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Glen of Imaal Terrier Dog BreedNicknames: Glen |
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| Right Breed For You? | When working, the Glen is active, agile, silent and intent upon its game; otherwise, he can be a docile companion for families with older children. A real terrier of considerable substance and temperament, this breed is a harsh-coated breed that requires stripping twice a year. Hair should also be removed from under the tail, the ears, and from between the pads. | Discount Pet Supply Recommendations |
| Shedding: |
Lite Shed | |
| Height: | 14 inches | |
| Weight: | 34-36 pounds | |
| Life Span: | 12-15 years | |
| Litter Size: | 4-6 puppies | |
| Hair Length: | Medium | |
| Group: | Terrier | |
| Color: | wheaten, brindle and blue | |
| Recognized By: | FCI, UKC, AKC, CKC, NZKC, ANKC |
The Glen is a happy dog with a rough and ready appearance that requires a minimum of upkeep to look its best. It’s ideal size, standing no higher than 14 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 35 pounds, the Glen is small enough to take most anywhere, and equally at home in the city or country.
It is the temperament and the versatility of the Glen that has won it faithful friends the world over. Glens are playful, active and ready for mischief, but also fairly low-keyed and able to spend quiet time with the family. As a children’s companion the Glen is ideally suited, having both temperament and stamina to play until both are able to no longer.
The hair of the Glen of Imaal is medium length, of harsh texture with soft undercoat. Coat may be tided to present a neat outline.
The color of the Glen should be blue brindle but not toning to black; wheaten, from a light wheaten color to a golden reddish shade. Puppies usually born true to type, In color blue, wheaten, reddish. Masks are usually an inky blue, there may be a streak of blue down back, on tails and ears. The darker markings will clear with maturity.
Like many dogs in the terrier group, not really appreciated by gentlemen sportsmen before the middle of the 19th century, the Irish Glen of Imaal is an old breed which was simply Ignored for a long time, rather than the result of later breed experiments. Is very much a local dog, confined to the bleak area of the Glen of Imaal.
The farmers of this area, who were descended from soldiers given land in the 16th and 17th centuries as payment for service rendered to the British Crown, had to utilize their natural cunning an dexterity to survive In this harsh terrain. A dog, which could not pull his weight in the day-today struggle for existence would not be tolerated. So he had to spend long hours propelling dog wheels and was often pitted against other dogs In the dubious sport of dog fighting, customs now disappeared. Before the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier became known at dog shows, he had evolved through generations of hard work into the strong sturdy dog we know today. The Irish Kennel Club gave official recognition to the breed in 1933 and a club to promote its interests was soon formed. The Irish Glen of Imaal is said to be less easily excited than other terriers, though he is always ready to give chase when called on.
The phrase “large dog in a small body” aptly describes this terrier. He’s brave and feisty and, although he rarely starts a fight with other dogs, he’s most likely to finish it. He will also protect his family if the need arises.
He’s intelligent, loyal, and patient, traits that can make for a wonderful companion dog. As a family pet he gives his people plenty of affection, but he’s got an independent streak that’s led many people to label him stubborn.
The Glen is a great family pet, playful and kind with children. He’s an extremely strong and muscular terrier, though, and can play too rough for very young and small children.
As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he’s eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
If he’s spent plenty of time around other dogs, especially in puppyhood, the Glen can get along with other canines. He does have a strong personality, however, that can lead to quarrels. And because he was bred to hunt small prey, the Glen isn’t recommended for homes with small furry pets that are allowed to roam free. He’ll chase, and possibly kill, cats, mice, gerbils, hamster, rabbits, and other small animals.
Glens are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Glens will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.
In Glens, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org).
Glens are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative eye disorder involving the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. It causes a gradual loss of vision and eventual blindness. Vets can detect PRA years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. If you’re buying a puppy, look for a reputable breeder who has her dogs’ eyes tested and certified on a yearly basis.
The coat of the Glen is a harsh double coat that protect the dog in all types of weather and terrain and is less prone to shed than longer haired breeds. It comes in a variety of color, the most common being wheaten (light tan to dark reddish) and blue brindle. Although one can find blues, blue and tans, and grays also.
The Glen only needs basic coat care to stay in top shape, a good brushing once or twice a week and to be plucked annually, to biannually keep them look their charming best.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a very adaptable dog to living in small spaces. They do need regular exercise if a yard is not available as they are prone to putting on weight if not provided with opportunities to run and play. Daily walks are recommended for the breed, however they also love to play in the yard with family chasing a dog toy, a ball or stick.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a good jogging companion provided the level of exercise is increased gradually. Due to the patellar luxation that can occur in the breed jumping is not recommended. If the Glen of Imaal Terrier is kept with other dogs he or she will self-exercise and play with the dog companions.
Training a terrier breed requires both consistency and creativity and the Glen of Imaal Terrier certainly requires both. Since they are somewhat independent and stubborn they need to be challenged in training as well as rewarded with lots of positives and praise.
They do not do well in highly repetitive training methods and need changes in routine and limited repetitions to avoid becoming bored and non-compliant. In is important to have the Glen of Imaal understand that you are the boss and often an obedience class or puppy class is a great idea to get the basic training and commands mastered as well as integrate socialization.
The breed is very sensitive to correct and simply ignoring bad behavior and withdrawing attention for a few minutes is usually all the correction the dog will need. They are extremely quick to pick up on new tricks and commands, and often seem to understand what the owner wants them to do.
They will also learn what brings them attention, and will quickly learn tricks like ringing a bell for water or bringing the leash to encourage owners to go for a walk. They are excellent candidates for both obedience and agility classes and seem to love to perform for audiences of any size.
One aspect of training that must be addressed is possessiveness. Terrier breeds, Glen of Imaals as well, will tend to snap and protect their food and toys. Teaching the dogs as puppies to relinquish food dishes, bones and toys is critical to prevent negative behaviors from forming as the dog gets older.
They can also be problematic barkers so teaching them to stop barking on command is a very important part of a Glen of Imaal Terriers early training. Some owners have had success using a dog bark collar. A Glen of Imaal Terrier left to his or her own devices will find something to do to entertain them. They are powerful diggers and love to spend time digging in soft dirt, often to the dismay of a gardener. Glen of Imaal’s can be taught to dig in selected areas rather than all through the yard, which is a great option to prevent unexpected landscaping changes.
Socialization is also key aspect of training, especially at an early age. With proper socialization chasing and aggressive behavior can be minimized however it is often not completely eliminated. If you plan to have other pets including dogs in the house start the socialization when the Glen of Imaal is a puppy.
