48 cm (male)
44–46 cm (female)
WEIGHT
12–14 kg (male)
11–13 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
13–15 years
Irish Terrier: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Irish Terrier isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Irish Terrier's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Irish Terrier is known for its bold, spirited, and loyal temperament, often displaying strong affection toward family members while maintaining alertness and independence.
Key Personality Traits
Outgoing with family, may be wary of strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Very energetic, needs daily exercise
Enjoys games and interactive playtime
Can adjust but prefers stable environments
Strengths
- Loyal to family and children
- Alert and makes a good watchdog
- Athletic and enjoys vigorous exercise
- Low grooming needs with wiry coat
- Intelligent and learns commands quickly
Challenges
- Can be aggressive toward other dogs
- Needs consistent mental and physical stimulation
- Prone to chasing small animals instinctively
- May be stubborn during training sessions
- Sensitive to harsh correction or shouting
Protect your Irish Terrier
Irish Terrier are active and energetic, but they can develop hypothyroidism and cataracts. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Irish Terriers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and quick to learn, though it may show a stubborn streak, responding best to consistent, positive training methods and mental engagement.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–75 minutes daily
recommended per day
Irish Terriers are energetic and require daily vigorous exercise, including long walks and active play, along with regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom and promote well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Irish Terriers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Irish Terrier would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs confident, consistent training and early socialization
Apartment Living
Can adapt to apartments if exercised daily
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active owners and regular exercise
Kids
Generally tolerant but supervision with small children is needed
Multiple Pets
May show aggression toward other dogs and small pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may become destructive
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Irish Terriers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Irish Terrier
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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