Care & Maintenance
Grooming Your Irish Terrier
From show ring perfection to easy pet care
The Irish Terrier's wiry double coat is one of its defining features — weather-resistant, low-shedding, and striking in colour. Whether you're preparing for the show ring or just keeping your family companion looking sharp, proper grooming makes all the difference.
Grooming an Irish Terrier for the show ring requires skill, patience, and an understanding of correct breed type. Hand stripping is the traditional and proper method — it maintains the harsh, dense coat texture and vibrant red colour that clipping cannot achieve.
Hand Stripping
The traditional and correct method for Irish Terriers. Hand stripping removes dead coat by plucking, maintaining the harsh, wiry texture and rich colour required for the show ring.
Clipping or scissoring softens the coat and fades the colour. Show dogs must be hand stripped to preserve correct breed type.
Rolling the Coat
Rather than stripping the entire coat at once, show handlers 'roll' the coat — regularly removing small amounts of dead hair so the dog is always in show-ready condition.
This keeps the coat dense, tidy and at the correct length year-round, avoiding the 'just stripped' look.
Shaping the Head & Face
The head is stripped short and tight to accentuate the flat skull and strong jaw. Eyebrows and beard are left slightly longer to frame the expression, but not excessively profuse.
Correct head furnishings are critical to Irish Terrier type. Too much beard looks Old English; too little looks generic terrier.
Neck, Shoulders & Body
The neck is stripped short and clean to show off the elegant arch. The body coat is kept dense and harsh, lying flat, with no excess fluff or softness.
A well-stripped body coat enhances the athletic, racy outline the breed is known for.
Legs & Feet
Leg furnishings are tidied but not over-sculpted. Feet are trimmed neatly around the pads, with hair between the toes removed. The overall look should be neat but natural.
Irish Terriers are not heavily furnished like some terrier breeds. Legs should look tidy and functional, not fluffy.
Tail
The tail is stripped short and carried neatly, with no feathering or flag. It should look strong and purposeful.
A tidy, correctly stripped tail completes the balanced outline.
Frequency
Show dogs are typically hand stripped every 6–10 weeks, with weekly brushing and minor tidying between sessions.
Consistent maintenance prevents matting and keeps the coat in peak condition.
Professional Guidance Recommended
Hand stripping is a learned skill. If you're new to the breed or showing, seek guidance from an experienced handler or your breeder. Pam is always available to demonstrate proper technique and provide stripping tools and advice to new owners.
Not every Irish Terrier owner wants to hand strip or show their dog — and that's perfectly fine. With a simple routine and basic tools, you can keep your companion looking tidy, healthy, and handsome without extensive effort.
Brushing (Weekly)
Use a slicker brush or a stiff bristle brush to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Brush in the direction of hair growth, focusing on the beard, legs, and body.
💡 Just 5–10 minutes once or twice a week keeps your Irish Terrier looking sharp and reduces shedding around the home.
Bath Time (As Needed)
Irish Terriers don't need frequent baths — every 6–8 weeks or when visibly dirty is plenty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and towel dry thoroughly.
💡 Over-bathing can soften the coat. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth between baths often does the job.
Clipping or Scissoring (Optional)
For pet owners who don't wish to hand strip, a professional groomer can clip the coat every 8–12 weeks. This will soften and lighten the coat but is perfectly acceptable for companion dogs.
💡 Let your groomer know you want a 'terrier trim' — tidy, natural, and not overdone. Avoid poodle-like sculpting.
Beard & Face Hygiene
The beard can trap food and water. Wipe it daily with a damp cloth or use a beard comb to keep it clean and tangle-free.
💡 A quick daily wipe takes 30 seconds and prevents smelly, matted facial hair.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks or as needed. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long.
💡 Regular short trims are easier than infrequent big cuts. Use a proper dog nail clipper or grinder, and avoid cutting into the quick.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for dirt, wax buildup, or redness. Wipe gently with a damp cotton pad — never insert anything into the ear canal.
💡 Irish Terriers have upright ears that stay fairly clean, but a quick weekly check prevents infections.
Teeth Brushing
Brush your dog's teeth 2–3 times a week with dog toothpaste to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
💡 Start when they're young and make it part of the routine. Dental chews help, but brushing is better.
Paw Pad Maintenance
Trim hair between the paw pads to prevent matting and debris buildup. Check pads regularly for cuts or cracks.
💡 Hairy paw pads can cause slipping on hard floors and attract burrs and mud. A quick trim every few weeks keeps paws tidy.
Grooming Kit Included
Every Braecrest puppy goes home with a grooming kit including a slicker brush, nail clippers, and a beard comb — plus hands-on guidance from Pam on how to use them.
Essential Tools
What You'll Need
Slicker Brush
Daily brushing, removing loose hair
Stripping Knife
Hand stripping (show dogs)
Thinning Shears
Blending and tidying (optional)
Nail Clippers or Grinder
Nail maintenance
Dog Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Dental care
Beard Comb
Detangling facial furnishings
Ear Cleaning Solution
Ear hygiene
Need Help?
Grooming Guidance & Support
Whether you're learning to hand strip for the show ring or just want to keep your pet looking great, Pam provides ongoing grooming support to all Braecrest puppy owners. You're never on your own.