Glen of Imaal Terrier
🧠 Temperament & character
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is calmer and less prone to barking than most terriers and at home a gentle, patient companion. At work, however, he shows the typical terrier toughness, being courageous, powerful and enduring. He is devotedly loyal to his family and usually gets on well with children, but towards strange dogs he can be steadfast and little inclined to give way. He is clever and independent, which is why he needs patient, consistent training with an understanding of his independent character.
📜 Origin & history
The Glen of Imaal Terrier comes from the remote Glen of Imaal in the Wicklow Mountains in the east of Ireland, where he was kept on sparse farms as a versatile working dog. He hunted badger and fox, fought vermin and, according to tradition, even served as a 'turnspit' dog that turned the roasting spit in a treadmill. His short, slightly bowed legs and powerful body bear witness to this hard, low-to-the-ground work. Long known only regionally, he was recognised by the Irish Kennel Club in 1934 and remains one of the rarer terrier breeds to this day.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The medium-length, harsh topcoat of the Glen of Imaal Terrier with its soft undercoat needs regular brushing and is stripped (plucked) two to three times a year rather than clipped; he sheds only a little. He is moderately active and well occupied with daily walks, play and mental work, but enjoys varied tasks. Despite his short legs he is powerful and enduring and enjoys outings in nature. As an independent but willing-to-learn dog he benefits from patient, motivating training.
🩺 Health
The most important health topic in the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a hereditary form of progressive retinal atrophy (crd3), which can lead to blindness; a reliable DNA test is available for it. In addition, hip dysplasia and occasionally other eye problems can occur. Reputable breeders test their breeding animals by DNA for the retinal disease, have the hips x-rayed and select carefully in order to ensure healthy puppies. With good breeding the Glen usually reaches an age of twelve to fourteen years.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is suitable for people and families looking for a calmer, uncomplicated and at the same time tough terrier with a manageable need for exercise. Thanks to his easy-going nature he fits into an apartment as well as a house with a garden, as long as he gets moderate daily exercise and company. He is manageable for first-time owners if they are aware of his independence, his steadfastness towards strange dogs and the necessary health tests. In Switzerland he is a genuine rarity, but a lovable, robust companion with a pleasantly calm disposition.