Conformation Showing
Dog Showing Tips
Australian Breed Standard & how to meet it in the ring
Showing an Irish Terrier requires an understanding of the Dogs Australia Breed Standard — the official written description of what the ideal Irish Terrier looks like, moves like, and behaves like. Below is every point of the standard, along with practical advice on how to present and prepare your dog to meet it.
Source: Dogs Australia Breed Standard for the Irish Terrier. Always refer to the official Dogs NSW / Dogs Australia standard for the most current version.
Show Day Tips
Preparation and ring craft advice for presenting your Irish Terrier at its best.
Arrive Early
Allow 30–45 minutes to settle your dog before judging begins. A rushed, unsettled dog will not show at its best.
Condition First, Groom Second
A healthy, fit dog in correct weight and muscle will always beat a groomed but poorly conditioned one. Grooming enhances good structure — it cannot create it.
Finish Grooming 1–2 Days Before
Do your final strip and tidy 1–2 days before the show. This allows the coat to settle and removes the 'just stripped' rawness from the skin.
Practice Ring Procedure
Know how to stack your dog, move at the correct pace, and handle the judge's examination. Practice at home and at ringcraft classes so the show ring feels familiar.
Use a Slim Show Lead
A thin show lead around the neck places focus on the dog, not the lead. Keep it high on the neck — just behind the ears — for the best head carriage.
Let Your Dog Move Naturally
Irish Terriers are shown moving on a loose lead at a trot. Pulling or over-extending destroys natural movement. Trust your dog — let it move.
Chalk & Finishing Products
A small amount of coat chalk or finishing powder on the beard and furnishings can give volume and definition. Brush out thoroughly before going in — residue in the coat is penalised.
Watch the Judge
Keep one eye on your dog and one eye on the judge. Present your dog at its best when the judge is looking. Stack naturally and confidently — nerves transfer down the lead.
Australian Title Points at a Glance
100 points
Australian Champion
Points awarded for Breed class wins and Best of Breed. 25 points must come from Challenge wins at Championship Shows.
1,000 points
Grand Champion
Points earned after Australian Champion title is granted. A more rigorous ongoing tally of wins across all shows.
Highest honour
Supreme Champion
Awarded at the Dogs Australia National Show. One of the rarest and most prestigious titles in Australian dogs.
Note: Title point requirements and rules are determined by Dogs Australia and administered through state canine bodies (e.g. Dogs NSW). Always verify current requirements with your state body.
Join the Show Team
Would you like to show an Irish Terrier?
We'd love to have you join the team. Let us know a little about yourself and we will reach out.
Tell Us About YourselfTalk to a Champion Breeder
Learn From Experience
Pam has been showing and breeding champion Irish Terriers since 1987, producing three Supreme Champions and countless Australian Champions. She welcomes enquiries from new exhibitors and is happy to share advice on ring presentation, grooming, and breed standard interpretation.