Glen of Imaal Terrier: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Glen of Imaal terrier is a medium-size terrier dog breed from Ireland with a medium-length wiry coat that doesn’t shed much. Overall, the dog is longer than tall. This appears to be a big dog on short legs thanks to their large head and deep, muscular chest. Their front legs have a bow to them, yet the dog still has a powerful and agile gait.

The Glen was originally used as a pest exterminator and hunting dog, as well as a working farm dog. Plus, they're an affectionate companion that enjoys both being busy and curling up next to their humans.

Learn all about the Glen of Imaal terrier, from the breed’s history to its care needs and more.

Breed Overview

Group: Terrier

Height: 12.5 to 14 inches

Weight: 32 to 40 pounds

Coat: Medium-length, wiry

Coat Color: Blue brindle, wheaten

Life Span: 10 to 15 years

Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, bold

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: Ireland

Characteristics of the Glen of Imaal Terrier

Glen of Imaal terriers tend to have a sweet temperament with their family, though they can be spirited and stubborn at times. They don’t have quite the energetic and busy personality that some other terrier breeds do, but they still enjoy an active lifestyle. 

History of the Glen of Imaal Terrier

The exact origin of the Glen of Imaal terrier is unknown, but the breed is thought to hail from the mountainous and remote County Wicklow in Ireland. The farmers of the region needed hard-working dogs that could perform a variety of tasks and used the terriers to exterminate vermin and to hunt badgers, foxes, and other game. 

One of the Glen of Imaal terrier's former odd jobs gave it the nickname “turnspit dog.” People used their Glens to walk on a hamster wheel-like contraption that turned meat over a cooking fire. The dogs' powerful front legs served them well in this task.

The Glen of Imaal terrier began to gain recognition beyond their remote environment toward the end of the 1800s, and slowly started arriving in North America in the early 1900s, but the American Kennel Club didn’t officially recognize the breed until 2004.

Glen of Imaal Terrier Care

Glen of Imaal terriers don’t require an excessive amount of exercise, though they still need activity every day. They also have some specialized grooming needs. And they should receive training and socialization from an early age.

Exercise

Aim for at least an hour of exercise per day for your Glen of Imaal terrier.1 Short walks and playing with toys are ideal ways to exercise your Glen. Puzzle toys are a great source of mental stimulation and can keep your Glen engaged during indoor playtime. When outdoors, keep your Glen of Imaal terrier on a leash or in a securely fenced area. This breed has a strong prey drive and might take off chasing perceive prey if given the chance.

Don't allow your dog to engage in strenuous exercise until fully grown, as this can damage growth plates. It’s even recommended to keep young Glens from jumping off furniture or going down steep stairs to prevent too much stress on their joints.

Grooming

Brush your dog weekly to remove any loose fur and prevent tangles. Pay special attention to the fur around the ears, chest, stomach, and legs, which can be prone to matting.

Also, this dog should have their coat hand-stripped a few times per year to remove the dead fur that doesn’t shed out on its own. 

Bathe your dog every month or so, depending on how dirty they get. But check their ears at least weekly to see whether they need cleaning.

Also, trim their nails roughly every month, and brush their teeth daily.

Training

Begin training and socialization when your dog is a puppy to help prevent bad habits from forming.

Glens are smart dogs, but they can be stubborn and get bored with repetitive training. So try to keep training sessions short, varied, and fun. Always use positive-reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise. 

Moreover, aim to expose your dog to different people and other dogs from a young age. This breed doesn’t always get along with other dogs, and it can be moderately reserved around strangers. But having lots of positive social experiences should help to curb these tendencies. 

Common Health Problems

Glen of Imaal terriers are generally healthy, though they are susceptible to some hereditary health issues2, including: 

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: These are orthopedic conditions that adversely affect the development of the hips or elbows. A dog can experience pain, discomfort, and mobility problems, so these should be treated by a vet.

• Progressive retinal atrophy: This is a serious eye disease that affects the rods and cons of the retina and eventually leads to blindness. Genetic tests can help determine risk.

• Degenerative myelopathy: Also known as DM, this disease causes degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord, eventually leading to paralysis.  

Diet and Nutrition

Always have fresh water accessible for your Glen of Imaal terrier. Feed a high-quality canine diet in two measured meals per day to ensure that your dog is getting the proper nutrition.

Be sure to discuss both the type of food and the amount with your vet. Be mindful of treats and other extra food, so your dog doesn’t overeat. 

Where to Adopt or Buy a Glen of Imaal Terrier

Glen of Imaal terriers aren’t extremely common, but it’s still possible to find the breed at animal shelters and rescue groups. You just might have to travel a great distance and wait some time, depending on where you live. See whether you can get your name on a breed wait list if possible.

If you’re looking for a puppy from a responsible breeder, expect to pay around $1,700 to $2,500 on average.3

For more information to help you find a Glen of Imaal terrier, check out:

• Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America 

• Glen of Imaal Terrier Rescue

Glen of Imaal Terrier Overview

The Glen of Imaal terrier is a great canine companion, exhibiting affection and loyalty. They might seem harmless but their high prey drive makes them a threat to other animals. And these dogs require plenty of training and socialization to be well-mannered.

Pros of Glen of Imaal Terriers

• Affectionate and gentle

• Relatively easygoing

• Sheds minimally

Cons of Glen of Imaal Terriers

• Can be stubborn about training

• High prey drive

• Has specialized grooming needs

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

As with any dog breed, do thorough research on the Glen of Imaal terrier to make sure they're right for your lifestyle. Talk to breed owners, rescue groups, veterinary professionals, and reputable breeders to learn more.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Yorkshire terrier

• Dandie Dinmont terrier

• Lakeland terrier

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!