How tall is a Irish Terrier?

An adult Irish Terrier stands about 18 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Irish Terrier considered a medium dog?

Yes — at 18" / 27 lb, the Irish Terrier falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #141 tallest.

How does a Irish Terrier compare to a person?

At 18" tall, a Irish Terrier stands about 28% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Irish Terrier Size Compared to a Person

A Irish Terrier stands 18″ at the shoulder and weighs about 27 lb — that puts it at 28% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #141 by shoulder height and falls into the medium-breed size class (Medium breeds, 16–22").

Irish Terrier next to a person at scale — 18-inch shoulder height, 27 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Irish Terrier at 18″ / 27 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Irish Terrier compares

	Irish Terrier	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	18″	64″	-46″
Weight	27 lb	135 lb	-108 lb

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About the Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is a bold, fiery breed often described as the daredevil of the terrier world. Originating in Ireland, this medium-sized terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds and was once known as the poor man's sentinel, the farmer's friend, and the gentleman's favorite. Their wiry red coat, distinctive beard, and alert expression give them a handsome, no-nonsense appearance that perfectly matches their courageous spirit.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Medium size class with shoulder height closest to the Irish Terrier.

Field Spaniel — 18″ / 43 lb (same height)
Icelandic Sheepdog — 18″ / 30 lb (same height)
Keeshond — 18″ / 40 lb (same height)
Norwegian Buhund — 18″ / 36 lb (same height)
Spinone Italiano — 18″ / 75 lb (same height)
American Pit Bull Terrier — 19″ / 50 lb (+1″ vs Irish Terrier)
American Staffordshire Terrier — 19″ / 63 lb (+1″ vs Irish Terrier)
American Water Spaniel — 17″ / 38 lb (−1″ vs Irish Terrier)

Frequently asked

How tall is a Irish Terrier?: An adult Irish Terrier stands about 18 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Irish Terrier considered a medium dog?: Yes — at 18" / 27 lb, the Irish Terrier falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #141 tallest.
How does a Irish Terrier compare to a person?: At 18" tall, a Irish Terrier stands about 28% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Irish Terrier

Irish Terrier dog names & full breed page · All medium-size breeds · Visual atlas (Medium section) · Size comparison home