Irish Terrier
Temperament:
The Irish Terrier is a bully and a cuddly dog at the same time. The temperamental dog is the hotshot among the English terriers. Jack London describes the character of the dog "made of gold - outside and inside".
Characteristics
The tall terrier has a muscular, wiry body. The head is narrow, with dark, small eyes. The V-shaped ears tilt forward to the cheeks. The energetic facial expression is emphasized by a long moustache. The high set tail is carried steeply upward.
The temperamental dog has a pronounced territorial awareness. Towards other dogs he is often not very well tolerated. Because of its rough character, the Irish Terrier can be used excellently as a guard dog. The dog is a passionate hunter. The pronounced hunting instinct must be constantly observed during walks.
Opposite Fremden, the Irish Terrier behaves very reserved and suspicious. The dog is closely attached to its caregiver. He is a loyal companion. With his owner he goes through thick and thin. Despite his rough edges, he is a friend for life. He loves cozy hours at home as well as extended walks. With children, he maintains a friendly, calm demeanor.
The Irish Terrier is not a beginner dog. The stubborn dog always questions the leadership of the owner. He also has an innate sharpness. Training must be consistent and without indulgence.
Since his hunting instinct is very pronounced, the dog can rarely be let off the leash. He tends to interpret the term "prey" very generously. Everything that moves is considered a potential hunting trophy.
Already as a puppy, the Irish Terrier must be well socialized. Training should be done only by trainers with sufficient terrier experience. Training for hunting is ideal.
The intelligent dog not only needs a lot of exercise. He must also be sufficiently mentally challenged. He particularly appreciates dog sports, such as agility or maintrailing. The dog breed is not suitable for comfortable couch potatoes.
The robust dog has always remained a nature boy. Nevertheless, today the breed is also trimmed for beauty for exhibitions. Therefore, he should be accustomed to regular grooming already as a puppy.
Because of his pronounced guarding instinct, the Irish Terrier is also known as the Watchdog deployed. If he is attacked, he fights bravely to the end. Giving up is not an option for him. The dog does not avoid any confrontation. Nevertheless, he is not to be classified as increased aggressive. He behaves completely disrespectful even towards bigger and stronger dogs. Everywhere he wants to play the boss.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The Irish Terrier is not very picky about his food. He can be fed with dry food and wet food. Barfing is particularly close to the nature of the dog. The food ration should consist of at least 60 % of muscle meat and offal. The remaining portion is composed of vegetables, fruits, cereals and rice. Herbs and cold-pressed oils enrich the menu.
When used for hunting or practicing dog sports, the feed must contain more energy.
When feeding dry food should be grain-free feedstuffs are preferred. A high sugar or grain content can be less easily utilized. The allergen gluten can trigger allergies and cause chronic diarrhea. The high carbohydrate content increases the risk of lifestyle diseases. Obesity and diabetes are the result. The risk of developing tumors is greatly increased.
Irish Terriers often suffer from cystinuria. Concrements are deposited in the renal pelvis, urinary bladder and ureters. Feeding easily digestible animal proteins has a positive effect. Vegetable protein can promote the hereditary disease. The fat content should also be of animal origin. Vegetable fat is very difficult to digest. The kidneys are heavily loaded.
The dog should be fed twice a day. A food bar with raised bowls prevents too fast eating. Alternatively, the use of an anti-snacking bowl is possible.
Fresh water should be available at all times.
As a reward, dried pieces of meat or beef skin and chew bones are suitable.
Irish Terrier Care
Irish Terriers are very easy to groom. The rough coat must be be regularly trimmed and brushed. In the direction of growth of the coat, plucking removes dead hair. The coat must not be cut. Color and coat structure are changed by cutting the hair. The characteristic appearance is lost. If the Irish Terrier is trimmed regularly, it hardly sheds at all.
Frequent bathing is not necessary. Dirt and dust can be easily brushed out of the rough fur.
Through the regular control of the hanging ears a parasite infestation can be detected in time. Redness and secretions from the external auditory canal indicate inflammation. Mild ear cleaners can be used to clean the ear canal. The ear is first cleaned externally. Then the ear cleaner is dripped into the ear canal and massaged in. The dirt that has been rinsed out is removed with a soft cloth.
If necessary, the eyes must be maintained with a special cleaner. Crusts from the inner corner of the eye are removed. The formation of tear ducts is prevented.
In older dogs, the claws are often no longer sufficiently worn. Too long grown claws prevent the correct placement of the paws on the ground. Arthroses of the toe joints develop more quickly. Regular shortening of the claws supports the physiological course of movement.
Regular care of the pads with paw balm protects the dog from injury.
The teeth are mechanically cleaned from plaque by chewing. In addition, a toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs can be used. Daily cleaning of the teeth prevents gingivitis. The teeth remain healthy until senior age.
Suitable accessories
If the grooming is not performed in a dog salon, a Brush and trimming combs needed. In between, the coat can be treated with Trim fingerlings be maintained.
A Feed bar with height-adjustable bowls prevents too fast eating. The water bowl should be At least 750 ml liquid may include.
A cozy berth provides an ideal retreat zone. If the dog is already older, an orthopedic dog bed should be used. Calluses on the elbow joints can be avoided in this way.
The Irish Terrier can be equipped with a Collar or a chest harness be guided. Chest harnesses relieve the neck vertebrae and prevent tension in the muscles. If the dog accompanies a hunter, a special guide harness and a hunting leash are required.
For normal walks, a walking leash allows more freedom of movement.
To keep the dog busy in the apartment are especially Feed balls and Kong's suitable. Also Intelligence toys promotes mental activity of the terrier.
Origin & History
The dog breed is probably the oldest Irish terrier breed. The Irish Terrier was bred directly from the wire-haired Black- and- Tan- Terrier. Earlier, the dog was used mainly for the Parforce Hunting used on foxes. As soon as a fox hid in its den, the terrier was sent after it.
The fearless dog drove the fox out of its den again. But the red terrier was also used as a yard dog. If he did not accompany his master on the hunt, he had to drive away rats and mice. Also the protection of the cattle belonged to its tasks. Since the terrier fearlessly threw himself into battle, he was used in dog fights.
In 1847, the breeding of a self-confident, intelligent terrier was started in Ireland. This was the direct ancestor of today's Red Beard. Until 1880 many different coat colors appeared. In England and the USA, the red coat color was considered special.
Dogs with red fur were preferred for breeding. The Irish Terrier was the first terrier breed originating from Ireland to be recognized by the English Breeders' Association. Since the beginning of the 20th century, only the red coat color is recognized as standard. Brindle terriers are no longer accepted for breeding.
In 1879 the first Irish Terrier breed club was founded in Dublin. The first presentation at a dog show took place shortly thereafter in Glasgow. In 1881 the first breed standard was established. In 1894, the breed was also represented by a club in Germany.
During the First World War, the Irish Terrier was used by soldiers as a Messenger dog used in trench warfare.
Since 1932, the breed has also been systematically bred in Switzerland.
Today's breeding puts more emphasis on beauty. Nevertheless, the breed has retained its originality.
