Definition

Noun: 1. A breed of dog: An Irish Terrier is a medium-sized breed of terrier dog, originally developed in Ireland. It is characterized by a distinctive wiry, dense coat that is typically a solid reddish-brown or wheaten color.

Usage

The term "Irish Terrier" is used as a countable noun to refer to an individual dog of this breed or to the breed as a whole. It is always capitalized as it is a proper noun referring to a specific breed name.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Irish Terrier is known for its courage and loyalty. (Referring to the breed in general.)
  • We adopted an Irish Terrier from the rescue shelter. (Referring to a specific dog.)
  • Her Irish Terrier, Finn, loves to chase squirrels in the park. (Referring to a specific, named dog.)

Advanced Usage

• Breed-Specific Terminology: In dog show or breeding contexts, the term is used with precise standards regarding the dog's size, coat texture, color, and temperament.
  • The judge evaluated the Irish Terrier 's conformation to the breed standard.

Variants and Related Words

• Terrier (n): A general category of dog breeds originally bred for hunting vermin and characterized by their energetic and often feisty nature. An Irish Terrier is a specific type of terrier.

Synonyms

• Red Terrier: An informal name sometimes used for the breed, referencing its coat color.
• Irish Red Terrier: Another informal variant of the breed name.

Related Phrases

• Wiry coat: A key descriptive phrase for the breed's characteristic rough, dense, and broken outer coat.
  • The Irish Terrier requires regular stripping to maintain its proper wiry coat.
• Game and spirited: A common phrase used to describe the breed's typical bold and lively temperament.
  • Despite its medium size, the Irish Terrier is famously game and spirited.

Noun

1. medium-sized breed with a wiry brown coat; developed in Ireland