Irish Terrier
This tough little terrier makes a wonderfully loyal companion for an active family. Fiercely protective of those they love, they make excellent watchdogs and loveable friends.
Irish Terrier At A Glance
| Lifespan | 14-16 years |
| Temperament | Irish Terriers are known for their happy and affectionate nature. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners and enjoyable companions. |
| Suitable | Irish Terriers thrive in environments with plenty of attention and companionship. |
| Health | While generally a healthy breed, Irish Terriers, like all breeds, can be prone to specific health issues. Common health concerns may include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and hypothyroidism. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Skin Condition Allergy | $1,341.00 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $5,831.49 |
| Neoplasia | $2,481.50 |
| Ear Condition | $728.63 |
| Tissue Damage of Fracture | $1,847.87 |
| Eye Condition | $605.27 |
| Lumps & Bumps | $2,642.00 |
| Urinary System Disorder | $2,842.36 |
*PIA Data 2024
Trainability
Being an incredibly intelligent terrier, this breed will require a good, firm and patient leader to ensure basic manners and training are achieved. The key to training is always to keep it fun and upbeat. If your pup starts to bore, you can be sure they will find something much more interesting to do. Like all terriers, they love to dig and bark. You must understand this trait and take precautions to eliminate unwanted behaviour. Early socialisation to as many sights, sounds and experiences as possible is vital in growing a well-rounded and accepting dog. Puppy preschools work great for this. It’s essential to pre-book as these classes do fill up very quickly. Being traditionally bred to case out vermin, on-leash training is necessary to safeguard your precious pup no matter what might trigger the ‘take chase’ instinct. For this reason, it’s best to only exercise and train your dog in a secured fenced area.
Grooming
This breed is known for being a minimal shedder, causing many to seek them out as a hyperallergic dog. However, like with all allergies, it’s vital to seek professional advice from a medical practitioner before purchasing any breed for allergy reasons. In many cases, dander and saliva cause allergies, not hair. The dense, wiry hair of the Irish Terrier will need to be stripped by hand a few times each year to keep the texture and colour of your dog. Some owners opt to have their dogs clipped to reveal a soft and light-coloured coat. The coat must also be brushed weekly to keep it in good condition and your wee Terrier looking his best. It’s also good to clip your pup’s nails often during puppyhood so they become used to this regime. If you are unsure how to clip your pet’s nails, ask your veterinarian to demonstrate at your next check-up.
Protect Your Pet Today
Your pet’s health is priceless. Don’t leave it up to chance.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
Common Health Complaints – Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is generally a healthy and robust breed, but like all breeds, they may be prone to specific health issues. Some of the top health complaints commonly associated with Irish Terriers include:
- Hypothyroidism - This condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - PRA is a group of genetic eye diseases that cause progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Irish Terriers may be susceptible to certain forms of PRA, leading to impaired vision or blindness.
- Hip Dysplasia - Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint does not correctly sit in the hip socket, leading to degenerative problems and potential arthritis. It can cause lameness, and pain. Surgery is typically required in severe cases.
- Allergies - Irish Terriers may be prone to various allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies such as pollen, and contact allergies. Allergic reactions can manifest as skin irritation, scratching, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset.
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) - Bloat is a life-threatening emergency when the stomach becomes distended with gas or fluid and twists on itself. Irish Terriers, like many deep-chested breeds, may be at a higher risk for developing bloat, which requires immediate veterinary intervention. Prevention is key with this condition, preventing exercise before and after meals and encouraging slow eating is paramount.
- Patellar Luxation - Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal position. While it can affect any breed, Irish Terriers may be predisposed to this condition, leading to lameness or difficulty walking. Surgery is typically required.
Looking to protect your pet? Learn more about our dog insurance for your Irish Terrier here.
Exercise Requirements
Terriers love to run and move, so they are perfectly suited to active households who enjoy getting out and about. They require two decent 30-minute brisk walks daily to keep them happy and healthy. The breed will also enjoy a good off-leash run daily; however, care must be taken. Only exercise your Irish Terrier in a secure and fenced area to prevent your dog from ‘taking chase’ to something fast-moving and completely ignoring your recall commands.
Intelligence
The Irish Terrier is a super-smart breed. Pair this with the natural inherited traits of barking and digging, and you could have a very problematic pup if you do not ensure your dog is correctly trained, socialised, exercised and loved. Digging and barking are beautiful forms of entertainment for a dog. Teaching manners and what is acceptable and what is not is essential. Also, having a good boredom-busting schedule to ensure your dog has a ‘job’ to do when you are not at home, or you may find the newspaper, your shoes, or something containing fluff and feathers becoming the centre of your pup’s attention.
Family Friendly
When socialised from a young age, the Irish Terrier makes an excellent family companion and a great playmate for any busy household. Like with all child/dog relationships, it’s essential to teach your child how to interact with a dog correctly and also train your dog how to play with a child correctly. Supervision is also vital. Your Irish may tolerate smaller pets, but it’s fundamental to fully understand your chosen breed’s history. They may learn to tolerate cats if introduced from a young age; however, do not be surprised if your wee terrier sometimes can’t resist and takes chase.
Indoor/outdoor?
Like with all dog breeds, spending endless hours outside alone will not lead to a happy, well-rounded dog. This breed requires sturdy and high fences to keep them contained during the day. Many owners also dig proof their fences with concrete to prevent escapes. Check fences daily for any holes or possible areas that could see your dog wandering the streets. Also, provide ample shelter from all-weather conditions and plenty of fresh water. The breed can adapt to living in an apartment; however, care must be taken regarding barking and adequate exercise.
Responsible Breeding
Acquiring a new furry family member requires careful consideration and thorough research to ensure their health and well-being. It’s crucial to obtain your puppy from a reputable breeding establishment to minimize the risk of inherited health issues. Prioritize asking important questions about hereditary problems and request to meet both parents of the puppy to assess their temperament and overall health. Reach out to your local breed club and conduct thorough research on your chosen breeder to gather insights into their breeding practices and reputation within the community. A responsible breeder should provide evidence of regular genetic testing on their dogs to screen for potential hereditary diseases and ensure sound temperaments in their breeding stock. While finding a reputable breeder may require more time and effort than a quick purchase, it is a crucial step in safeguarding yourself and your family from the emotional and financial burden of caring for a sick puppy. Investing time in finding a responsible breeder can ultimately spare you and your family from the heartache and pain associated with dealing with health issues in your beloved pet.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Rottweilers. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
