Caring for your Irish Terrier

Regular grooming (including brushing and combing the coat), brushing teeth, and nail trimming help maintain both the health and dashing appearance of your Irish Terrier. At the same time it strengthens the bond between you and your Irish.

Tools you will need include a grooming table, a good quality natural bristle brush, metal comb, scissors, nail clipper, palm brush, toothbrush and canine toothpaste. Early exposure to basic grooming activities will help prepare your Irish for the coat care that will be necessary as it grows older. 

By 5 months the coat will need to be “stripped”.  It is important to pull the hair out rather than to cut it. Cutting the coat will diminish the red color and will soften the texture of the coat. Your breeder should describe to you the different techniques involved in the stripping process. With patience and tenacity you and your Irish will learn the art of grooming.   

Irish Terrier ears may require assistance to maintain proper ear carriage. This is done by gluing or taping the ears to the head for a period of time. This ear setting, can begin  at about twelve weeks but it is most effective during the puppy’s teething period, which lasts from four months to eight months of age. You may need guidance from your dog’s breeder or from an experienced Irish Terrier person.