Irish Terrier (detailed introduction)

　　The Irish Terrier, also called the Irish Red Terrier, is mainly found in the mountainous areas of Ireland. The ideal weight for show-standard males is 12.2 kg, and females 11.3 kg; height is about 45.7 cm. The physique and bone structure should be strong but not clumsy, as speed, strength, and endurance are necessary for this dog. The Irish Terrier should be an organic combination of competitive speed and perfect appearance.
　　The overall appearance of the Irish Terrier is especially important. In terms of morphology, each part must be symmetrical, proportionate, and harmonious, meaning it must reflect the characteristics of the Irish Terrier. This dog must be active in movement, with metallic flexibility, lively and spirited.
　　Appearance
　　Coarse-haired with long legs, a distinctive look somewhat similar to the Airedale Terrier. The head is long but proportionate to the rest of the body; the skull is flat, the ears are set close together, slightly narrower than the spacing between the eyes. The lower jaw is strong and powerful, but the cheeks are not very full and are of moderate length. The hair on the upper and lower jaws is similar in texture and long. Teeth should be strong, symmetrical, white, and powerful—neither too long nor too short. Lips are tight, properly sized, and almost black in color. The nose is black. Eyes are dark brown, small, not protruding, lively, intelligent, and expressive. Ears are small and V-shaped; of medium thickness; positioned appropriately on the head, pointing forward close to the outer corner of the eyes. The ear tips align with the level of the skull, and the neck length is appropriate.
　　The hindquarters are strong and straight. The loin is also strong and powerful, slightly arched. The ribs are fully sprung, deep rather than round, reaching the elbow level. Feet are strong, round, and relatively small with toes curved, neither splayed nor turned inward; nails are black. The pads are deep. Legs are slightly long, proportionate to the shoulders, straight, with strong bones and well-developed muscles. When moving, the front and hind legs move straight forward; the stifles do not turn outward. The overall color is bright red, golden yellow, reddish-yellow, or wheaten.
　　Brief Description
　　The body structure is solid and strong, with sufficient bone mass, not clumsy, with good speed, strength, and endurance. The body length is moderate. The back is solid and level. The loin is strong and muscular, slightly arched. The head is relatively long but proportionate to other body parts; the skull is flat with a narrow space between the ears; no wrinkles. The jaw is solid and muscular, but cheeks are not full, slender and long. The face shape is very refined. The length and texture of the hair on the upper and lower jaws are the same as the body hair, long enough to make the face look solid and complete. Teeth are strong, neat, white, and healthy. Lips are tight and black. The nose leather is black. Eye color is dark brown; small and not protruding; full of energy, enthusiasm, and intelligence, showing an enthusiastic look. Ears are small and V-shaped. The hair on the ears is very short and slightly darker in color than the body hair.
　　The neck length is moderate, gradually widening toward the shoulders; no dewlap. The hair on both sides of the neck is slightly curly, extending to the ear tips. Shoulders are refined, long, and slanting toward the back. The chest is deep and muscular but neither prominent nor wide. The hindquarters are solid and muscular; thighs are powerful; hocks close to the ground; stifle joints moderately bent. The tail is usually docked, cutting off 1/4 of the total length. The tail set is high but not curled; hair length is moderate, with a coarse coat. The paws are solid, quite round, and relatively small; toes arch upward, neither turned inward nor outward, and nails are dark. The pads are deep, very solid, and not cracked. Leg length is moderate, well combined with the shoulder, quite straight, with ample bone and muscular development; elbows are at the sides of the body; wrists are short, straight, and not prominent. When running, front and rear legs move straight forward; the stifle joints must not turn outward. There is no feathering on the legs; the hair texture on the legs is similar to that on the body.
　　The coat is dense and wiry with a metallic texture, abundant and looks slightly rough, but is actually very tight against the body. The hair is so dense and coarse that when parted by fingers, the skin is almost invisible; the hair on the sides of the body is not as coarse as on the back or legs but still abundant and of good texture. Beneath the coarse topcoat is a fine, soft undercoat, slightly lighter in color. Colors include fiery red, golden red, reddish wheaten, or wheaten. Some chests have white markings. Occasionally, puppies are born with black hair that disappears by adulthood.