Glen of Imaal Terriers

Appearance:

Body: Small but sturdy, longer than tall, well-muscled shoulders, wide deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and bowed front legs.

Coat: Double-coated with a harsh outer coat and a soft undercoat.

Color: BWheaten (cream to red), blue (silver to slate color - not black) or brindle (usually blue brindle).

Ears: Small and rose or half-pricked when excited, wide set.

Eyes: Medium size, brown, round and wide-set.

Feet: Front feet are strong, compact, well-padded and slightly turned out. Hind feet are the same but forward pointing.

Head: Broad and somewhat domed with a distinct stop and tapered muzzle, black nose and powerful jaw.

Legs: Forelegs are short and bowed with strong bones set into broad well-muscled shoulders. Hind legs are powerful, and well balanced with good bone structure.

Neck: Well-muscular, moderately long, blending into a muscular loin.

Size:
Weight: 30 - 35 pounds
Height: 11.5 -14 inches

Tail: Strong at the base and docked.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Loves to dig
Not recommended with other small animals

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a small but highly spirited dog with an enthusiastic personality and sweet disposition. He is a lap dog when inside and a hunter when outside giving chase at the sight of anything that moves and he perceives as prey.

Glens were bred to hunt badger and other vermin, and have also been used in dog fights. With his strong hunting instincts he's best suited for an experienced dog handler capable of controlling him. Early obedience training with a positive approach including lots of praise and treat-type rewards is important, as well as early and continued socialization.

If you have cats, rabbits, or other small pets, this is not the best breed of dog to bring home. He may be a small dog but he is strong and determined and will likely view your other small pets as prey. If he does see them as prey, he will likely kill them out of instinct.

This highly energetic dog needs lots of exercise such as long walks and plenty of play time - one of his favorite activities. Be sure to keep him on a leash or in an enclosed area to prevent any unfortunate incidents with your neighbor's pets and to keep him from running into traffic while chasing prey.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Terrier Group

Bred for hunting badger and fox.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Lots of exercise and play time is necessary for this bundle of energy. He loves to take long walks, loves to dig, and loves to play.

Grooming: Brush coat two to three times weekly and clean his beard daily. Keep his ear canals clean and dry. Some owners have his hair stripped (plucking out of dead hairs) two to three times annually.

Health

Life Expectancy: 13 - 14 Years

Possible Problems:
Allergies
Gastritis
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Recommended Certificates:
CERF (eyes)
OFA (hips)

Glens are very susceptible to injury in the first year of life while the bones in his legs are still developing. Keep him from jumping off of high furniture such as beds and sofas, as well as other high places, don't play too rough with him, and keep his walks short during this time period.

Country of Origin

Ireland