The Blueprint of the Breed
The Breed Standard Set in 1880
Braecrest breeding lines and standards stay true to the Irish Terrier Club established in Dublin
Racy, Loyal, and Unmistakably Irish
The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest of the terrier breeds — a rugged, dashing dog known as the "Daredevil of the Emerald Isle." At Braecrest we breed to the official standard recognised by Dogs Australia, prioritising soundness, temperament, and true breed type above all else.
Understanding the standard helps owners appreciate why Irish Terriers look and behave the way they do — and what to look for when choosing a puppy from an ethical breeder.
General Appearance
Racy, luck-bringing, happy-looking sporting terrier. Strong and sturdy in substance, but not cloddy nor coarse. Symmetrical in outline, neither leggy nor too low to the ground; presenting a well-balanced, compact, racy outline, conveying the impression of activity, grace, and strength.
- Racy, athletic outline — never cloddy or coarse
- Symmetrical and well-balanced in silhouette
- Conveys activity, grace, and strength at once
Character & Temperament
The Irish Terrier is a dog of great heart and boundless courage — spirited, loyal, and utterly devoted to its family. Of all the terrier breeds, the Irish is regarded as perhaps the most faithful: a natural guardian with a hot temper when provoked, yet gentle and remarkably good with children when raised in the home.
- Faithful, loyal, and devoted to family
- Courageous guardian — hot-tempered only when provoked
- Excellent with children and highly trainable
Head & Skull
Long, free from wrinkles, flat and fairly narrow between the ears, narrowing slightly towards the eyes. Stop is slight except in profile. Foreface is full and strong, with a punishing jaw and a whiskered, beard-like expression. Lips are close-fitting; nose is black and powerful.
- Long, flat skull — never apple or pin-headed
- Powerful punishing jaw and close-fitting lips
- Expressive whiskers and beard characteristic of the breed
Eyes & Expression
Small, dark, and bright, set well apart and not too close to the ears. The expression is keen, intelligent, and fearless — the very essence of terrier character. Light or yellow eyes are a serious fault.
- Small, dark, and bright — keen and fearless
- Set well apart, never prominent
- Yellow or light eyes are a serious fault
Body & Proportion
Back is strong and straight, with a deep, muscular loin and a slight rise from shoulder to loin. Chest is deep and muscular, neither wide nor narrow, with well-sprung ribs carried well back. The Irish Terrier is a well-knit, racy dog — longer than tall, presenting a balanced rectangular outline.
- Strong, level back with slight rise to the loin
- Deep, muscular chest with well-sprung ribs
- Balanced rectangular outline — longer than tall
Coat & Colour
Dense and wiry in texture, with a broken appearance, and a soft undercoat beneath. The coat is the Irish Terrier's armour — crisp, harsh, and lying close to the body. Colour ranges from bright golden-red to deep wheaten, with a small white patch on the chest permissible but not required.
- Wiry, crisp topcoat with a soft undercoat
- Colour: golden-red, red, or red wheaten
- A small white chest patch is allowed
Size & Weight
Ideal height at the withers: approximately 46 cm (18 inches) for dogs, slightly less for bitches. Weight is in proportion to height, typically around 11–12 kg for dogs and lighter for bitches. Balance and symmetry are valued above absolute size.
- Ideal height ~46 cm (18 in) at the withers
- Weight ~11–12 kg, in proportion to height
- Balance and symmetry prized over size
Movement & Gait
Free, strong, and graceful — legs carried straight in front, with good reach and drive from behind. The Irish Terrier should move with purpose and determination, covering ground efficiently and appearing tireless at a trot. Cramping or stilted movement is a serious fault.
- Free, strong, graceful gait with drive
- Straight front action, good fore-reach
- Tireless and purposeful at the trot
Breeding to Standard
Why the Standard Matters
Breed standards exist to preserve the health, function, and character of a breed developed over centuries. Irish Terriers were bred to work — strong, swift, and fearless — and every point of the standard reflects that purpose.
At Braecrest, we assess every dog against this standard before considering them for our breeding programme, and we selectively pair bloodlines to strengthen type while protecting temperament and genetic health. The result is the Irish Terrier you recognise — loyal, racy, and radiant with life.