Irish Terrier. Irish Wheaten Coated Terrier

Today we propose to get to know two more interesting breeds of dogs that were born in Ireland. For hundreds of years, these four-legged handsome men were faithful companions and assistants to man. So they remain today.

Irish Terrier: photo and appearance

Representatives of this breed should give the impression of a mobile, energetic, strong and very hardy dog. Irish Terrier is a medium sized dog. The height at the withers of the representatives of the breed is from 46 to 49 centimeters, and the weight varies from 11 to 13 kilograms. This native of Ireland has a proportional body of a square format with long strong paws, a broad chest and a long neck. The head of the representatives of the breed is elongated, similar to a brick, with triangular small ears and almond-shaped expressive dark eyes. For Irish terriers, the presence of a mustache and beard on the face is characteristic.

Wool and color

The coat of these dogs consists of two layers of wool: a dense, wire-like outer, and a thin soft inner. The breed standard allows the following variants of the color of the Irish setter: solid wheat, light-red, red-wheat and golden-red. Representatives of the breed weakly shed, but they need regular combing of the wool with a hard brush.

Character

These dogs are very energetic, bold, faithful and smart. However, sometimes they are very hot-tempered. The Irish Terrier is very attached to his family and enjoys spending time both in a relaxed atmosphere with adults and in gay games with children. Representatives of this breed become magnificent watchmen and bodyguards, ready to protect life and the house of its owner to the last drop of blood. In relation to other pets or strangers, the Irish Terrier is often aggressive. Due to the fact that these dogs are characterized by a rather turbulent temperament, it is not recommended to start them to people who do not have experience with dogs.

Maintenance and care

Representatives of this breed without problems can get along both in a country house, and in a compact city apartment. However, in both cases, the owner's duty is to provide his pet with a sufficient level of physical activity, as these animals are by nature very active. In the event that your dog will often remain alone and get bored without action, his character will inevitably deteriorate, which can lead to very undesirable consequences.

As for the care of the hair, it is necessary to regularly comb the Irish terrier with a stiff brush. To swim the breed is recommended only in case of emergency and solely with the use of a suitable shampoo for dogs.

A very important point is the early socialization and passing with your pet a course of general training. Due to the fact that the Irish setter has a high intelligence and is distinguished by obedience, as a rule, the owners do not have special problems with such a process.

History of the breed

These dogs were born in the XVIII century in Ireland. To date, they are rightfully referred to the oldest variety of terriers. For many years they were faithful assistants to local farmers: they guarded the dwelling and cattle and were used for hunting. During the war, representatives of the breed were actively used to transmit messages, as well as search for wounded soldiers. Today, the Irish Terrier, the price of which ranges from 500 to 1000 US dollars, is quite a popular dog. It is used not only as a pet and companion, but also successfully trained for service in the army and police of different countries.

Health and life expectancy

In general, the Irish Terrier is a fairly healthy, strong and hardy dog. However, the representatives of this breed have a tendency to the following diseases: various allergies, melanoma and dysplasia of the hip joint. The life expectancy of these magnificent dogs, as a rule, ranges from 12 to 15 years.

Irish Wheaten Coarse Terrier: appearance and description

Representatives of this breed are compact and proportionally folded dogs. They are characterized by a square-shaped body with long strong legs, an elongated neck, a straight back and a high-set up tail of medium length, which at the owner's request can be docked. Irish soft-coated terrier has an elongated head resembling a brick. For the representatives of the breed are characterized by small V-shaped ears, almond-shaped dark eyes, large black nose, as well as pronounced beard and mustache on the muzzle. As for the dimensions, the height at the withers in these dogs is 43-51 centimeters, and the weight varies from 14 to 20 kilograms.

Color and wool of the representatives of the breed

These four-legged Irish natives have a wavy, thick wool of medium length. As for color, the standard of the breed allowed any shades of wheat color. And the puppies appear in the light dark brown. The final color of their fur is acquired at the age of two years.

Character of the Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Representatives of this breed are strong, agile, energetic and friendly. They are very fond of children and usually get along well with other dogs and pets. However, if you do not engage in the education and socialization of the dog from the very first months of her life, she can grow disobedient and aggressive. Irish soft-haired terriers are distinguished by high intelligence, which makes the process of their training simple enough.

Care and maintenance

Since the Irish wheaten terrier is very energetic and mobile, it is best to keep it in a country house with a large patio, where your pet can frolic. However, the representatives of this breed will get along without problems in the city apartment, provided that you will provide them with regular long walks with the opportunity to run without a leash.

As for the care of the hair, it is necessary several times a week to carefully comb your terrier, removing the dead hair. As necessary, representatives of the breed can be bathed, using for this purpose special shampoos for dogs.

Despite the fact that these dogs, as a rule, do not show aggression, they need a certain upbringing and initial training.

History of the Irish Wheaten Terrier

Experts believe that the representatives of this breed are descendants of dogs that lived in Ireland for many thousands of years. In addition, later in the breeding works used also Irish and kerry-blue terriers. These dogs were universal assistants to local farmers: they were engaged in the destruction of rodents, grazed cattle, guarded the house and property of the owner, and were also used for hunting.

Health and life expectancy of the Irish wheat terrier

With good care and proper nutrition, as a rule, with the health of the representatives of this breed no problems arise. However, there are a number of diseases to which these dogs are predisposed. These include nephropathy, Addison's disease, renal dysplasia and enteropathy. The life expectancy of the breed is on the average 12-15 years.