Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Other names: Glen of Imaal Terrier, Wicklow Terrier, Glen
This tenacious, scruffy, yet docile creature is a native of the bleak Glen of Imaal, and was largely unknown beyond that area until recent times, when her pluck and individuality have marked her out as a dog for enthusiasts. The ‘natural selection’ of 17th-century dog fights and hard work pulling dog wheels resulted in a breed more strong, brave, and dedicated than she looks, although her social personality certainly matches her teddy-bear appearance. Despite the high regard in which she is held by those enthusiasts, and her suitability for family life, the Glen remains on the ‘vulnerable’ list, a term that certainly refers to the number of her population rather than the constitution of this robust little terrier. Known as a ‘big dog on short legs,’ she may not have much reach but just about qualifies as a medium-sized dog due to her weight.
Key facts about the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
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Origins and history
The Irish Glen is an authentic olde tyme dog, kept by Flemish and lowland soldiers on the land that they received in Ireland as a reward from Britain for quelling the 1570 rebellion. She seems to have been a result of crossing the little dogs they brought with them with the native Irish dogs. Since they were farm dogs, only the strongest thrived, and so she became the toughie she is today.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 3 - Terriers
Section
Section 1 : Large and medium sized Terriers
Physical characteristics of the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 13 and 14 in
Male : Between 13 and 14 in
Weight
Female : Between 33 and 37 lb
Male : Between 33 and 37 lb
Coat colour
Blue brindle or wheaten (light to reddish wheat colour). Puppies may be born with darker markings that will fade.
Type of coat
Double: a harsh outer and soft inner coat.
Eye colour
Description
As the FCI standard puts it: “great strength with the impression of maximum substance for the size of the dog.” Brilliant! This tough shortie does indeed pack a lot of pup into its package, and is in fact an achondroplastic dwarf breed, meaning her genetics have led to her having shorter arms and legs for a more commonly-sized mid-length torso. But let’s talk about the outer layers! The Glen’s significantly weighty head is furnished with a tapered muzzle, rose or prick-category ears, and an expression of calmly intense dogliness. Her harsh, tousled hair adds impact to her tubular croquette of a torso, leading back to a pipe-cleaner tail that is often docked.
Good to know
This dog has a special superpower: the ‘Glen sit,’ a patented sitting position whereby she perches on her tush with her forearms aloft, her body perfectly vertical, no different to a human toddler.
Temperament
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Affectionate
This dog comes with plenty of affection per inch. She is a sweet and docile companion dog with an endearing personality.
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Playful
The Glennie is a keen player of games and mischievous tricks.
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Calm
She is calm compared to most terriers.
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Hunter
Although her work ethic has often been turned to less glamorous tasks, the Glennie is actually a born hunter and has frequently been used to hunt badgers, as well as being a useful deterrent of rodents.
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33%
Fearful / wary of strangers
She is sociable towards humans; neither fearful or aggressive.
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33%
Independent
She is very attached to her social group, but her terrier temperament could lead her astray.
Behaviour of the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
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Tolerates solitude
She can tolerate alone time is she has been positively accustomed from a young age.
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Easy to train / obedience
She is keen and fast to learn and will appreciate this stimulating time with her people.
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33%
Barking
Not really, and certainly much less than most terriers.
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Tendency to run away
She will make a bolt for it given the opportunity and the right distraction, so a garden should be made secure if it is to hold her.
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Destructive
If not stimulated and exercised to the appropriate levels the Glen may well engage in acts of undisciplined deconstruction.
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Greedy / Gluttony
Treats are a welcome motivator for training.
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33%
Guard dog
She is a poor guard dog because she doesn’t bark much, and isn’t very dissuasive.
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First dog
The Glen can make a great first dog for those with the energy to provide the lifestyle she needs.
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Is the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier in a flat
A Glen can do okay in a flat but she’d really prefer something with a garden. This short-legged tyke will also suffer if repeatedly made to climb stairs.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
She is a sporty little working dog and needs a fair amount of exercise to keep her fit and sane.
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Travelling / easy to transport
The Glen is quite a delight to travel with, but take her for a walk first to burn off some energy.
Compatibility
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Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier and cats
She will get on well with a cat with whom she is raised; any other cat will be considered a potential hunting object.
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Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier and dogs
Unfortunately, since she was once used as a fighting dog, she can be quarrelsome with others.
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Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier and children
She is kind, gentle and calm with the children. She also enjoys playing with them (under adult supervision of course).
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Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier and the elderly
The Glen can make a good companion for older people who are able to train and exercise her to the appropriate extent.
Price
Between £450 for Non KC Registered dogs and £750 for KC Registered dogs.
Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £50 to £80 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
She needs to be brushed once a week and given the occasional haircut, in addition to dental, nail, and ear hygiene as standard.
Nutrition of the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Quality dog food or well-prepared home meals will suit the Glen just fine.
Health of the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Life expectancy
Glens are generally known to be healthy dogs, although susceptible to a handful of genetic issues as detailed below.
Strong / robust
This is altogether a sturdy little dog, but she can sometimes be injured if she goes hunting.
Withstand heat
She can work in all weathers.
Withstand cold
She doesn’t fear the cold, and can live outside if necessary.
Tendency to put on weight
Not especially.
Common illnesses
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Hip dysplasia
- Atopy
- Skin Allergies