Appearance

Even though this terrier has a strong and sturdy body, its movement is lithe and active. With a racy (appearing powerful yet limber) and graceful outline, the Irish Terrier has a moderately long body and does not possess the short back trait of many long-legged terriers. This breed combines agility, speed, power, and endurance, enabling it to perform a range of tasks. Its intense expression matches its nature. The dog’s broken coat, meanwhile, is wiry and dense, and short enough to not disturb the body shape. This coat is usually bright red, golden red, red wheaten, or wheaten. However, puppies may have black hair at birth, which should disappear before they are full grown. In addition, whole-colored dogs may have a small patch of white on the chest.

History

The rest of the breed’s history before that is lost in time. From appearance, the Irish Terrier appears closely related to the Airedale Terrier, as well as the smaller Wire Fox Terrier. It is thought that the Black and Tan Terrier of the time added to the mix of the breed and helped create the Irish Terrier we have today. During World War I, the Irish Terrier was used as a messenger dog in the trenches and acquired a reputation for being fearless and intelligent. This breed gained recognition from the Irish Kennel Club in the 19th century, and was Ireland’s first terrier to receive recognition as well. 3