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Irish Terrier Dogs for Adoption in San Diego, CA

Your guide to finding and caring for an Irish Terrier in San Diego

Irish Terriers suit San Diego's canyon-lined neighborhoods, where a leashed walk can be long and varied. In Tierrasanta, greenbelt paths wind between the homes and lead toward Mission Trails, which gives a lively, wiry-coated dog plenty to sniff and a lot of ground to cover. Because many Irish Terriers are choosy about other dogs, leash walks like these often work better than a busy off-leash park. They're happiest with active people who enjoy training games and don't mind a dog with opinions.

17 Irish Terriers available in San Diego and nationwide

Your Irish Terrier is waiting

While we don't have enough dogs near San Diego, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.

Irish Terriers Available for Adoption Near San Diego

About the Irish Terrier breed

The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, a lean, longer-legged dog that worked Irish farms as a ratter and guard, and later carried messages in World War I. Nicknamed the Daredevil, it has a dense, wiry coat in red or wheaten, small folded ears and a bearded face. Most weigh 24 to 27 pounds and stand 17 to 19 inches tall.

Many Irish Terriers are affectionate, playful and loyal, with a bold streak that can tip into stubbornness. They often challenge other dogs and chase small animals, so socialization and consistent, reward-based training matter. In a city of canyon trails and mild weather, that energy has plenty of outlets. Each dog differs, so look at how a particular dog behaves rather than assuming the breed description fits.

Weight
24–27 lbs
Height
17–19 in
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Temperament
Bold, Loyal, Spirited, Energetic
Group
Terrier
Shedding
Low

Owning an Irish Terrier in San Diego

Having an Irish Terrier in San Diego

Irish Terriers pair a devoted heart with a fearless, independent streak and a coat that needs real upkeep. How that plays out with other dogs, in training and at grooming time decides whether this spirited terrier fits your household.

Temperament

Irish Terriers tend to be affectionate and protective with family, and many do well with respectful children. Many are bold with other dogs, especially of the same sex, and have strong prey drive toward cats and small animals. They can be stubborn yet sensitive to harsh handling, so calm, consistent training works best.

Exercise Needs

Most Irish Terriers need vigorous daily exercise: long walks, fetch, or jogging once fully grown. San Diego's leashed canyon and park trails give them variety, and the 8-foot leash rule applies there. Add training, puzzle toys or scent games, since bored terriers often dig, chew or bark.

Health Considerations

The breed is generally hardy. Known inherited concerns include cystinuria, which can cause bladder stones mainly in intact males, and hereditary footpad hyperkeratosis, which thickens and cracks the pads. Hypothyroidism and eye problems are occasionally reported. A veterinarian can check a new dog, and urinary straining or painful feet deserve a prompt visit.

Living Space

An Irish Terrier can live in a San Diego apartment or house if it gets daily exercise and mental work. A securely fenced yard helps, since many will dig under or chase past fences. Homes without small caged pets or cats often work best, and a dog-selective terrier does better with leash walks than crowded dog parks.

What it costs to own an Irish Terrier in San Diego

ExpenseTypical costPer year
Adoption fee$895, one time$895 in year one
Food$35 to $70 per month$420 to $840
Pet insurance$45 to $85 per month$540 to $1,020
Routine vet care$225 to $450 per year$225 to $450
Other*$890 to $2,290 per year$890 to $2,290
Estimated yearly total (after year one)$2,075 to $4,600
First-year total (with adoption fee)$2,970 to $5,495

Adoption fee is the fee on Irish Terrier listings in San Diego on GetBuddy today. Other costs are estimates and vary with size, age and health.

* The $20 San Diego dog license for a spayed or neutered dog, flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys and bedding, and professional hand-stripping or clipping for the wire coat.

Adopt an Irish Terrier in San Diego.

Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Irish Terriers available.

Rescues in San Diego with Irish Terriers Available

These San Diego-area shelters and rescues list dogs for adoption, and their available terriers and terrier mixes change often. Here are the rescues & shelters in the San Diego area where you can find Irish Terriers and other dogs available for adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can own an Irish Terrier in San Diego. The city has no breed bans, and California law limits breed-specific rules to spay/neuter and breeding programs. You do need to license your dog within 30 days of the dog turning 4 months, acquiring it, or moving in, with a lower fee for spayed or neutered dogs.

Yes, an Irish Terrier can live in a San Diego apartment if it gets vigorous daily exercise and mental work. More than half of city households rent, so a pet resume and vaccine records help with landlords. Barking from boredom is the usual problem, so plan on long walks, training games and puzzle toys.

It can be, for active people. San Diego's mild weather and leashed canyon trails give a spirited terrier plenty of exercise year-round. The harder parts are the breed's strong prey drive and its frequent dislike of other dogs, so crowded off-leash areas and beaches may not suit it. Wire-coat grooming is an ongoing cost.

Yes, most Irish Terriers handle San Diego summers well, since coastal highs average about 75°F. Inland areas run hotter, and the warmest days come in late summer and early fall. Walk early or late, carry water, avoid hot pavement, and never leave your dog in a parked car, which California law prohibits in dangerous conditions.

Good leashed options include Mission Trails Regional Park, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, Tecolote Canyon and Balboa Park. City parks require leashes of 8 feet or less. Dog Beach in Ocean Beach is leash-free, but a dog-selective terrier may do better on trails. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve doesn't allow dogs.

Usually not. San Diego's MTS buses and Trolley require non-service animals to ride in an enclosed carrier you can hold on your lap, and an Irish Terrier weighing 24 to 27 pounds is too big for most. Service animals are always welcome. Operators can also refuse an animal that is noisy or disruptive.

Only to outdoor patios, and only where the restaurant chooses to allow dogs. California law bars pet dogs from indoor dining areas, though service animals are permitted. On a patio, keep your terrier leashed, off the chairs and under control. A dog that lunges at other dogs may be happier at home.

San Diego's mild climate means no heavy winter coat care, but the wiry coat still needs weekly brushing and professional hand-stripping or clipping, often once or twice a year. Baths can be infrequent. Grooming is part of the yearly Other costs, roughly $450 to $1,200 for a wire coat. Check for foxtails after dry-grass walks.

We have 1 rescue with Irish Terriers available: A New Life Charitable Foundation, Inc.. You can see every rescue with Irish Terriers available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Irish Terriers near San Diego.

Expect roughly $2,075 to $4,600 a year for an Irish Terrier in San Diego. That covers food at $35 to $70 a month, insurance at $45 to $85 a month, routine vet care at $225 to $450 a year, and $890 to $2,290 a year in other costs, mostly coat care.

Find Irish Terriers in Nearby Cities

Expand your search to find Irish Terriers available for adoption near San Diego.

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