Irish Terrier
Irish Terrier
VS
Welsh Terrier
Welsh Terrier

Irish Terrier vs Welsh Terrier

Compare Irish Terrier and Welsh Terrier side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Irish Terrier
Welsh Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
44 – 50 cm
38 – 39 cm
Weight
11 – 15 kg
9 – 10 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 15 years
12 – 13 years
Child friendly
5/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
4/5
4/5
Trainability
2/5
4/5
Health
4/5
5/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
1/5
1/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
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Characteristics

Irish Terrier
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Stubborn
Medium
Welsh Terrier
Great with kids
Super smart
Easy to train
Small

Summary

About Irish Terrier
Medium, athletic terrier with a wiry red coat, low shedding when properly groomed. Intelligent, energetic, and independent, needing daily exercise and mental stimulation. Deeply loyal and people‑oriented, a keen watchdog, with strong prey drive and sometimes challenging with other dogs.
About Welsh Terrier
Medium-sized, sturdy Welsh terrier with a wiry black-and-tan coat that sheds little but needs regular stripping. Bred in Wales to hunt, it is active, bold, affectionate yet independent, with strong chase instincts. Intelligent and trainable, it thrives on firm, positive guidance and daily exercise.

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