Glen of Imaal Terrier Breed Profile: Essential Facts
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a rare dog breed from Ireland. Originally the dogs performed specific tasks, such as turning small wheels to churn butter.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
- AKC Group: Terrier
- Weight: 34–36 lbs.
- Height: 12.5–14 in.
- Life Span: 14 years
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Key Characteristics
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a working terrier and the least known of the 4 terrier breeds originating in Ireland.
The dog's body is reminiscent of a Corgi's, with a longer-than-tall body and short, bowed legs.
The medium-length coat is harsh with a soft undercoat. Coat colors include various shades of wheaten, blue and brindle, although the breed standard does not define the coat by any particular color.
The nose is black, and the brown eyes are medium-sized. The ears are wide-set, and the tail is either docked or left natural (keep in mind that tail docking is illegal in many European countries for non-working dogs).
Where They Came From
Queen Elizabeth I needed soldiers to fight against a rebellion in Ireland but lacked the funds to hire them.
She offered them land instead, and after the war, the soldiers settled in the Glen of Imaal in the Wicklow mountains.
Some soldiers brought their dogs with them, and over time the dogs ended up breeding with dogs local to the area. A new race of terrier emerged from these breedings and were used for specific tasks, such as turning spits to roast food or small wheels to churn butter.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America was formed in 1986 and fought to have the rare breed recognized. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 2004.
How Friendly Are They?
These terriers are intelligent, active, agile, focused and brave, especially when they're working. They are playful and docile companions for families with children.
Glen of Imaals are sensitive to tone of voice and will not respond well to harsh discipline. Consistent training should prevent negative behavior.
Because of this breed's strong hunting instincts, don't leave them unsupervised around smaller animals. They do well with other dogs and can live with cats -- only if the felines establish dominance over the dog.
Chasing and digging are possible with this breed. An area outdoors designed for digging will help fill this instinctive need. The breed does not bark often and is not noisy.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
MEDIUM: Although this breed is small, the Glen of Imaal Terrier still needs daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight and expel energy.
It's a good idea to keep them leashed or within an enclosed area when outdoors. They are active indoors and so can do well in apartments if their exercise needs are met.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: The harsh coat of the Glen of Imaal Terrier needs to be stripped twice a year, although shedding is little to nonexistent.
Additional trimming is needed for other parts of the body. The hair under the tail needs to be trimmed regularly. The hair from inside the ears should be plucked, and the hair between the paw pads needs trimming.
Regular maintenance will maintain optimal health for the dog. Clean the ears to prevent infection. Keep the nails at a comfortable length, and clean the teeth often.
Health Problems
MEDIUM: Here are some common health issues seen in the Glen of Imaal Terrier: Hip dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) >Flea allergies
Testing is available for progressive retinal atrophy or cone rod dystrophy.
If you plan to get a Glen of Imaal Terrier from a breeder, ask for health test results on the parents. Screenings should be done for the hips and the eyes because of the common health problems listed above.
Take in the docile yet playful nature of the Glen of Imaal Terrier:
Where to Adopt One?
Purebred dogs end up in shelters and rescues every day, so start your search with those resources or check Petful's adoptable dog search. If you find one through a breeder, make sure the breeder is legitimate.
Breeders should also be able to provide health clearances for the parents' hips and eyes.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Glen of Imaal Terriers make great pets. They are affectionate, loyal, and less vocal than many other terriers, making them a good choice for families and individuals.
They are rare due to limited breeding numbers and low popularity outside of Ireland, where they were originally bred as working farm dogs.
A Glen of Imaal Terrier puppy typically costs between $2,000 and $3,500, depending on the breeder and lineage.
No, they are not naturally aggressive, but they are strong-willed and can be territorial. Proper socialization and training help ensure good behavior.
Additional Resources
- American Kennel Club's Glen of Imaal Terrier Page
- Glen of Imaal Terrier Association (United Kingdom)
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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