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AKC: Irish Terrier breed overview

Terrier group · Ireland

Irish Terrier

Also called Irish Red Terrier, Daredevil

The fiery red daredevil of the terrier world, loyal and funny with family and famously brave.

Bred on Irish farms to catch vermin, guard the yard and join the hunt, the Irish Terrier is a leggy, red-coated dog with a bold heart. It is loyal, playful and devoted to its people, but can be fiery with other dogs, so it suits owners who enjoy a strong character.

Original AI-generated breed illustration

Weight

10 to 13 kg

22 to 29 lb

Height

44 to 48 cm

at the shoulder

Life expectancy

13 to 15 yrs

Activity estimate

90 to 120 min

editorial daily planning range

Adult-size estimate

12 months

approximate model input

Life with a Irish Terrier

Brave is the word that follows Irish Terriers around. The breed was called the daredevil long before anyone wrote a standard for it, and it earned the name by tackling rats, otters and anything else farmers wanted gone, with a courage no one has ever questioned. In a pet, that fire shows up as a dog that is spirited, confident and eager to be involved in whatever you are doing.

Irish Terriers are often described as one of the oldest terrier breeds, though their early history is hazy. By the late 1800s they were being shown in Ireland and England. During World War I they carried messages and stood sentry near the front lines, and the British trainer Lieutenant Colonel E. H. Richardson is often credited with praising their loyalty and steadiness under fire.

At home they tend to be affectionate, comical and devoted, with a protective streak toward family. Most are good with children who are sensible and respectful, and they play hard. The downside is other dogs: many Irish Terriers will not back down from a challenge, and conflicts between two dogs of the same sex can be serious. Small pets are also at risk.

Expect a companion that wants to be busy, likes to be close to you, and guards the house with more conviction than noise. Owners who fall for the breed tend to describe it as a big personality in a medium-sized body.

What stands out

Training

Quick learners with a low boredom threshold, Irish Terriers do best with short, playful sessions built around rewards. Make training feel like a game, and switch tasks before your dog switches off. Harsh corrections tend to provoke stubbornness or defensiveness rather than cooperation.

Read the full training guide

Easy to train

Open with strangers

Good with other dogs

A great match for

active owners who like a bold character
families with sensible children
single-dog households
people interested in dog sports

Think twice if

can be aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs
needs hand stripping for a traditional coat
strong prey drive toward small animals
stubborn streak in training

Personality and needs at a glance

Living together

Good with children

Good with other dogs

Open with strangers

Apartment friendly

Copes with alone time

Energy and character

Energy level

Playfulness

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Care and climate

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Handles cold

Handles heat

How much an Irish Terrier eats

Illustrative calculations for neutered adults at midpoint breed weights, with food at 370 kcal per 100 g and 100 g per cup. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Dog	Weight	Calories	Dry food
Female, relaxed lifestyle	11 kg	590 kcal	160 g (1.5 cups)
Female, typical pet	11 kg	680 kcal	185 g (1.8 cups)
Male, typical pet	12 kg	720 kcal	195 g (2 cups)
Male, very active	12 kg	900 kcal	245 g (2.5 cups)

Full Irish Terrier feeding guide Calculate for my dog

Care guides for the Irish Terrier

Feeding5 to 2 cups split into two meals, is a normal intake for an 11 to 13 kg (24 to 29 lb) adult. Irish Terriers are usually lean, athletic dogs, but they can put on weight if treats pile up during training, so keep an eye on the waistline and adjust portions by body condition rather than by the bag.Read more Puppy growthPuppies grow steadily and usually reach adult size by 10 to 12 months. At eight weeks many weigh 2 to 3 kg, and they are often born darker, with black hairs through the coat that fade as the red adult hair grows in.Read more ExerciseMost adults are happiest with about an hour of varied exercise daily. Irish Terriers love long walks, ball games, tug and hiking, and many shine at agility, rally, obedience and earthdog events.Read more GroomingTraditionally the Irish Terrier's harsh coat is hand stripped two to three times a year, with light tidying in between, which keeps the texture wiry and the color rich. Many pet owners choose clipping instead.Read more HealthIrish Terriers are generally healthy, with a couple of breed-specific conditions worth knowing. Hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis, a thickening and cracking of the pads sometimes called corny feet, is known in the breed, as is cystinuria, which can lead to bladder stones, mainly in males.Read more

Things owners are often surprised by

1Nicknamed the daredevil for its fearless temperament
2Served as messenger and sentry dogs in World War I
3Often described as one of the oldest terrier breeds
4Coat colors are limited to shades of red, golden red and wheaten
5Hand stripping preserves the harsh texture and bright color of the coat

Irish Terrier questions

Are Irish Terriers good with other dogs?

Often not with unfamiliar dogs, especially of the same sex. The breed is known for a fiery temperament and may not back down if challenged. Many live happily with a dog of the opposite sex they grew up with. Careful socialization and supervision help, but plan on managing interactions for the dog's whole life.

Do Irish Terriers shed?

Very little when the coat is properly hand stripped, because dead hair is removed during grooming rather than falling around the house. Clipped coats shed a bit more and may become softer over time. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control either way.

What is hand stripping and does my Irish Terrier need it?

Hand stripping means pulling out dead outer hairs with your fingers or a stripping knife so new harsh hair can grow in. It keeps the Irish Terrier's color bright and texture wiry. Show dogs must be stripped, but pet owners can choose clipping, which is easier but changes how the coat looks and feels.

Are Irish Terriers good family dogs?

For active families, yes. They are loyal, playful and protective, and usually very good with sensible children. Their energy and strong character mean they need consistent training and daily exercise. Homes with other dogs or small pets should think carefully before choosing this breed.

Why are Irish Terriers called daredevils?

The nickname reflects their famous courage. Bred to deal with vermin and guard farms, they face threats without hesitation, and they earned wide admiration as messenger dogs in World War I. In everyday life, the daredevil side shows as boldness, confidence and a readiness to take on any challenge, sensible or not.

Breeds you might compare

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The largest terrier, bred by Yorkshire workers to hunt otters and rats, and later trusted with wartime messages.

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