Glen of Imaal Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Terriers

Weight

14-16 kg

Height

30-36 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Glen of Imaal Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a feisty little dog with lots of heart. Originally working farm dogs, they are generally healthy, and with some obedience training, can become a wonderfully loyal family dog – just don’t let them off the leash as other animals, particularly smaller ones, play to their instinct to chase!

Find out all you need to know about this most wonderful of dog breeds in our complete guide to the Glen below.

What is the history & origin of the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

These spirited little dogs hail from Ireland, more specifically the Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow, where they get their name.

First bred as multi-purpose dogs, these pups would hunt small prey as well as larger animals such as foxes and badgers. They were even employed as spit dogs in some households where they would be required to move on a contraption that would successfully power the rotation of the cooking spit.

Incredible, eh?

While they were recognised by the Irish Kennel Club back in the 1930s, it would take another 50 years for the breed to be recognised by the American Kennel Club.

While the breed is still rare, it is seeing an increase in popularity with more and more people realising the uniqueness and appeal of this endearing and free-spirited little dog.

What is a Glen of Imaal Terrier breed?

A Glen of Imaal Terrier, often commonly referred to as simply a ‘Glen’, is an American Kennel Club recognised breed of dog with a tremendous amount of charm and colourful personality traits.

As mentioned, as with other Terrier breeds, they don’t always get on well with other breeds of dogs and do like to chase cats and other smaller animals. With a lot of repetitive training, keeping the training sessions short, coupled with lots of mental stimulation, these dogs can thrive wonderfully as devoted, loyal and keen to please household pets.

Who is a Glen of Imaal Terrier best for?

The Glen of Imaal Terrier, being little go-getters in their own right, need a place to live that’s big enough to encompass their huge personalities! They like to keep busy, so ideally, a home with a fenced garden would be perfect.

They also need a family where at least one member is home for prolonged periods of the day, so they can have plenty of activities to carry out as well as exercise. Someone who knows or is interested in learning about dog sports would be perfect as the Glen of Imaal Terrier excels in this area of exercise; however, taking them to classes is absolutely fine too.

They really will require a garden, however, as the Glen, whether an adult dog or a puppy, cannot be trusted off the leash. This is because their natural instinct to chase and hunt takeover with practically any small animal being fair game.

They can be a bit territorial with other dogs in a household, so bear this in mind before deciding on whether to adopt a Glen.

Glen of Imaal Terrier Grooming & Shedding

The Imaal Terrier has a double coat that is weather-resistant, while the protective outer coat is rough and a soft undercoat that is smooth and fluffy. This family pet will require brushing 2 – 3 times a week to keep your home and clothes free from much of this hair. Failure to do this will mean A LOT of unsightly hair just about everywhere.

Do Glen of Imaal Terriers bark a lot?

While they aren’t an overly noisy breed, don’t encourage them to bark. Once you do, you’ll never hear the end of it – literally. These guys can bark and bark and bark their small but mighty little lungs out!

These guys can quickly learn that they’ll get attention when they bark, so it’s important not to give rise to their demands for attention when the noise level goes up. You can help limit this by teaching them the ‘Quiet’ command while they are as young as possible.

You’ll thank us, honestly!

What is the average weight & height of a Glen of Imaal Terrier?

The Glen can weigh roughly 16 kg and, depending on the sex, can stand anywhere between 30 and 35/6 cm.

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers easy to train?

As a smart dog with a stubborn streak, these doggos can at times be somewhat difficult to train, although largely, they thoroughly enjoy it.

It’s best to get them started young, don’t wait until they are old enough to get to puppy training classes. As soon as they are home, you can begin introducing them to various commands which they pick up easily. Positive reinforcement can work wonders in shaping your puppy early for the later years ahead.

You might have to utilise some of this positive reinforcement to stop them burrowing into next door’s garden – these little powerhouses LOVE to dig and are astonishingly good at it.

How do Glen of Imaal Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

These purebred dogs are feisty; there’s no other word for it! And they certainly don’t act like they are small either. Being desperately loyal, they will think nothing of squaring up to just about anything if they think the action is called for and their family is in danger.

Saying that they aren’t likely to start fights, but if they think something is afoot, they will dive in head first while always being much more bark than bite.

They are intelligent and love their humans, creating strong bonds very quickly. It’s one reason why this breed really suffers emotionally when put up for adoption. They are also stubborn and can be a bit highly strung – they certainly know their own mind, which makes them such captivating – if somewhat troublesome! – little creatures.

Does the Glen of Imaal Terrier have any common health issues?

Thankfully, the breed doesn’t generally suffer from a host of health problems, but there are some illnesses you should be aware of if you are thinking about adopting a Glen. That is not to say that a dog of this breed will inevitably get any diseases but knowing about them can help you spot any concerns early.

These illnesses include:

Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition can lead to joint pain and mobility problems.
Eye Diseases: Various eye conditions may affect their vision.
Ear Infections: Their floppy ears can make them prone to infections, so regular ear care is important.

And just a quick FYI – During the first 9 months, the breeds should not be put through strenuous exercise as it can affect the front legs.

What is the lifespan of a Glen of Imaal Terrier?

Depending on their lifestyle, environment and dietary pattern, Glen of Imaal Terriers can live between 12 and 15 years of age, on average.

How much does a Glen of Imaal Terrier need to be fed?

In order to maintain a healthy weight, Terrier breeds should be given an amount of food that’s appropriate for both their age and level of activity. Always try to ensure the food is of a high-quality; this will go a long way in allowing them to live their healthiest and happiest life.

Your vet will be able to recommend the best food for the breed, so do ask if you are unsure what you should be giving them, as well as how much of it to offer them each day.

Fresh, clean water should always be available.

How much can you expect to pay for a Glen of Imaal Terrier in Australia?

The Imaal Terrier doesn’t come cheap, but they are worth it! Considering they are quite a rare breed of dog, you can expect to pay upwards of $1600 for one. Before committing to a purchase, always ask to see mum and dad and the rest of the litter and ask any questions you need to from the responsible breeders you contact.

Glen of Imaal Terrier FAQs

How rare are Glen of Imaal Terriers?

They aren’t the most common breed of dog and, therefore, can be difficult to find at times. You might have to do your homework when looking for a breeder, and you might have to wait a while to find one that is actively breeding, so bear this in mind.

You can also try your local animal shelter for Imaal Terriers. What could be better than giving a rescue dog a second chance at life?

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers aggressive?

A well-trained and well-loved dog should never be aggressive. These guys are loving and loyal and will largely do anything to please their owners. They do have the instinct to chase and hunt small animals, so they aren’t recommended to be placed in a household with other pets such as cats or rabbits.

Do Glen of Imaal Terriers get along with other dogs?

Imaal Terriers don’t always fare well with other dogs. These guys are quite independent and don’t always take too lightly to the presence of other puppers. That being said, a reputable breeder will have ensured that all their dogs are well socialised from an early age, so this isn’t always a huge problem, but it’s something to be mindful of.