Glen of Imaal Terrier
Also known as Glen
- Height at the withers
- 32 to 36 cm
- Weight
- 14 to 16 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Glen of Imaal, County Wicklow, Ireland
- FCI group
- 3 · Terriers
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- a home with cats
Overview
A strong, low-to-the-ground working terrier of medium length, with a sturdy, powerful build. Known for its harsh, weatherproof double coat and for the brave temperament it developed in the rugged Irish mountains.
History and origins
Native to the Glen of Imaal valley in County Wicklow, it served as a versatile farm dog for hunting badger, fox and vermin, and once turned the spit in kitchens. Recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1934.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (crd3)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Forelimb deformity
- Skin allergies
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Low shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Glen of Imaal Terrier FAQ
How big does the Glen of Imaal Terrier get?
The Glen of Imaal Terrier stands 32 to 36 cm at the withers and weighs 14 to 16 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Glen of Imaal Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs average care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide.
Can the Glen of Imaal Terrier live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the Glen of Imaal Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Glen of Imaal Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Glen of Imaal Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are progressive retinal atrophy, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia.
