The history of the appearance of the Irish Terrier, parameters of appearance, behavior and health, care: walking, diet, training, interesting facts. Purchasing a puppy. Long ago, on the shores of distant, green and rocky Ireland, Saint Patrick descended. The first ones who met him were small, red dogs. This is how the ancient Irish saga goes. These dogs are unusually intelligent and recklessly brave. In their homeland they were nicknamed "red devils". These "daredevils" cannot be considered decorative dogs, but they can perfectly live in a city apartment. And also, they will not let you get bored.
Historical data on the appearance of the Irish Terrier breed
Irish Terriers are very old dogs. But there is very little official data on their origin, so nothing can be asserted with certainty. It is believed that their ancestors were the large wheat terriers that lived in County Cork, Ireland, as well as the Welsh and Lakeland terriers. There are sources that say that Irish Terriers are a mini copy of Irish wolfhounds.
Over the centuries, they were used as multifunctional dogs that were able to protect the owner from danger from uninvited guests and helped a person to hunt. Terriers hunted a wide variety of animals. It could be rats, rabbits, otters. The “Irish” did all their work with great zeal and perseverance. And they got their nickname "red devil" for their insane courage and unrestrained hunting fervor.
The unassuming appearance of the Irish Terrier, let's say its not glamor, served the breed very well. The variety of these dogs has never been massively bred, so they retained all their best features and qualities. One has only to look into the eyes of an Irish Terrier to understand its essence - we are few, but we are in vests!
Contrary to its "farm" origin, the Irish Terrier has long been considered a great luxury, even in England. At the end of the 19th century, the cost of such dogs reached a thousand pounds, but despite this, the "Irishman" never became fashionable.
Irish Terrier colors were not always pure red. Until 1880, black and tan or brindle individuals could be seen. By the end of the 19th century, breeders had worked to eliminate black and tan and tiger coat colors, and by the beginning of the 20th century, all breed individuals bore the gene for red color.
Red-colored Irish Terriers very soon began to show off at shows and competitions in England and America. The new breed immediately aroused interest and delight. In March 1879, the first breed club was registered in the county city of Dublin. In the 19th century, Irish Terriers were the first from the group of terriers, were recognized by the English Kennel Club as the national breed of Ireland.
Description of the parameters of the appearance of the Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is massive, but not rough, with a wiry coat. He has an athletic build, not stocky or knocked down. Shows plastic quickness while running. Hardy and strong in work. The Irish Terrier is brave, able to fend for itself. Will defend his position to the last. Very devoted to his master. The dog is balanced and loyal to people.
These terriers are used as hunters, guards, farm assistants and companions.
Based on the established criteria, the height at the withers in males is from 40 cm to 46 cm, in bitches from 36 cm to 40 cm. The parameters of individuals can vary within 1–2 cm. The weight of pedigree specimens in males is from 11 kg to 13 kg, in females from 10 kg to 12 kg. Bitches have a more elongated body shape due to fertility.
Move freely and quickly in a straight line. The front and hind legs, when moving, are directed forward and parallel to each other.
- Head medium in size, nicely set on the neck, rectangular-elongated, well covered with skin. The frontal part is narrow and flat in the upper zone. The furrow on the forehead is smoothed. The bump on the back of the head does not stand out. Cheekbones decrease in the area of the eye sockets, harmoniously outlined. The brows are slightly protruding, low.
- Muzzle oblong, parallel to the skull, equal to its length, rectangular. The bridge of the nose is smooth. The stop is slightly visible in profile. The lips are dense, black pigmented. Scissor bite. Dry flews slightly overlap the lower jaw, but do not go beyond it. The jaws are long and strong. The teeth are large, white with powerful canines.
- Nose developed, stands out. The lobe is pigmented with a black and coal color.
- Eyes Irish Terrier of medium placement, on one front line. They are round-oval, small. Corneal coloration from brownish-dark to coal-black. A color with a greenish or yellow tint is discarded. The eyelids are outlined with dark pigment, dry. They have a lively, intelligent and inspiring look.
- Ears with harmonious placement, emphasize the shape of the head. They are medium in size, triangular in shape, drooping. The cartilage is not thick, slightly rounded at the ends. The auricles hang down, slightly raised on the cartilage, harmoniously adjoining the skull and cheekbones with the front edge. The top of the fold of the ear rises above the level of the skull.
- Neck - Moderately long, oval in shape, with strong prominent muscles, widening towards the shoulders. Delivered harmoniously to the body, has a smooth bend. The withers are prominent, smoothly rolling. There is no suspension.
- Frame - balanced rectangular (neither long nor short), with mesomorphic muscles. The ribcage is oval, roomy, well shaped. The back is well muscled, strong and straight. The loin is strong, slightly rounded (in females it is longer). The croup is strong, the ribs are rounded. There are developed false ribs. The belly line is perfectly matched in the lumbar region.
- Tail high location. The natural tail is larger than average. It can be docked at three-quarters of its entire length. It is strong and thick at the beginning of growth, gradually decreasing at the end. When running, the dog carries it cheerfully upward.
- Front limbs - when judging from different sides, stand parallel, have a strong bone. Legs not wide apart, moderately long with a strong system of lean muscles. The shoulder blades are inclined, tightly pressed. The shoulders are well connected to the body, elongated, set obliquely. The pasterns are shortened, straight. Elbows allow free movement. The hind ones stand parallel to one another with strong bones. The thighs, with dry, powerful muscles, have a slight slope. The joints are harmoniously curved. Metatarsus are short, vertical.
- Paws - slightly smaller than average size, round-oval, strong. The toes are arched. Their claws are hard and strong, colored black. The pads are firm and firm.
- Coat The Irish Terrier is moderately short, bushy, wiry and tough. The hair has a slight break, but adheres well to the skin. The hairs are located very densely to each other, do not hide the outline of the body. The back has no curled strands. In the head area, the hair is the shortest, smoothest and straightest. The face has a mustache and beard.
- Leather thick, fits snugly around the body of the dog.
- Color - solid. Bright red, wheat orange and reddish yellow are preferred. A slight blotch of white on the chest is allowed, but not on the legs.
Irish Terrier dog behavior
Irish Terrier, a dog with a strong sense of self-esteem and extraordinary resilience. Getting into trouble, the "Irishman" fights to the "last drop of blood", courageously, not paying attention to pain and wounds. Having a "fiery" temperament at the same time, he is the most self-possessed of all terriers. A dog can instantly flare up like gunpowder, rushing into the attack and instantly freeze in place, as soon as it hears the shout of the owner, and the owner's voice for the "Irishman" has a magical effect.
The mental abilities of the breed representatives deserve special attention. The Irish Terrier has a wonderfully developed memory and intuition. He perfectly remembers the terrain and the route. The dog perfectly understands the intonation of the owner's voice. The most opposite qualities coexist in him. The dog is fierce and unusually affectionate, obedient and terrier-like stubborn, freedom-loving and devoted.
He has a great sense of humor. He likes to be a clown, but he takes offense if he is mocked. Love to swim, the Irish Terrier does not tolerate walks in wet weather. In his diet, he may sometimes prefer vegetables, meat.
The pet loves natural spaces, through which it can be worn for hours. They love "seegering" - the towing of a person on a sled or roller-skates. Irish Terriers are trained well, but they demand respect for themselves. By humiliating your dog, you will never force him to do what you want. She will obey unquestioningly only if you find a "common language" with her.
The advantages of the Irish Terrier can be listed for a very long time, but still its main quality is that he is the most devoted four-legged friend. It's great to communicate with him and have a great time. The dog charges with its fiery energy.
Irish Terrier health
Since the representatives of the breed have never been fashionable pets, until now they have preserved their wonderful natural features and not susceptibility to diseases. The average life expectancy is about thirteen to sixteen years.
Do not forget that preventive vaccinations will keep your Irishman healthy. During spring and summer, be sure to check your dog for ticks. If you suddenly find a bloodsucker, then in zoological stores there are inexpensive special devices to remove them.
Irish Terrier grooming criteria
- Wool - Irish Terriers are trimmed to remove dead hair, heal skin and hair, and create a pet's hairstyle. Brush them with a stiff brush regularly. The trimming manipulation of show pets is carried out once every one and a half, two months, and for ordinary dogs, once every six, seven months. Pluck hair all over the body as much as possible. It is advisable to remove protruding hairs in the neck area more often. The muzzle is pinched every two to four weeks, leaving the mustache and beard with an extension towards the nose, not forgetting to remove the fur around the eye sockets. The ears are also pinched, and trimmed around the edges with scissors. On the throat, the neck is pinched badly, so it can be cut with a machine under the nozzle. All protruding hairs that are not plucked are trimmed with thinning scissors. The hair between the toes is also trimmed with scissors. “Irishmen” are bathed not often, about once or twice a month, as they have a coarse coat and dirt does not stick to it. Pet shampoos should be gentle to avoid dandruff. All products must be thoroughly washed off. After bathing, the dog is thoroughly wiped off and left to dry in a warm room. The smell of the wool of such dogs is something special, there is no smell of "doggy" here at all.
- Teeth The terrier must be kept clean in order to keep them healthy for a long time and protect them from stones and periodontal disease. To do this, you need to teach the dog to clean them from an early age. For manipulation, zoological, edible pastes and brushes that are worn on the finger are suitable.
- Ears these terriers hang down. Hair grows inside the auricle, which must be plucked out for better ventilation of the auricle.
- Eyes - so that there is no infection, check and wipe it in a timely manner.
- Claws be sure to cut with claws so that your pet's fingers do not deform and do not change gait. They are cut once a month or as they grow back.
- Feeding Irish Terrier must keep the dog energized. Such an active pet, if you prefer natural feeding, should be given a lot of meat and offal. Dogs love to feast on fresh beef tripe or lips. Also, a treat for them is dried beef and lamb lungs or ears. Such delicacies are given to encourage the pet. In order for a dog to grow up healthy, it must systematically eat mineral and vitamin supplements. It will not be superfluous to give your pet various vegetable oils and fish oil. For busy people and travelers, feeding your Irish Terrier with professional food is wonderful. The concentrate combines everything necessary for the excellent functioning of the animal's body, and, accordingly, its shiny appearance.
- Walking must be long-lasting and active. For adolescents four to three times a day, and for “Irish” adults two to three times a day. You need to walk in total for at least two and a half hours. If you don't walk your Irish Terrier properly, it will blow your apartment apart. They are the longest and fastest among all the terrier varieties, therefore, they need to run a lot. The beauty of this dog is evident in its movements. In a city, for the safety of such a moving pet, a collar and leash are needed.
Features of raising an Irish Terrier
Another feature of Irish Terriers is their upbringing. This terrier does not tolerate any kind of violence or coercion. Having experienced pressure on himself, he can turn on his terrier stubbornness, which cannot be overcome by a strong-willed decision. Forcing the "Irishman" to do anything against his will is pointless.
You must be able to negotiate with him. He is more of a partner, friend, but not a slave. The dog is very sensitive and listens to the owner, looking into his eyes. The pet is always ready to do everything for him, but only from a pure heart. Therefore, it is necessary to educate the "Irishman" very correctly, without suppressing his self-esteem and showing love for him.
Interesting facts about the Irish Terrier
There are stories and legends about the courage of the active and resourceful Irish Terriers. During the First World War, these dogs acted as messengers. Risking their skin, Irish Terriers delivered significant news to various points on the front line. The dogs were not afraid of anything. They stubbornly walked towards the fulfillment of the task assigned to them - to deliver an important notification. And in this, neither the explosions, nor the shots, nor the horror of the war that was happening around them could prevent them. And also, they gave a signal of battle alarm, and thanks to their sense of humor, they cheered the soldiers with perky barking. It was a real feat that did not go unappreciated. The breed was awarded an order for its fearless and noble character.
Irish Terriers have left their mark in literature as well. The writer Jack London, who sought out world fame, contained only such dogs. To this breed, he dedicated two of his works under the names: "Michael, Jerry's brother" and "Jerry the islander." In Remarque's novel Three Comrades, the protagonist presents the “Irishman” to his beloved Patricia. There are also feature films with the participation of these charming dogs, such as: "The Adventure of a Redhead" and "Fire Dog".
Purchasing an Irish Terrier puppy
If you are an active person or a traveler, then this dog is for you. In order to have a pet with a balanced nervous system and a wonderful exterior, buy it from a professional nursery. The approximate price of a puppy ranges from $ 400 to $ 1000. Each puppy has its own value, which you can find out in the kennel. Show class bitches and puppies will always be more expensive. Puppies with defects are given more cheaply.
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