Glen Of Imaal Terrier
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Although calm and gentle with their family indoors, the Glen of Imaal Terrier makes a determined hunter outside.Group: Terrier
Size: Medium
Coat length: Medium
Grooming required: More than once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Small or Large House
Garden size: Small/Medium
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: Up to 1 hour per day
They are a short-legged, wire-coated terrier that comes in a wheaten (all shades), brindle and blue. Their top size is 14" and they weigh in at 35lbs, but they must give the impression of maximum strength for the dog's size.
The Glen is an earth dog, not a digging dog. Originating from Ireland and used for hunting, they were sent into the sett or burrow to pull out vermin such as foxes and badgers. Their fronts are slightly bowed with the feet turning out slightly at the pasterns, which is needed to brace themselves whilst pulling. There is also some anecdotal descriptions of turnspit dogs that could very well fit the description of a Glen, with the dogs keeping a roasting spit going by walking on a treadmill for hours.
They are good family dogs and in the main travel well. They are not a trouble maker but will they will not back down in a confrontation. They are normally friendly around people and good with children, but must be properly socialised so they mix with other animals. They are fairly active indoors but surprisingly active on walks too.
Glen of Imaal Terriers are easy to groom but will need stripping at least twice a year. They are prone to skin allergies, CRD3 (Cone rod deficiency) which can descent into blindness in old age. There is a gene test for this condition and it is recommended that parents should be tested and that at least one parent should have tested clear.