The Irish Terrier is a passionate little dog with a spring in his step, a glint in his eye, and the attitude of a great dog. While he is almost purely a companion now, he will continue to behave like the courageous, rat-killing farm dog he was in his homeland. The Irish Terrier is not a couch potato. This is a dog who enjoys running, chasing, and playing, and woe to the squirrel who isn’t even a half-step faster. You’d best have a good sense of humor and plenty of tolerance if you’re going to put up with the eternal independence and shenanigans of a dog whose fashionable look conceals a rogue’s heart.
Although the Irish Terrier is typically around 27 pounds, he carries himself like a much larger dog. He’s bright and relatively easy to teach, as long as he’s treated fairly, consistently, and with a healthy understanding for what some may term “stubbornness.” Take extra care to squelch any inappropriate barking.
Irish Terriers are extremely people-oriented dogs, and they typically get along well with youngsters — at least their own. Bear in mind, however, that human supervision of playing, as well as canine training and socialization, are still necessary.
While show dogs require more attention to their coats, pet Irish Terriers require only the occasional bath, weekly combing or brushing to remove dead hair, and the periodic professional home trimming. Additionally, they have a low shedding rate.
Irish Terriers do not perform well when left alone for extended periods of time and are unsatisfactory as backyard pets. They are incredibly pricey because of their limited supply and status as the oldest terrier breed.
If you’ve been inquisitive about the cost of an Irish Terrier, you’ve come to the perfect spot. The cost of an Irish Terrier puppy, as well as the cost of raising one, will be explored throughout this article.
Locating a breeder of this particular canine breed can be time-consuming and challenging. Prices for these dogs are expected to be higher than other canine breeds because many must be imported from countries such as England.
To save you important time, the following is a short description of everything you need to know:
How Much Does an Irish Terrier Puppy Cost?
You should budget between $700 and $1,000 for the buying of an Irish Terrier, depending on the breeder you pick and the Irish Terrier’s heritage. Certain breeders conduct thorough research on their dogs in order to produce healthier puppies, but these puppies are also more expensive. Additionally, high demand might result in lengthy waiting lists, increasing costs. Numerous breeders also provide pet class puppies as well as more expensive competition class puppies for dog shows. Finally, breeding rights must be acquired if you wish to breed your Irish Terrier. Otherwise, you will often be required to spay or neuter the dog in order to satisfy your contract.
This dog may grow to be between 18 and 20 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 27 pounds, depending on the age. The cost of an Irish Terrier will vary according to the breeder, the pedigree, and other factors.
Please have a look at the accompanying table, which details the Irish Terrier’s price ranges:
| The minimum price of an Irish Terrier puppy | $700 |
| Maximum price of an Irish Terrier puppy | $3000 |
| Price range | $700-$1000 |
| The average price of an Irish Terrier puppy | $850 |
Factors Affecting Irish Terrier Cost
Numerous things affect the pricing of your Irish Terrier:
Breeders
Breeders thoroughly screen prospective consumers to ensure they can provide an appropriate home and lifestyle for the Irish Terrier. Best breeders who care more for their pups charge more.
Pedigree
Irish Terrier puppies descended from champion studs will be more expensive than pups descended from non-champion dogs; thus, select champion studs and females wherever feasible.
Where to Buy your Irish Terrier From
Irish Terriers are bred in the United States by a limited number of dedicated dog breeders. If you wish, you may contact the breeders who retain them. Irish Terrier Club of America has numerous breeds to provide you with an excellent pure-line Irish Terrier puppy.
The website Irish Terrier rescue also helps owners find the recuse of Irish Terrier puppies/dogs.
You may also search for Irish Terrier puppies on Facebook if you so choose. Existing and prospective breed owners will find a wealth of breed information on the Irish Terrier Facebook page. Members have shared photographs of their Irish Terriers with the community. Owners, not breeders, may learn about their Irish Terrier’s genetic lineage through their breeders, also called forebears.
As a further step, let us discuss the necessary equipment and basic essentials for your Irish Terrier once you have agreed to get a puppy.
Basic Supplies your Irish Terrier will Need and Estimated Costs
Crate and bed
The process of teaching your pup where to go potty will go much more smoothly if you use a sturdy crate. Include a chew-proof bed inside the cage for your Irish Terrier’s comfort.
Grooming equipment
For this hairy dog, you’ll need certain grooming brushes and equipment, which your vet or breeder may advise you on.
Apply nourishing lotions, balms, or oils to the skin folds on your pet’s body to prevent them from drying out, itching, or turning red in color.
Once a month, wash your dog with a light cleaning shampoo and dry him with a microfiber towel to keep him healthy. It’s a good idea to purchase a toothbrush and paste for your dog, as well as nail clippers and grinders. Depending on the model, grooming equipment might cost anywhere from $100 to $150 for each item.
Food and water dishes
Stainless steel water and food bowls for your Irish Terrier should be your first choice. Stable and suitable in size are essential for the success of your Irish Terrier. The cost is around $25.
Collars, leashes, and harnesses
It’s critical to utilize a nylon harness that’s both wet and chew-resistant while walking this lively dog. Choose the one that best fits your pet’s age. To get started, you’ll need at least $20. Collars and leashes are a must-have in addition to that. The collar and lead/leash will cost at least $25 and $35, respectively.
The following table provides an overview of the canine supplies you’ll need for your Irish Terrier, as well as an idea of the expenses:
| Item | Cost |
| Collar-leash set, harness | $20-$50 |
| Food-water bowls | $8-$10 |
| Baby gates to limit your pet’s entry in parts of your house | $40 |
| Treat dispenser toys | $10 |
| Plush bed | From $25 |
| Collapsible crate | $55 |
| Mats for containing food messes | $10 |
| Kong toy | $10 |
| Grooming tools – wrinkle creams, antiseptic wipes, brush, comb, dental supplies, shampoo, nail clippers, etc. | $150 |
| Poop bags | $10 |
| Potty pads for indoor training | $10 |
Irish Terrier Training Costs
Training is essential if you want to prevent your Irish Terrier from developing behavioral issues like aggression, fear, or anxiety about being separated.
Professional dog trainers provide various services for teaching dogs, including anything from puppy daycare to advanced obedience classes to constant chewing therapy.
Search online for the best dog trainers in your area to locate them quickly and easily. As an additional option, you may want to seek advice from friends and neighbors.
Training sessions may be tailored to fit your individual requirements and goals using additional alternatives such as board and train sessions and group training. Each of these has a separate price tag associated with it.
For private training sessions, you may either bring your Irish Terrier to the trainer’s office or arrange for the trainer to come to your house or a dog park. They provide step-by-by-step guidance on how to train your particular dog correctly. Your location, the trainer’s skill, and various other factors all play a role in how much private dog training sessions cost.
Group classes are slightly less costly than private sessions. Because of their presence, your Irish Terrier will develop social skills with other dogs.
Listed below are the prices associated with various methods of dog training:
| Group training (cost per class) | $15.00 to $50 per class |
| Private training (cost per session) | $45.00 to $120 |
| Dog boot camp (cost per day) | $45.00 (weekly about $500 to $1250) |
| YouTube videos | $0.00 |
| Board-and-train | $2000.00 |
Irish Terrier Food Costs
To keep their immune systems strong, Irish Terriers should eat high-quality dog food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants.
It is advisable to feed your Irish Terrier puppy the same food that the breeder offered during its first few weeks of life in order to provide the finest nutrition available. The specific dietary needs of your dog can be determined in consultation with your vet. The height of an Irish Terrier’s withers can vary from 18 and 20 inches, depending on the breed. According to the breed criteria, they can range from 25 to 27 lbs.
Maintain a healthy weight for your Irish Terrier. This medium-sized dog has several health risks associated with even a few pounds of weight gain.
The following principles should be followed while feeding your Irish Terrier:
- Feed your Irish Terrier high-quality kibble or dry dog food to keep him healthy. The average 25-pound Irish Terrier needs two cups of food a day to maintain its weight and be healthy. This meal can be divided into two or three smaller meals if you wish.
- If your dog likes wet or canned food, you should feed it 1.5 cups (two cans) of it every day. This can also be divided into two smaller meals.
- When feeding your pet, you should vary the amount of food based on his or her age, weight, overall health, and personal choice.
The following is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with feeding an Irish Terrier each month:
| Type of food | Approx. monthly quantity | Approx. monthly price |
| Kibble/dry food | 70 lb. to 80 lb. | $25 |
| Wet/canned food | 100 lb. | $180 |
| Raw, freeze-dried food | Two thousand nuggets per month/40 bags of 14 oz. each | $400+ |
| Raw food | 25 lb. | $40 |
| Dog treats | Rarely | $20 |
Comparison of Dog Food for Irish Terriers
Many skin problems in Irish Terriers may be avoided by feeding them a diet rich in nutrients. You may boost your dog’s diet with kibble-containing protein sources, including chicken, turkey, salmon, and lamb. ”
It is preferable for Irish Terriers to eat foods that are hypoallergenic, low-grain, or limited in ingredients.
Regular checking your pet’s weight and overall health has previously been mentioned. Make changes to your pet’s diet or portion levels as your veterinarian recommends.
The following table compares the most effective Irish Terrier dog meals and their price per pound of dog food.
| Name | Features | Cost |
| Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food | Triple-checked food, higher calories (so you can feed less), 5-star rated performance food, contains real meat as the first ingredient. | $2/lb. |
| Royal Canin Dog Food For Adult Breed
| Tailor-made kibble with brewer’s rice, oats, and real chicken. It contains essential oils and fats to maintain wrinkles. EPA and DHA to support joints | $2.85/lb. |
| Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, High Protein Dog Food
| Natural ingredients, high-protein, freeze-dried turkey, ideal for dogs with sensitivities. Supports healthy skin and coat. Promotes leaner body and helps in weight loss. It also contains glucosamine for healthy joints. | $4.75/lb. |
| Purina Pro Plan High Protein, Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food
| Made with real lamb. Contains real vitamins, minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids—the optimum fat-to-protein ratio for ideal weight. | $2.28/lb/ |
Irish Terrier Medical Costs
Irish Terrier is a resilient breed of dog. When purchasing your pet from a respected breeder, you may expect better health assurances and other perks. When it comes to breeding, breeders often undergo a thorough series of tests in accordance with ethical guidelines. This greatly reduces the risk of puppies developing genetic or inherited health issues.
What matters is that each Irish Terrier owner is responsible for any unpaid medical bills incurred by their canine companion, no matter what happens. At different times during the first year of your dog’s life, he or she will receive vaccines. In addition to this, there are core vaccines or obligatory vaccinations, which can help dogs avoid serious illnesses caused by viruses like parvo, canine influenza, rabies, and other diseases that are carried via the environment.
Your veterinarian may recommend additional non-core immunizations such as the Lyme disease vaccine, rattlesnake vaccine, and similar vaccines.
The costs of essential and optional puppy vaccinations and the recommended puppy vaccination are given in this table.
Core vaccine costs
| Core vaccine | Age of puppy | Cost |
| Distemper | At least three doses are given between 6 and 16 weeks of age. (2 doses to be given 3-4 weeks apart) | $15 to $25 |
| Parvovirus | Same as above | |
| Adenovirus, type 1 (CAV-1, canine hepatitis) | The intranasal vaccine may be boostered at one year. Your Irish Terrier will also need a booster one year after completing the initial series, then again, every three years. | $15-$50 |
| Adenovirus, type 2 (CAV-2, kennel cough) | Between 6 weeks to 16 weeks, at least three doses. | $15-$50 |
| Rabies 1 and 3 years | It can be given as early as three months of age. States have laws about this core vaccine | $35 to $50 |
Non-core vaccine costs
| Non-core vaccine | Age of puppy | Cost |
| Parainfluenza | Administered at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, a booster may be needed after a year and re-vaccination every three years. | $15-$35 |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) | Two doses of injection or one dose of intranasal vaccine given based on manufacturer recommendation | $15-$50 |
| Lyme disease | Given at nine weeks and repeated after 2-4 weeks | $20-$40 |
| Leptospirosis | Two doses at least 2-4 weeks apart. The first dose is around eight weeks. | $15-$35 |
Most vets anticipate that the cost of DAPP and rabies vaccinations will be between $75 and $100, based on their estimates of the total cost. Non-core vaccination expenditures, flea and tick spot treatment, and deworming therapy are not guaranteed to be covered by these costs.
Flea and tick prophylaxis may also be necessary, depending on where you live.
Following is a breakdown of several flea/tick treatments and their associated costs, subdivided by the sorts of chemicals used in each one:
| Name | Cost per year |
| Shampoo + flea comb | $20-$40 |
| Weekly flea dip + flea and tick collar | $40-$150 |
| Spot treatment | $150-$200 |
| Additional costs like flea extermination of the house | $500 |
Some more routine medical costs
| Name of test | Cost** |
| Routine checkup | $50 and $250 |
| Spaying or neutering | $160-$200 |
| Physical exam | $45 – $55 |
| Fecal exam | $25-$55 |
| Heartworm test | $45-$50 |
| Dental cleaning | $70-$400 |
| Allergy testing | $195-$300 |
Emergency care costs
| Name of test | Cost** |
| Bloodwork | $80-$100 |
| X-ray | Up to $200 |
| USG | Up to $500 |
| Hospitalization | $600-$3500 |
| Emergency surgery | Up to $2000 |
Common Inherited Diseases in Irish Terriers
Bladder or Kidney Stones
Stones can occur in the kidneys or the bladder, and Irish Terriers are more susceptible to developing them than other breeds. Every few months, you must check your dog’s urine for telltale indications of kidney and bladder stones; they’re really uncomfortable to have! If your buddy has blood in his urine, is unable to pee, or is straining to urinate, he or she is experiencing a medical crisis. Please contact your vet asap! Kidney/Bladder stones treatment usually costs up to $3000.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurologic disorder that affects the Irish Terrier’s hind legs and is comparable to Lou Gehrig’s Disease in humans. It causes weakness and impaired nerve activity in the hind legs and can be fatal. Irish Terriers are more susceptible to this disease than other breeds. Eventually, suppose your dog develops this condition. In that case, he will become progressively weak and crippled in his hind legs, and he will have paralysis in his hindquarters, which will also cause him to have accidents. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and nutritional supplements can all be beneficial, but there is currently no solution for the condition in question. It is possible to discover whether or not your dog is at risk for this heritable condition using a genetic test that costs around $500.
Mast Cell Carcinoma
Mast cell carcinoma is a particularly severe kind of skin cancer that affects Irish Terriers more frequently than other breeds. The sooner they are surgically removed, the better the outcome. The problem is that they may easily be mistaken for other types of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are hazardous and others that are not. All suspicious lumps should be examined, and any mass that appears to be doubtful should be surgically removed as soon as it is discovered. Many tumors can be treated by physically removing them; thus, early identification and removal are crucial in cancer treatment. Its treatment usually costs around $4000.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Dysplasia, a genetic illness that causes the joints to grow incorrectly and result in arthritis, affects both the hips and the elbows to varying degrees of extent. Stiffness in your Irish Terrier’s elbows or hips may develop as he ages, causing him to have problems. You may notice that he becomes lame in his legs or that he has trouble getting up from a lying-down position as time goes on. In severe and life-threatening conditions, surgery may be a viable choice in some instances. Please remember that overweight dogs are more likely than normal-weight dogs to acquire arthritis years before they would otherwise, causing them unnecessary pain and suffering! Its surgical treatment usually costs around $5000.
Retained Testicle
Some male Irish Terriers are born with a disease where one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum. This condition is known as hypothyroidism (a condition called cryptorchidism). Instead, the testicle remains in the abdomen, leading to complications later in life, including increased cancer risk. Your veterinarians will examine your pet as a puppy to see if he has this problem; if he does, it is recommended that he have both testicles removed, which usually costs around $1500.
Pet Insurance for Irish Terriers
Your Irish Terrier will likely provide you with incredible joy and happiness. As a responsible pet parent, you will want to ensure that it receives the finest available medical care.
Pet insurance may give you total peace of mind if your Irish Terrier becomes unwell or injured while you are away on vacation.
Depending on the pet parent’s plan, specific dog insurance policies can pay up to 85 percent of expenditures and appropriate veterinary charges for their insured pets. Also available for your Irish Terrier are flexible accident, regular care, and sickness coverage choices, all of which may be customized to match your individual financial needs.
Take care when comparing plans because they may differ significantly from one another in important ways. Consult with insurance agents about completely customized policies that provide coverage for accidents, shattered bones, lacerations, automobile accidents, and other unforeseen catastrophes of all types. Besides that, a good insurance policy should include coverage for illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. It should also provide coverage for infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin disorders, among others.
Here is a table describing the many forms of pet insurance available, as well as their costs and benefits.
| Name of insurance | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Farmer’s Pet Insurance | Start at $16/month | Founded in 1928. Received excellent rating by Better Business Bureau. Has 24 x 7 claims reporting. | Some users reported higher premium rates. |
| Figo Pet Insurance | Plans average at $1.50/day | Sometimes they give 100% reimbursement. The company offers three flexible plans | Your Irish Terrier might need an enrollment exam. |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance | Start at $8/a month | Hassle-free digital claims processing, lightning-fast claims payment powered by A.I. | Pricing increases nearly five times over your pet’s lifetime. |
| Trupanion | $38.5/month for $1000 deductible. | 92% coverage, no payout limits | Requires a one-time fee for new members, does not cover pets over 13 years. |
Additional Costs of Raising an Irish Terrier
Grooming costs
In order to maintain their hair clean, Irish Terriers need to be groomed often. Grooming your dog at a professional groomer may also be an option. Basic grooming services, including washing, cleaning, nail cutting, ear cleaning, and other associated treatments, can cost anywhere from $40 to $50, depending on where you live.
A dog walking service/daycare
If you don’t have the time to walk your Irish Terrier, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker. This is essential for the health and well-being of your lively dog at all times. The childcare facility option is also available if you need to be away from home for more than six hours. In comparison, a 30-minute walk can cost between $12 and $20, while day-boarding can cost $15 to $38.
Travel costs
Depending on where you live, the services you need, and your budget, the cost of boarding your Irish Terrier or hiring a pet sitter can be anywhere from $200 to $500 each week. For the same period of time, boarding a pet is less expensive than hiring a pet sitter. Certain boarding facilities require you to get your dog tested and immunized against diseases such as kennel cough before they allow your pet to stay with them. If you decide to fly commercially with your pet, you may expect to pay anywhere from $125 to $250 for a one-way ticket.
Key Takeaways – How Much Does an Irish Terrier Cost?
Here’s a short breakdown of your Irish Terrier’s monthly and yearly expenses.
The first year’s expenses
Owning an Irish Terrier costs nearly twice as much as owning a dog the following year due to breeder or adoption fees. A healthy Irish Terrier puppy can cost well over $850. Also, you’ll need to spend between $120 and $160 a year on food, which will be followed by veterinary costs (such as vaccinations, neutering, and frequent checkups). Toys treat, dog registration, microchipping, and health insurance for your dog are all extra costs that you will have to pay. This means that the first year of keeping an Irish Terrier might cost as much as $2,000 in total.
Costs every year
Irish Terrier owners spend a lot of money on dog food and treat. Dog walking services and deworming are two more necessities that pet owners pay monthly. Other expenses include frequent doctor appointments and drugs as well as health insurance. In the first year of operation, these costs amount to $1000, or approximately half of the overall cost.
The total cost of ownership
The typical lifespan of the Irish Terrier is 13-14 years. Therefore, the total expense of owning and caring for an Irish Terrier might be in the $13,000-14,000 range.
