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About the Glen of Imaal Terrier

Learn about this rare and wonderful Irish terrier breed.

Breed History

The Glen of Imaal Terrier originated in the remote Glen of Imaal valley in County Wicklow, Ireland. This rugged mountainous region shaped a hardy, versatile breed that worked alongside their human families for centuries.

Glens were bred as multi-purpose farm dogs - they hunted foxes and badgers, controlled vermin, and famously worked as "turnspit dogs," running on a wheel to turn meat over the fire. Their powerful front assemblies and low-to-ground build made them excellent earth dogs.

Today, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is one of Ireland's four native terrier breeds and the rarest of them all. They remain true to their heritage as loyal, courageous, and gentle companions.

Breed Characteristics

What makes the Glen of Imaal Terrier unique.

Size & Build

A medium-sized terrier standing 12.5-14 inches at the shoulder, weighing 32-40 pounds. Longer than tall, with a powerful front assembly and bowed legs that were ideal for digging.

Coat & Color

Medium-length, harsh-textured outer coat with a soft undercoat. Colors include wheaten (from cream to red gold), blue, and brindle. The coat requires hand-stripping to maintain proper texture.

Temperament

Gentle, loyal, and devoted to family. Less excitable than many terriers - they're often called the "gentle terrier." Courageous when needed, but calm and affectionate at home.

Energy Level

Moderate energy with bursts of playfulness. They enjoy daily walks and playtime but are not hyperactive. Happy to relax at home with their family between activities.

Intelligence

Highly intelligent and independent thinkers. They learn quickly but can have a stubborn streak - positive, patient training works best. They excel when given a job to do.

Barking

Quieter than most terrier breeds. They were bred to work silently - a silent dog underground was safer than one that barked. They'll alert you when needed but aren't excessive barkers.

Health Information

Important health considerations for Glen of Imaal Terriers.

Health Testing

Responsible breeders test for these conditions:

PRA-crd3 - A form of progressive retinal atrophy that can cause blindness. DNA test available.
Hip Dysplasia - Evaluated by OFA or PennHIP. Not as common as in larger breeds but still worth screening.
Cardiac - Cardiologist examination to check heart health.
Eye Exam - Annual CAER exam to check overall eye health.

General Health

Glen of Imaal Terriers are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10-14 years. Key health notes:

Exercise - Avoid high-impact exercise during growth to protect developing joints.
Weight - Monitor weight carefully - Glens love food and can become overweight.
Dental - Regular dental care is important for all terriers.
Grooming - Regular coat maintenance including hand-stripping for proper texture.

Is a Glen Right for You?

Consider these factors before bringing home a Glen of Imaal Terrier.

Glens May Be Right If...

You want a devoted, loyal companion
You appreciate a calmer terrier personality
You can commit to regular grooming
You want a dog that's good with children
You can provide moderate daily exercise
You appreciate independent thinking
You want a quieter dog
You're prepared to wait for a puppy from a responsible breeder

Consider Another Breed If...

You want a highly obedient, eager-to-please dog
You can't commit to regular coat maintenance
You want an extremely active, high-energy dog
You have small pets that may trigger prey drive
You expect instant obedience without patience
You want a dog that's always available immediately
You're not prepared for terrier tenacity

Helpful Resources

External resources for Glen of Imaal Terrier information.

Parent Clubs

Learn more from the breed's official parent clubs and organizations.

Health Resources

Health testing and veterinary resources.

Rescue

Rescue organizations for Glens in need.

Glen of Imaal Terrier Rescue

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Glen of Imaal Terriers.

Yes! Glens are known for being gentle and patient with children. They're sturdy enough to handle play and devoted to their families. As with any breed, supervise interactions between dogs and young children.

Glens have a double coat that sheds minimally. Regular brushing and periodic hand-stripping help maintain coat health and reduce any loose hair. They're often considered a good choice for those sensitive to dog hair.

Glens need moderate exercise - typically 30-60 minutes of activity daily. They enjoy walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation. They're not as hyperactive as some terriers and are content to relax between activities.

Glens can get along well with other dogs, especially when properly socialized. However, they are terriers with prey drive - caution is advised around small pets like rodents and rabbits. Early socialization helps with cats.

Glen of Imaal Terriers have always been a rare breed, even in their native Ireland. They were working farm dogs in a remote area and never achieved the popularity of other terriers. Responsible breeders carefully plan litters, which helps maintain quality but limits availability.