One of the principal fore bearers was the rough coated Black & Tan Terrier crossed with the Irish Wolfhound and possibly the wirehaired Scotch Terrier.  In the words of Albert Payson Terhune, "The Irish Terrier is perhaps the finest dog on Earth. He does not throw away his priceless devotion and loyalty on every stranger...but to the death he is a comrade, protector, exuberant playmate, and sympathizing comforter of the human who has won his heart and respect."   The Irish Terrier is strong willed and intelligent.   He will protect his family without any concern for his own safety.   He is very patient with children and loves to tease and to play.   He is assertive, unafraid, cheerful, playful, spirited, reserved with strangers and challenging to enemies.   In WWI Irish Terriers were used as messenger dogs on the front lines