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
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.