Irish Terrier

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This medium-sized, well-proportioned terrier looks very similar to the Wirehaired Fox Terrier, though somewhat longer and taller.

He has a flat skull, long whiskers and bearded muzzle with powerful jaws. The stop is only really noticeable in profile. The nose is black. The ears are v-shaped and fold forward.

The hair on the ears is shorter and often darker than on the rest of the dog. Bushy eyebrows top the small, dark, fiery eyes. The front legs are long, straight and muscular. The tail is docked 3/4 of its original length and carried erect. The rough looking wiry outer jacket is lined with a softer undercoat. The Irish Terrier is solid colored and may be red, golden, or wheaten.

The ears of an Irish Terrier sometimes require "training." The ears get glued to the top of their heads so that they form the correct shape as the cartilage fills in.

Not all dogs require this, and it's definitely not necessary if you're not going to show the dog. A special non-toxic leather glue called tear-mender is used.

Temperament: Intelligent, Lively, Trainable, Respectful, Protective, Dominant

Health Problems: The proportions are not exaggerated in any way and thus eye or breathing problems are rare. Most Irish Terriers do not show signs of allergies towards foods. As they are small dogs, the breed has a very low incidence of hip dysplasia.