Irish Terrier

AKC Group: Terrier

Club: Irish Terrier Club of America

Corresponding Secretary : Gale Cummings
Address: 37 Clapp Street, Norton, MA , 02766-2709
Website: www.itca.info
Email: terrier.itca@verizon.net
Club Type: Specialty

Size:

The most desirable weight in show condition is 27 pounds for the dog and 25 pounds for the bitch. The height at the shoulder should be approximately 18 inches. These figures serve as a guide to both breeder and judge. In the show ring, however, the informed judge readily identifies the oversized or undersized Irish Terrier by its conformation and general appearance. Weight is not the last word in judgment. It is of the greatest importance to select, insofar as possible, terriers of moderate and generally accepted size, possessing the other various characteristics.

Coat:

Should be dense and wiry in texture, rich in quality, having a broken appearance, but still lying fairly close to the body, the hairs growing so closely and strongly together that when parted with the fingers the skin is hardly visible; free of softness or silkiness, and not so long as to alter the outline of the body, particularly in the hindquarters. On the sides of the body the coat is never as harsh as on the back and quarters, but it should be plentiful and of good texture. At the base of the stiff outer coat there should be a growth of finer and softer hair, lighter in color, termed the undercoat. Single coats, which are without any undercoat, and wavy coats are undesirable; the curly and the kinky coats are most objectionable.

Temperament:

The temperament of the Irish Terrier reflects his early background: he was family pet, guard dog, and hunter. He is good tempered, spirited and game. It is of the utmost importance that the Irish Terrier show fire and animation. There is a heedless, reckless pluck about the Irish Terrier which is characteristic, and which, coupled with the headlong dash, blind to all consequences, with which he rushes at his adversary, has earned for the breed the proud epithet of "Daredevil." He is of good temper, most affectionate, and absolutely loyal to mankind. Tender and forebearing with those he loves, this rugged, stout-hearted terrier will guard his master, his mistress and children with utter contempt for danger or hurt. His life is one continuous and eager offering of loyal and faithful companionship and devotion. He is ever on guard, and stands between his home and all that threatens.

History:

The Irish Terrier had been established in his native country and elsewhere and truly bred long before entering the show ring. His origin has been much debated, but there is indisputable evidence that he is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds. In his beautiful red jacket, alert and trim, his piercing eyes reflecting a rare intelligence, he is a gallant picture of authentic terrier type and character.

The first record of an Irish Terrier being shown as a recognized breed dates back to 1875 when a class was held for it at a show in Glasgow In 1879, Champion "Erin" and "Killney Boy" appeared. They were bred and their progeny included a remarkable number of champions, establishing their place in Irish Terrier history as the "mother and father" of the breed. In the 1880's, the Irish Terrier was the fourth most popular breed in England.

The Irish Terrier's popularity quickly extended to the United States. Westminster held its first class for the breed in 1881; the Irish Terrier Club of America was founded in 1896, adopting the British standard for the breed; and by 1929 the breed ranked 13th among the 79 then recognized by the AKC.

The Irish Terrier is an incomparable pal, and the loyal, unyielding protector of those he loves. None is hardier or more adaptable. He is equally at home on the country estate, in the city apartment, or in camp; he thrives in the northland or in the tropics. He is the interested playmate and protector of children, eager to join in their fun and frolic. In their service, as in his master's, he challenges whatever may menace. He is a born guardsman.

The Irish Terrier is an accomplished sportsman. In this country he will catch and kill woodchucks and other small game, and rates with any dog in hunting rabbits. He is death on vermin. A natural water dog, and not apt to be gun-shy, he may be trained to retrieve in water as well as on land. Indeed, the Irish Terrier has many of the sporting gifts and talents of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Beagle, and the Spaniel. He has hunted big game successfully in the far north and in the tropics.

As a show dog, the Irish Terrier's style and deportment are peculiarly his own. In competition he is an impressive picture of intrepid terrier character. He has been styled "the D'Artagnan of the show ring."