Buying or Adopting an Irish Terrier
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Interested in the Irish Terrier? Read each post on this page. Make sure the breed is right for you (and that YOU are right for the breed). Decide on sex and age. Then begin the exciting adventure of finding and evaluating breeders and rescue groups and selecting the right Irish Terrier. Don't be in a hurry!
Don't set your sights on the Irish Terrier until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is an Irish Terrier the right breed for you?
Irish Terrier Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
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Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for an Irish Terrier?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- No young children in the household
- No dogs of the same sex in the household
- No cats in the household
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Irish Terrier stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- Trimming/clipping – every few months
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Irish Terriers are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Irish Terrier to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Irish Terrier, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt an Irish Terrier?
Irish Terriers are not a common breed in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Irish Terriers rank 115th. It can be a little hard to find this breed.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find an Irish Terrier available from a Dog Rescue group. Irish Terriers may be turned into Rescue because they need more exercise than the owner expected. There might be dominance issues, or aggression toward other animals. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Irish Terriers are rarely found here. Irish Terrier Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that an Irish Terrier turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy an Irish Terrier from a show breeder, who breeds their dogs to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You might also be able to buy an Irish Terrier from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of an Irish Terrier puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Irish Terrier ends up with eye diseases that can lead to blindness.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Irish Terriers are not seen very often in pet shops, but it's possible. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Irish Terrier Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Irish Terrier puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Irish Terrier puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams
My dog buying/adoption book will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.
About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.
To help you train and care for your dog
Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action.
The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership.
Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know.
Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know.
Teach Your Dog 100 English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say.
11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy helps your dog live a longer, healthier life.Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.