Glen of Imaal Terrier
Overview
Origins of this Rare Dog Breed
This cheeky terrier - about the size of a Cairn or Border terrier - is full of character. Having been bred for centuries in the farming uplands of eastern Ireland - this terrier has a strong hunting instinct.
Registered by the Irish Kennel Club in 1933, the Glen of Imaal Terrier remains quite an unusual breed outside of Ireland even today. In 2020 they were included in the Kennel Club's 'UK rare breeds' category; set up to highlight the work of specific breeders in championing these vulnerable lines and continuing their survival.
What Are They Like?
Glens - as they are affectionately known - easily settle into home life and become part of the family if trained from an early age. With playful and determined characters they can be a great focus for the family and contribute towards hours of fun and frolics.
As with most terriers though, they can be slightly disagreeable with other dogs if not socialised, but with a reasonable amount of exercise and attention they can be taught all sorts of tricks and will relax when home.
Grooming and Great Walks
With their wiry coat, a Glen of Imaal Terrier looks great with regular grooming - and stripping if required - but a messy coat is sometimes what is desired in this cheeky breed. Luckily it doesn't shed much naturally - but the coat can become thick and heavy if not kept in check. With their low-set bodies and nose always to the ground they may require a bit of chin-cleaning as well.
They are a very active breed, so do well with regular exercise and to run in open spaces. Bred originally to roam free and work closely with humans they will certainly benefit from a lot of human contact and activity to prevent boredom.
Dimensions and Lifespan
Glen of Imaal Terriers are a compact breed but long in the back compared to their height. Weighing around 10-20kg they are an easy breed to carry and lift when at home and also at the vets as required. They come in two main colours, Blue and Wheaten, and are always wire-haired.
Living a decent lifespan of around 12-15 years they can certainly grow up with a family as a companion dog, or allow for a great partnership for working. A perfect breed for today's lifestyles - and one that is helping save a piece of history.
Breed Information
| Popularity: | 2018: #158 2017: #158 2016: #180 2015: #168 |
| Origin: | Ireland |
| Breed Group: | Terrier (AKC:2004)(UKC) |
| Size: | Medium |
| Type: | Purebred |
| Life span: | 12-14 years |
| Temperament: | Active Agile Courageous Gentle Loyal Spirited |
| Height: | 14 inches (35.5-36.5 cm) |
| Weight: | 34-36 pounds (15.5-16.5 kg) |
| Colors: | Black Blue Brown |
| Litter Size: | 3-5 puppies |
| Puppy Price: | Average $800 - $1000 USD |
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Dog names
| Rank | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duke | Sophie |
| 2 | Buster | Gracie |
| 3 | Leo | Abbie |
| 4 | Jax | Lady |
| 5 | Bruno | Princess |
| 6 | Moose | Millie |
| 7 | Otis | Marley |
| 8 | Tyson | Scout |
| 9 | Ace | Sugar |
| 10 | Samson | Mocha |
| 11 | Brutus | Mimi |
| 12 | Copper | Cocoa |
| 13 | Coco | Lacey |
| 14 | Chase | Bonnie |
| 15 | Mickey | Lucky |