Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is described by the AKC as bold, dashing, tenderhearted, a member of the Terrier Group, originally from Ireland.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 18 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 27 pounds (male), 25 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 13–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Bold / Dashing / Tenderhearted [1] |
| AKC group | Terrier Group [1] |
| Origin | Ireland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 149 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Irish Terrier is lively, playful, and outgoing, possessing abundant energy. Irish Terriers are great athletes and need regular exercise, so a fenced backyard is ideal. Failing this, they require walking'¿always on a leash'¿several times a day to maintain mental and physical fitness. [1]
Grooming
The Irish Terrier's short coat requires regular brushing, stripping, and trimming to keep it in good condition. His dense and wiry broken coat hugs the body and creates a tight, water-resistant jacket. Underneath the stiff outer coat, a dense undercoat of softer, finer hair traps body heat on a cool, damp day. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Irish Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but there are some issues that the breed can be prone to. Hyperkeratosis (hardened, cracked footpads) is rare in North America but may be carried in dogs from European lines. A genetic test has recently been developed for this condition. Cystinuria (resulting in bladder stones) is also uncommon, but there is no genetic test for Irish Terriers. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: No recommended health tests. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Irish Terrier in 1885. [1]
- It ranked No. 149 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 113 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “The Red Daredevil.” [1]
- The AKC lists Ireland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 1 recommended health screening for breeding dogs, such as No recommended health tests. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
Common questions
How long do Irish Terriers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 13-15 years.
How big does a Irish Terrier get?
AKC breed information lists height 18 inches and weight 27 pounds (male), 25 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Irish Terrier?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Irish Terrier, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.