Glen of Imaal Terrier: Your Complete Guide

Originally starting out as a working dog in Ireland, Glen of Imaal terriers are a really unique breed of dog. They have a fancy double coat, are smart, very active, and even make for good watchdogs. This is due to their hunting background and protective tendencies.

With their special coat comes an increased need for grooming and maintenance, though, and these dogs also have a hard time getting along with other dogs.

In this article, we’re going to explore more about what this breed looks like, how they behave around kids, what tips you’ll need to take care of them, and so much more. For starters, let’s take a quick look at their characteristics.

Quick Look at the Glen of Imaal Terrier

Below is a glance at this special breed regarding their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Glen of Imaal Terriers?

The Glen of Imaal terrier, also known as “Glen,” hails from the Glen of Imaal in Ireland, where it historically thrived as a working dog. These terriers, adapted to the Glen’s rugged terrain and were good at hunting small animals, like foxes and badgers.

Their history dates back to the 18th century when they were trusted hunting companions in the Glen. However, changes in hunting practices led to their decline, risking their existence.

In the mid-20th century, dog enthusiasts who loved the breed wanted to preserve it and did so by breeding it. Today, we know them as the loyal, charming pets and show dogs that they are, despite being a rare breed of terrier.

What Do Glen of Imaal Terriers Look Like?

Glen of Imaal terriers are small to medium-sized dogs that have strong bodies, broad heads, and friendly, dark brown eyes. Their ears are small and stand forward, making them look attentive.

Their bodies are longer than they are tall, and their legs are short and straight. These dogs also have a special coat – rough on the outside and soft inside, keeping them warm. They can also have a brindle coat and come in different colors like:

What Size Is a Glen of Imaal Terrier?

Glen of Imaal terriers are small to medium-sized dogs, and you can expect their weight and height to be within the following ranges:

• Height: 12-14 inches
• Weight: 32-40 pounds

What Is a Glen of Imaal Terriers Coat Type and Length?

Glen of Imaal terriers have a special kind of coat. It’s a bit like a two-layer jacket – the outside layer is tough and wiry, while the inside is soft and cozy. The outer coat is about 1 to 2 inches long.

This rough outer coat gives them that rugged look and protects them from the weather and rough terrain. The inner layer is there to keep them warm.

What Is a Glen of Imaal Terriers Temperament?

Glen of Imaal terriers are known for their big hearts, loyalty, and a touch of independence. They make friendly and loyal family dogs with a hint of cleverness. They’re a bit stubborn in nature. They might not always get along with smaller pets due to their hunting instincts.

Since they’re active and love outdoor adventures, they also make for great hiking and play buddies! Glen terriers bring a unique blend of loyalty, independence, and spiritedness to your home, making them a fantastic choice for those looking for a spirited, outdoor-loving companion with a touch of determination.

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers Good with Kids?

Glen of Imaal terriers are great with children. They usually do best with older, gentle, and considerate kids. These dogs are small and delicate, so they may not tolerate rough handling or overly energetic play from very young children. They also tend to be more comfortable with kids who can understand and respect their size and sensitivity.

Early socialization with kids is essential to help Glen of Imaal terriers adapt to different situations and individuals, including children. Teaching kids how to interact with the dog, showing them the importance of gentleness and respect, and supervising their interactions will ensure that the contact between your dog and your kids never has to be dangerous for anyone.

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers Good with Other Animals?

Glen of Imaal terriers are known for being independent, which makes them less inclined to socialize with other animals. It’s not that they don’t like to make friends; they’re just a bit more reserved than other breeds.

One reason for this is that they have a strong prey drive, which is their instinct to chase smaller critters – a trait they’ve held onto from their hunting days.

If you’re thinking about introducing your Glen terrier to other dogs, you might want to take things slow and keep a watchful eye on their interactions. Similarly, when it comes to smaller pets like rodents or birds, be cautious because these doggies have a strong prey drive.

Glen terriers may definitely see them as potential playmates, but not in the way you’d hope for. Gradual introductions and constant supervision are going to be your best friend if you’re considering socializing them with other animals.

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers Aggressive?

Glen terriers can definitely be territorial since they often see themselves as the guardians of their home turf. Their history as rural working dogs has made them protective of their space, which might make them a bit wary of strangers or other animals entering their domain, but it’s nothing that a bit of training can’t fix.

These dogs are more likely to chase small animals like cats or tiny pets, thanks to their hunting roots. So, if you have any small-sized pets, be cautious!

When it comes to mealtime, some Glen terriers might show a bit of food aggression, which can also be traced back to their roots as an assertive dog breed. Once again, with the right training and feeding routine, you’ll have no problems dealing with this.

Do Glen of Imaal Terriers Bark?

Glen of Imaal terriers typically have a moderate bark, and they are not known for being excessively loud. Their vocalizations are often described as alert and assertive but not ear-piercing.

That said, these dogs love to bark or howl, so you might need some training to manage the frequency at which it happens.

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers Affectionate?

Glen of Imaal terriers are known to be pretty affectionate. They might not be your typical “lap dogs” due to their slightly bigger size for a terrier, but they’re all about cuddles and pets. It is the kind of dog that will always want all the love and attention they can get from their families.

When it comes to strangers, though, it might take them a little while to warm up to them because they tend to be protective and cautious around folks they don’t know. This is common in dogs with hunting traits, but if your Glen terrier is introduced to good early socialization, they can learn to be more at ease around unfamiliar faces.

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers Intelligent?

They might not be the most intelligent dog breed, but Glen of Imaal terriers are still pretty smart dogs, especially when it comes to training. They’re very curious creatures, and taking them for walks is always an adventure.

Their hunting background makes them always alert to everything happening around them. They’ve got their eyes and ears tuned in, so they make excellent watchdogs (more on that later).

Like many other intelligent dog breeds, Glen of Imaal also tends to be a bit stubborn. This means that while they know exactly what you want them to do, whether they do it or not depends on their mood.

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers Energetic?

These dogs are generally high-energy, so they’re always up for a good romp. Daily exercise is a must to keep them happy and healthy, which means around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day. That could be a brisk walk, some playtime, or interactive games to get their bodies moving. It’s not just about burning off energy; it’s also essential for their well-being.

At the same time, you’ll need to include some mental exercise in their routine as well. Puzzle toys, training sessions, or other brainteasers can keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom.

If you’re particularly lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you see it), your Glen terrier might even be a bit more energetic than others. Regardless, they all thrive on an active lifestyle, so fun-filled days of exercise and playtime with them will be a regular part of your routine.

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers Easy to Train?

These dogs are very bright, which makes them fantastic candidates for learning agility training or teaching them some complex tricks – they’re always up for the challenge. Agility training is particularly their forte because they have boundless energy and quick wits, making those obstacle courses just another day at the park.

As intelligent dogs, they can also handle complex tricks and advanced obedience training with some consistent and positive training methods.

As we discussed earlier, the only hurdle you might have with training them is their independent nature. With the right guidance and a sprinkle of positive reinforcement, Glen terriers will shine in agility training and amaze you with their trick-learning prowess.

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers Good Watchdogs?

Glen of Imaal terriers make excellent watchdogs due to their alertness, protectiveness, and bravery. They have a keen awareness of their surroundings, are naturally territorial, and are courageous in defending their loved ones and home, making them dependable in alerting their owners to any potential threats they spot around the house.

Are Glen of Imaal Terriers Good Service Dogs?

Glen of Imaal terriers are not typically a common choice for service dog work, including psychiatric service dog tasks or therapy dog roles. This is mainly because of their independent and assertive nature, along with a strong prey drive, which makes it challenging for them to adapt to the focused and calm demeanor required for service or therapy roles.

However, they can make wonderful Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) for individuals who benefit from their companionship and affection.

As ESAs, they can provide emotional comfort and support to their owners, which doesn’t require the same level of training and specific tasks as service dogs. So, while they may not be ideal for service or therapy work, their loyalty and affection can still make them valuable ESAs and loving companions for the right people.

How to Care for a Glen of Imaal Terrier?

Here’s how you can take care of your terrier:

• Exercise: Provide daily exercise, including brisk walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
• Grooming: Regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping to maintain their unique coat. Keep their ears clean and trim their nails as needed.
• Training: Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement training are essential to manage their intelligent and independent nature.
• Nutrition: Feed a balanced, high-quality dog food suitable for their age, size, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations.
• Healthcare: Regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care to ensure they remain healthy. Address any breed-specific health concerns.

Do You Need to Groom a Glen of Imaal Terrier?

Glen of Imaal Terriers have a double coat that needs regular grooming to maintain their condition. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Brushing: You should brush your Glen’s coat two to three times a week. This helps keep it from getting tangled and maintains its rough texture.
2. Hand-Stripping: Every few months, you might want to have a professional groomer or learn to do this yourself – it’s basically just plucking out the dead hair to keep the coat looking right.
3. Bathing: You only need to give your dog a bath when they get really dirty..
4. Ears and Nails: Check your Glen terrier’s ears regularly and clean them if needed. Trim their nails every few weeks.

Do Glen of Imaal Terriers Shed?

Glen terriers have a double coat with a wiry outer layer and a soft undercoat. While they do shed, it’s not excessive and only tends to be more noticeable during seasonal changes, typically in the spring and fall.

Compared to the average dog, they don’t shed much. They’re also not considered hypoallergenic, but the low shedding amount still makes them a better option than dogs that shed very often.

What Health Problems Do Glen of Imaal Terriers Have?

Common health concerns for Glen terriers include the following. Note that they may not be present in all Glen terriers.

1. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This inherited eye disease can lead to blindness. Responsible breeding and regular eye exams can help reduce its prevalence.
2. Rod-Cone Dystrophy: Another inherited eye disorder that can cause vision problems. Responsible breeding and routine eye checks are key for prevention.
3. Hip Dysplasia: A common orthopedic issue. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and choosing a puppy from breeders who screen for hip dysplasia can reduce the risk.

How Long Do Glen of Imaal Terriers Live?

Glen terriers typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years.

What Should a Glen of Imaal Terrier Eat?

Glen of Imaal terriers are medium-sized dogs, so 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality food a day should be sufficient for them. There’s no specific diet for them, but you’ll want to make sure that the dog food is high in protein without having too much fat or carbs.

Is a Glen of Imaal Terrier the Right Dog for Me?

Glen of Imaal terriers are a wonderful match for individuals or families who are active, enjoy spending time outdoors, and are looking for a loyal and affectionate companion. They are well-suited for those who can provide the daily exercise and mental stimulation these dogs need.

Their alertness also makes them great watchdogs, so they’re a good choice for people seeking added security in their homes.

If you’re someone who appreciates a dog that’s protective of their loved ones and willing to invest time in the training and grooming it needs, then this dog is perfect for you.