A friend at work is contemplating getting his first dog and he seems to be particularly drawn to Terriers - in particular the Irish Terrier. TBH, from what I have read, I really don't think they would suit his lifestyle and personality, as he works full time (although he has a relative next door and could walk it during the day) and he is very laid back and I think the breed would run rings around him!! Are there any Irish owners who can tell me what they are like to live with please, as if they wouldn't really be suitable, I'd like to try and put him off!
I am hoping to have one at some point - my friend has a litter at the moment!!! Theirs will take as much exercise as offered but will chill and relax at home, they do not have the sharp temp that some sites claim altho have seen some real grumpy ones at shows .. \I think it may be very dependant on lines. They like to be busy - my friend competes in obedience with hers and they do get lots of training. At home they are typical terrier give an inch and take a mile type - but no nastiness .....
Thats my understanding of the breed, rather iffy with other dogs, and independent too.. A lady down the road has one, (has always had them ) stunning dog, (she also has a Vizsla) they look good together, but she says they are a handful, and not for the faint hearted..she never lets it off lead around other dogs, Best to go to a few shows and see for herself, best place to see if a breed is for you or not.
Well I've been sharing my life with an Irish terrier for 3.5 years now, and I don't think there's any finer breed! Bongo is good natured; massive fun; a quick learner; relaxed about being on her own; nice with kids; and the single most beautiful dog in the whole wide world (not that I'm biased or anything ) BUT, we have worked hard to get her that way (except for her looks, which come naturally to her!) I grew up with terriers so I know how they operate, and I have the natural advantage of an authoritative manner (yes, I'm bossy: I was born into a family of teachers!, which definitely helps. We started early with the socialisation, then the training. Bongo is fine with other dogs, just as long as they're fine with her. She does get snippy with overbearing dogs, especially if they're bigger than her, but that's just common sense, and she is NEVER the aggressor! Your friend would have to be prepared to work on socialisation with other dogs to get an Irish terrier that way, but to be honest, I hope he'd do that with any breed. Equally, I took months working Bongo up to being left alone during the day. I think terriers respond rather well to this, on the whole. Irish terriers are pretty independent, and Bongo does take herself off for a bit of alone time when we're hanging about the house. We do spend quality time with her when we are at home: walking, playing and/or training, and now she has Roly for company, the balance seems pretty good. If your friend could get somebody to do a mid-day walk, I don't think that should be a problem, but I would recommend he spend some time gradually increasing the amount of time the pup is by itself. A few last words: Your friend is so right to be drawn to terriers: they're the best! He should try not to be too swayed by the sophisticated looks of Irish terriers at shows: it takes skill and hard work to get them looking like that, and chances are his IT will look a lot scruffier most of the time, albeit with that characteristic swagger!
My experience of Irish terriers is that they are cracking dogs IF they are properly socialised BUT they are powerful terriers and you have to be firm but fair from day one. I've met a lot of ITs that are iffy with other dogs, but so are a lot of terriers. They are not dogs for lazy or wishy washy owners. Great looking dogs though.
Thanks for the very helpful replies everyone. It kind of confirms what I thought they were like. The problem I foresee is this guy is very laid back and I can imagine a dog nicknamed the red devil will be the boss of him in no time! I will try and persuade him to go to shows or at least one show, maybe Crufts and then maybe he will get more info on them?
I'm going to PM you a contact I'd really recommend: superb breeder, rescue coordinator, and all-round sensible lady!
Hi Jenny I know this was posted sometime ago but I wanted to ask you how you got Bongo used to being on her own? I have a lovely 1 year old male Irish Terrier and he barks a lot when I leave him on his own. I’ve had him for just over 5 months. Any advice welcome if you read this post still.
