Glen of Imaal Terrier

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
Some outdoor space
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Low maintenance
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

The Glen of Imaal Terrier (Irish: Brocaire Uí Mháil) is a breed of dog of the terrier category and one of four Irish terrier breeds. It is sometimes called the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier or the Wicklow Terrier, and the name of the breed is often shortened by fanciers to just Glen. (2)

The breed originates in, and is named for, the Glen of Imaal in County Wicklow, Ireland. (2)

Reportedly, the Glen's history began during the reign of Elizabeth I, who hired French and Hessian mercenaries to put down a rebellion in Ireland. After the conflict, many of these soldiers settled in the Wicklow area. They brought with them their low-slung hounds, which they bred with the local terrier stock, eventually developing a distinctive breed that became known as the Glen of Imaal Terrier. (2)

Glens were originally used for eradicating other animals such as rat, fox, badger, and otter, and also as a general-purpose farm dog for herding and family companionship. Unlike many other terriers, they are "strong dogs" rather than "sounders"—they were bred to work mute to ground, going silently into dens after their quarry rather than barking at it to alert their handlers. (2)

Appearance

Medium sized with medium length coat, great strength with impression of maximum substance for the size of dog. Body longer than high. (1)

Temperament

Glen of Imaal Terriers can be energetic and tenacious, but they tend to be more even-tempered, more easygoing, and less vocal than most other terriers. While they love activity, they are not demanding, and are happy to relax by their owner's side. (2)

Their bark is deep and authoritative, like that of a much larger dog, and they are said to be good watch dogs. (2)

As terriers, Glens can have a stubborn streak, but they respond well to a firm hand and can withstand correction when necessary. They are intelligent, learn quickly, and socialise easily. They are typically fearless and loyal, and are superb with people, including children. However, some can be dog-aggressive, especially when provoked. (2)

By maturity, most Glens develop a robust prey drive and will readily go for vermin such as rats, so they need to be well-socialized with other animals when young—particularly with small household pets that they might mistake for quarry, such as cats and rabbits. (2)

Glens often do well at Earthdog trials, Barn Hunt, and in agility. Although not typically strong swimmers due to their short legs and dense body, some Glens can work in water, and others have been trained to herd and drive sheep and cattle. (2)

Sizes

Height: 35-36 cms (14 ins) at the shoulders is maximum height for dogs and bitches. (1)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Glen of Imaal Terrier you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Glen of Imaal Terrier and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 03 Oct 2012)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Medium sized with medium length coat, great strength with impression of maximum substance for the size of dog. Body longer than high.

Characteristics

Active, agile and silent when working. Native of Co. Wicklow and named after the Glen of Imaal.

Temperament

Game and spirited with great courage when called upon, otherwise gentle and docile.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Of good width and fair length with powerful foreface. Muzzle to taper towards nose. Well defined stop. Nose black.
Eyes	Brown, medium size, round and set well apart. Light eyes undesirable.
Ears	Small, rose or half pricked when alert, thrown back when in repose. Full drop or prick undesirable.
Mouth	Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Teeth of good size.
Neck	Very muscular and of moderate length.
Forequarters	Shoulders broad, muscular and well laid back. Forelegs short, well boned and slightly bowed.
Body	Deep and of medium length, slightly longer than height at withers. Well sprung ribs with neither flat nor barrel appearance. Chest wide and strong. Topline slightly rising to a strong loin.
Hindquarters	Strong well muscled, with good thighs and good bend of stifle. Hocks turned neither in nor out.
Feet	Compact and strong with rounded pads. Front feet to turn out slightly from pastern.
Tail	Docked: Strong at root. Well set on and carried gaily.Undocked: Strong at root. Well set on and carried gaily. In overall balance with rest of the dog.
Gait/Movement	Free in action. Covers the ground effortlessly with good drive behind.
Coat	Medium length, of harsh texture with soft undercoat. Coat may be tidied to present a neat outline.
Colour	Blue, Brindle and Wheaten (all shades).
Size	Height: 35-36 cms (14 ins) at the shoulders is maximum height for dogs and bitches.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.