Glen of Imaal Terrier
Terrier

Group:

Terrier

Size:

medium

Lifespan:

13-15 years

Exercise:

moderate

Grooming:

moderate

Trainability:

easy

Watchdog ability:

high

Protection ability:

very low

Area of Origin:

Ireland

Date of Origin:

1800’s

Other Names:

None

Original Function:

Badger and fox hunting

History

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is an Irish dog of unknown origins. It is named for the Glen of Imaal, in County Wicklow, Ireland. The Glen was first presented publicly at an Irish dog show in 1933. Like many similarly built low-to-the-ground, powerful terriers, he was bred to hunt and kill animals living in the ground such as foxes and badgers. The dog would go into the animal's den to drag it out. Glen of Imaal Terriers were even pitted in timed trials against live badgers to test their gameness until such events were banned. Unlike Lakeland Terriers and Fox Terriers, the Glen of Imaal is supposed to work silently. It may also have been used for dog fighting entertainment and to turn spits cooking meats over a fire by trotting on a treadmill for hours at a time. This spunky little terrier serves mostly as a companion dog today, but he can still catch vermin.

Temperament

The Glen of Imaal is a spirited and cocky little dog. Tough and game when hunting, otherwise mild-mannered and calm indoors. They are intelligent, but also late bloomers. Very brave, stubborn and rambunctious. It is patient, loyal, peaceful and gentle with the family. These excessively devoted dogs like to be near their owners and make fine family pets. They are playful and excellent with children. These dogs will bark if they detect danger but will rarely bark without a reason. They are sensitive to correction. Training should always be consistent with some play in every session. They respond well to obedience training and can be taught to retrieve. Glens are keen to learn, but they sometimes try to dominate and can be stubborn.

Upkeep

The Glen must have daily exercise. It will do much to exercise itself given the room, but it profits from a good walk on leash, a vigorous play session or an off-lead outing in a safe area. This breed can live outdoors in a temperate to warm climate, but it does better as an indoor dog with access to a secure yard. The Glen is easy to groom, but it does require stripping twice a year. Cut under the tail with scissors as needed. The hair in the ears should be plucked out regularly and the hair between the pads of the feet should also be removed. Show dogs require a lot more grooming. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Official Breed Standard

CHARACTERISTICS:
This breed is a native of Co Wicklow and takes his name from the Glen of Imaal. The dog draws on his character of great courage, dead game when called on; otherwise gentle and docile.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a medium long-coated dog. He should be of great strength for his size and should be active and agile and he should be low to the ground. Movement should be free, not hackney in action but covering the ground effortlessly.

Coat:
Medium long, not more than 10 cm (4 in) in length - of wiry texture with soft undercoat. Trimming allowed.

Head:
The head should be of good width, of fair length with a foreface of power a pronounced stop - tapering to the nose, but showing no sign of the bottle head often seen in other breeds.

Eyes:
The eyes, which are of a brown colour, are placed well apart. Light eyes should be penalised.

Ears:
Rose or half pricked and not large. Full drop or prick to be penalised.

Mouth:
While it is desirable in the revival stage of the breed at present that allowance must be made, the mouth should be level, ie the incisors of the bottom jaw should fit closely inside the incisors of the top jaw and the lips should be tight and clean. The badly undershot or overshot mouth to be heavily penalised.

Body:
Deep and long, the body longer than high, the topline should be straight. Loins must be strong, the ribs to be well sprung, without the appearance of a barrel or flat ribs.

Forequarters:
The legs are of great importance and must be short but of great bone, the chest wide and strong with front legs bowed and splayed.

Hindquarters:
Strong and well muscled with good thighs and bend of stifle, hocks turned neither in nor out.

Feet:
The feet must be compact with strong rounded pads.

Colour:
Blue-brindle or wheaten.

Tail:
The tail must be strong at the insertion, well set on and carried gaily, hips well muscled.

Size:
For Dogs and Bitches.

Weight:
35 lbs (15.8 kg).

Height:
14.5 in (36.8 cm) at shoulder.

Serious Faults:
Badly undershot or overshot mouth; light eyes or pink rims; pink or dudley nose; white or undue paling in coat colour. Other faults to be taken into account - non-conformation with the standard regarding height and weight.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.