The Irish Terrier: A joy and a responsibility
Characteristics:
The Irish Terriers' wiry, golden-red, double jacket protects them 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 doesn’t tangle easily. The coat should be hand stripped two or three times per year.
Temperament:
Originally bred to control vermin on the farms of Ireland, the Irish Terrier was also the guardian of home and family. To function in
their environment they needed to be intelligent, independent, and courageous as well as gentle with people.
The modern Irish Terrier remains a “ratter” at heart. While its independence and heedless pluck contribute to
its attraction, a potential owner must understand that this is a big dog in a relatively small body. New owners must make a sincere commitment to provide early and consistent socialization and training so that while preserving the wonderful Irish spirit, they will also help create a loving companion and well-adjusted dog.
Locating a Puppy:
When you search for an Irish Terrier, contact as many breeders as you can. Tell them what you are looking for in a dog. Details such as sex, age, whether you want to show the dog in conformation, obedience, or agility, or you
only want a companion are all very important facts that the breeder
will want to know. The ITCA provides a Breeder Referral Service that can assist
you with names of members who currently have puppies available. A puppy may not be available
at the time you are looking. If you really want an Irish and you have
found a breeder that you like, consider waiting until the breeder has a
puppy that is suitable for you.
American Kennel Club (AKC) Registration:
American Kennel Club “papers” specify only that the parents of the registered dog are of the same breed and were, in turn, registered
with the AKC. Registration does
not guarantee the temperament or quality of the registered animal.
The Breeder:
An Irish Terrier breeder should show a great deal of interest in you, your family, and your plans for your prospective puppy. Breeders should encourage you to inspect their kennel and they should be full of advice about grooming, feeding, ear setting, health care, and training.
The breeder should be eager to answer all of your questions. They should be familiar with all of
their dogs’ pedigrees and be ready to explain them to you. When you visit the breeder look for clean and safe kennel conditions. The puppies should have been raised in the home, not outside. Puppies exposed to normal household activity and human attention are likely to be happy and outgoing. You should be able to meet the puppies’ mother. If there are other adult dogs living with the breeder, they should be friendly and well cared for.
Quality:
The breeder may be able to evaluate, better than you, which puppy is the
right one for your situation or family. Quality in a puppy is difficult for the
experienced breeder, let alone the novice buyer, to establish. Physical
characteristics change rapidly in the growing puppy. Be wary of breeders
who advertise that their whole litter is show quality. The basics of quality in
any puppy are a solid constitution and an outgoing personality. Beyond that, the
novice buyer is largely dependent on the reputation and good advice of the
breeder.
Consider an Older Dog:
There is little in the canine world to match the appeal of a tiny puppy. Cute
they may be, but also labor intensive. If you would love to have an Irish
Terrier but feel a puppy is not the right choice for you, consider an older dog.
Often they are housebroken, leash trained and able to stand for grooming and
nail clipping. Although not quite as exuberant as a small puppy, they too
require a lot of attention and kindness.
Bringing Your New Puppy Home:
Within forty-eight hours of purchasing your Irish Terrier puppy, you should visit your veterinarian to have a complete
"well-puppy" check up. The breeder should have given you all the history of any medical treatment the puppy has received as well as the dates
on which any vaccines were given. Inform the breeder immediately of any health concerns
that your vet may mention.
General Supplies:
FOOD – It is best to continue what the breeder was feeding at first and if you want to change foods do so gradually over a period of several days. Always provide a bowl of fresh water.
CRATE – Almost all dog experts agree that the dog crate is a terrific invention. Dogs like the den aspect of the crate. Crates provide a safe, quiet environment for rest and at meal time. They are an invaluable tool while housebreaking and can give new owners a much needed break when
the puppy becomes overwhelming. Read up on crate training, don’t abuse the use of the crate, and never use it to punish the dog.
FENCING – The Irish Terrier needs exercise to keep fit and happy. Get the backyard fencing up and functioning to ensure your puppy’s safety before the puppy makes
its first escape. The fence should be five to six feet high and should be secure at
the top and bottom. Irish Terriers love to jump and sometimes like to dig.
Invisible fencing is not recommended.
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