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Irish terrier
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Irish terrier standing in profile, showing its wiry reddish-brown coat, long legs, and distinctive beard against a plain background.
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Irish terrier
Irish terrier

Irish terrier

breed of dog
Also known as: daredevil
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

Irish terrier, dog developed in Ireland, one of the oldest breeds of terriers. Nicknamed the “daredevil,” it has earned the reputation of being adaptable, loyal, spirited, and recklessly courageous. It served as a messenger and sentinel dog in World War I, and it has been used to hunt and to retrieve game. The Irish terrier is a sturdily built dog with racier lines than those of other terriers. Its long, relatively narrow head is usually accented by a short beard. It stands about 18 inches (46 cm), weighs 25 to 27 pounds (11 to 12 kg), and is distinguished by its wiry golden-red to reddish brown coat.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.