Irish Terrier

Brushing Routine

Brush 2-3 times per week with a slicker brush and metal comb to maintain their dense, wiry coat that lies close to the body. The wire coat is one of the hardest and flattest among terrier breeds. Hand strip with a stripping knife every 8-12 weeks to maintain the tight, broken texture and vibrant red color. Comb through the beard and leg furnishings daily.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 4-6 weeks with a texturizing shampoo. The Irish Terrier's coat should remain hard and close-fitting. Avoid conditioners on the body coat. The characteristic red color is maintained best through hand stripping rather than clipper cutting. Clean the beard thoroughly during each bath.

Common Issues

• Beard staining and odor
• Color fading to a lighter, washed-out red if clipped
• Skin irritation from trapped dead coat
• Furnishing tangles on legs
• Foot pad injuries from their active nature

Extend Your Grooming Results

The Irish Terrier's brilliant red coat color depends on proper hand stripping. Clipper cutting causes the coat to lighten and soften over generations of cuts. Clean the beard after meals to prevent the dark staining that shows prominently against the red coat. Keep feet trimmed neatly between the pads.

Seasonal Care

Hand-stripped Irish Terriers shed minimally year-round. The tight wire coat provides excellent weather protection in rain and cold without seasonal coat changes. Summer care in hot climates may involve keeping the coat shorter but still properly stripped. The coat naturally repels water and dries quickly.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 2-3 times weekly. Comb beard and furnishings daily. Clean beard after meals. Bathe every 4-6 weeks. Hand strip every 8-12 weeks or clipper trim every 6-8 weeks. Clean ears biweekly. Trim paw pads biweekly. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks.