Irish terriers      Information

"The   Irish Terrier is perhaps the finest dog on earth. He does not throw   away his priceless devotion and loyalty on every stranger who may chirp to him. But to the death he is the Comrade, Protector, and exuberant playmate and sympathizing comforter of the Human & who once has won in his heart  and respect."

Ablert  Payson Terhune,"The Herald Tribune-mid      1950's"

CHARACTERISTICS

The IIrish Terrier is a breed with a distinctive appearance and personality.The size is ideal. Eighteen inches tall at the top of the shoulder,  the Irishman stands just below the average human knee. Large enough  to be a robust worker in the field, this Terrier is small enough to be a house pet or be transported easily in the family car. His wiry, golden-red double jacket protects him well in all types of weather and terrain. Less prone to shed than long or smooth-haired coats, this "broken" coat is easy to brush and tend, and should be plucked once or twice a year. It is the temperament of theDaredevil" which has gained him admirers. The merriment reflected in his dark eye is his special gift from the Emerald Isle.

Kenwood's Tucker

Tucker is owned by Stacy Frysinger of Eagle River, AK

Irish Terriers  can be unpredictable and they like to tease. They like to play games. Irish Terriers can become attached to individuals but are more likely  to become a one family rather than a one man dog. They are adaptable  to people, to conditions and to climate, making themselves at home wherever their family is. Irish Terriers love kids. As we know, there is a bit of leprechaun in every Irish Terrier.

FENCED   YARDS

Irish Terriers require homes with fenced yards. They also require a fair amount of exercise. A backyard keep your dog safe yet allows for that needed exercise.

PUPPIES

At  four months of age puppies begin to lose their puppy teeth which are gradually replaced by adult teeth. This teething period continues until  the puppy is eight months of age. The stress of this teething period is reflected in two significant ways: the pup is compelled to chew on  things (either dog toys or furniture, which ever is handier), and the cartilage of the ear is pulled and can alter the position of the ear  carriage. If you have purchased a show quality pup, ear setting many  entail more taping and persistence than for a pup which will never see the show ring. If you have purchased a pup for a pet and companion and the ears look OK to you, you may decide not to set the ears at all.

TEMPERAMENT

Although  approximately 18" (males) and with a weight of about 30 lbs. the Irish Terrier is a great watch dog. Aggressive and territorial towards his quarry and adversaries, he is gentle with those he loves. Treat your  Irish Terrier with respect and he will give undying devotion all his life. The Irish Terrier is assertive, but this does not diminish his  friendliness with people. There is a lot of child in every Irish Terrier  making them excellent playmates and companions for children. He is often reserved and; cautious upon meeting; strangers, intruders will often be met with a growl, bark or lunge as his guard instinct surfaces. An Irish Terrier is almost always unfriendly towards another dog of the same sex. This is especially true of males. An adult Irish Terrier considers any other male dog a rival not to be tolerated. Two bitches might get  along, but at best it; is; an uncertain truce. However, a dog and a bitch are compatible.

COAT

The Irish Terrier coat   has a dense, wiry broken appearance, with undercoat at the base of this  stiff outer coat. Colour can be bright red, golden red, red wheaten or wheaten. To keep the coat; at its best it is "stripped" using your  thumb and forefinger or with the aid of a stripping knife. Clippering  lightens the colour and softens the natural wiriness of the coat.