The Versatile Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is so much more than a pretty face in a beautiful red coat. Many Irish are earning obedience and agility titles, showing that the breed can compete with the best.

Obedience:

The Irish Terrier is an able competitor in Obedience Competitions. Since the 1930’s, they have been competing in Obedience Competitions and earning titles. The first Irish Terrier Companion Dog (CD) was Ancon Avenger of Ardara Farm in 1936. The first breed champion of record to earn an obedience title was Champion No Retreat. He was also the first Irish to achieve Companion Dog Excellent (CDX). He earned both titles in 1936. The first Utility Dog (UD) was Crashmore in 1949. In 1953, Champion Greenbriar Fiddler UDT began his impressive obedience career, earning his CD. In 1959, he earned his tracking title (TD), the first for the breed.

Agility:

Just as in Obedience, the Irish Terrier is an excellent competitor in Agility. As Agility became the AKC's fastest growing event in the 1990s, the numbers of Irish Terriers competing also grew rapidly. Their intelligence and natural speed and grace make them good candidates to master this sport. Once an Irish has learned basic obedience and can be trusted to work off lead, they can begin Agility lessons. In 2006, Braemoor’s Kylie Thunder UD became the first Irish Terrier to earn the MACH title.

Other Activities:

Irish Terriers are competitive in Tracking Competitions. Given their background as hunters, tracking comes fairly easily to an Irish but it will take patience.

Flyball, which is a relay race for dogs, provides a fast paced event that will provide enough activity for even the most active Irish Terrier. However, it does take a patient owner to teach the dog all of aspects of Flyball Competition.

Therapy Dogs:

Throughout the world Irish Terriers are helping to make people feel better by participating in therapy dog programs. Whether it is visiting the elderly, paying extra attention to children in need, or comforting terminally ill patients, Irish seem to know instinctively how to act in a gentle and affectionate way. They are a perfect size so that they are neither too large and intimidating nor too small and fragile.