THE IRISH TERRIER THE IDEAL MID-SIZED DOG
by RONALD HOH
W ith a spring in his step, an eternal twinkle in his eye and attitude in every fiber of his body, the Irish Terrier very well qualifies as “one of the most magnificent of God’s crea- tures in the dog world.” Devoted, yet free-spirited, fierce sentries yet gentle with children, Irish Terriers have enrap- tured their owners and breed enthusi- asts for generations. They are energetic, courageous and adventurous dogs who are affectionate, loyal and sweet to their family owners; are bold, inquisitive and intelligent; and make terrific and enter- taining companions. They are playful and relatively easy to train; and despite their spirited nature, still want to please their owners. They do well with active children and are curious, bold and ready for action or adventure. Because of their strong protective and watchdog natures, the Irish Ter- rier requires an owner who is dominant, calm and firm; yet gentle in training and approach. Irish Terriers are also full of terrier energy and normally need at least average amounts of exercise. When in public, they should be leashed and gen- erally kept away from small non-canine animals. Additionally, the Irish Terrier has a tendency to explore and to chase such animals as squirrels or mice and thus should be prevented from running o ff -leash in open, unsecured areas. HISTORY Irish legend has it that the Irish Ter- rier was created by leprechauns, but what is known is that the Irish Terrier is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds. Th e breed
“Once you get to know an Irish Terrier well enough to get acquainted with his personality, to recognize the depth of love, to behold his proud almost swaggering carriage, his catlike grace of movement, blinding speed and coordination of muscle and his magnificent courage and heart and to see his unnerving intelligence displayed again and again, you will be convinced that the Irish Terrier is one of the most magnificent of God’s creations in the dog family.” — Long-Legged Irishman, Biography of a Terrier by Byron N. Martin
S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , F EBRUARY 2015 • 261
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