Irish Terrier

Like every breed, the Irish Terrier is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use positive, reward-based methods to keep them motivated and enthusiastic.
• Start socialisation early and keep it going to reduce arguments with other dogs.
• Prioritise a good recall, but do not rely on it completely outdoors.
• Provide games and enrichment toys, including chances to dig and use their nose.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Can be selective about other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually happier in a house.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis (HFH)

  An inherited disorder in which the foot pads develop abnormally and can become cracked and painful. A DNA test is available, and the Royal Kennel Club recommends it as part of best-practice health testing.

• Bladder stones

  Collections of minerals, formed from a build-up of cystine crystals, that develop in the bladder.

• Breed watch points of concern

  The Royal Kennel Club places the Irish Terrier in Breed Watch Category 2, meaning it has points of concern: visible features that, if exaggerated, might affect the breed's health and welfare in future.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Irish Terrier home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Irish Terrier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Irish Terrier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Irish Terriers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.