Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
[fbcomments]
Glen of Imaal Terrier
| Other Names | Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, Wicklow Terrier |
| Nicknames | Glen, Glennie |
| Country of Origin | Ireland |
| Weight | 34 - 36 lbs. (15.5 - 16.5 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 14 in. (35.5 - 36.5 cm) |
| Coat | The harsh coat is medium length with a soft undercoat. |
| Colour | Coat colours include wheaten from cream silver to blue and brindle (light blue, dark blue and/or tan). |
| Litter Size | 1 - 3 puppies, average 2 |
| Life Span | 12 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a dog of unknown origins, but is of Irish descent. The breed received his name from the Glen of Imaal, in County Wicklow, Ireland. The breed’s early job was as a hunter, silently going after vermin, and going to ground after fox and badgers, dragging out the pray. Gamers put them in a pit with badgers, timing them on the kill, until the so-called sport was banned in 1966. The dogs were also used as turnspit dogs: Glens were put on a treadmill and would walk for hours, turning a large rotisserie wheel that was used to cook meat over an open flame. This spunky little terrier can still catch vermin and with little training it can still be used to successfully hunt foxes and badgers. The Glen was first presented publicly at an Irish dog show in 1933. It is rare in the USA and was recognized by the AKC in 2004. Though the exact origin of the Glen of Imaal Terrier is lost to history, some say that the breed may be related to the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, another Irish terrier breed (in fact, some sources claim all Irish terrier breeds to be derived from the Soft-Coated Wheaten). The "low-slung hounds" in the Glen's heritage are sometimes held to be forerunners of the PBGV. Though it bears a passing resemblance to Scotland's Dandie Dinmont terrier, and even comes in two colors similar to the Dandie's "mustard" and "pepper," it does not seem to be particularly closely related to that breed. Based on DNA evidence alone, the Glen of Imaal Terrier seems more closely related to the Molossers than to other small terriers. |
| Personality | The Glen of Imaal is a spirited, brave, patient and devoted little dog. Mellow and gentle with the family, it is vigorous and unyielding when hunting; otherwise mild-mannered and calm indoors. It is intelligent, but also a late bloomer, taking longer to mature than the average dog. It is sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not listen if it senses that it are stronger minded than its owner, however it will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to be calm, yet possess an air of natural authority. Do not allow this dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome. If it senses the owners are meek or passive it will become stubborn, pushy, and dominating as it will believe it needs to run the home. If under exercised it will become rambunctious. These loyal dogs make fine family pets. Playful and good with children. Should not be trusted alone with small animals due to their hunting instincts. Use caution around pets such as hamsters, rabbits and mice. With proper leadership and human to canine communication they can get along well with other dogs. They can live with cats if the cats are able to establish their dominance over the dog. The rules of the home should be made clear and stuck to. Training should always be consistent with some play in every session. They respond well to obedience training and can be taught to retrieve. Glens are keen to learn. A hunting terrier at heart, the Glen likes to dig and chase. This breed does not bark much but when it does its voice is deep. These dogs will bark if they detect danger but will rarely bark without a reason. |
Care Requirements
| Health | A genetic test is available for progressive retinal atrophy (type crd3), a congenital disorder that gradually results in blindness beginning at about five years of age. As blindness from this cause did not become apparent until well into the breeding years, it was difficult to breed out this trait before the advent of the test. Completely eliminating the defective gene will be tricky even now, as breeding only clear-to-clear would severely restrict choices in an already small gene pool. It is possible, however, to produce litters that will never be affected by this type of PRA, even though some individuals in the litter may carry the gene, and responsible breeders are doing so. (Because the trait is recessive, animals with only one copy of the defective gene do not develop PRA.) Responsible breeders continue to test their animals' eyes annually to validate the test and to monitor for other eye problems. Heart problems are virtually nonexistent in the breed. Glen of Imaal Terriers suffer from allergies and skin itching especially on paws, the typical problem with paws is redness, itching and sores during spells of wet weather. Hip dysplasia, though occasionally seen, is usually mild and does not usually result in lameness due to the breed's typically muscular build. However, responsible breeders use OFA or PennHIP evaluations to ensure that their breeding stock's hips are healthy. Because they are achondroplastic and front-heavy with turned-out front feet, young Glens are particularly susceptible to growth plate injuries that can significantly affect the development of front leg bones. Owners are advised to discourage their Glens from jumping off sofas, chairs, and beds until at least a year of age and to consult a vet at the first sign of limping. After the age of 12 months, Glens generally do best on a diet lower in protein than other breeds. |
| Grooming | The Glen is easy to groom, but it does require stripping twice a year. Cut under the tail with scissors as needed. The hair in the ears should be plucked out regularly and the hair between the pads of the feet should also be removed. Show dogs require a lot more grooming. This breed sheds little to no hair. |
| Exercise | The Glen of Imaal Terrier needs a daily walk, where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead. Never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way and that leader needs to be the human. As with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off-lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. |
| Other Considerations | The Glen of Imaal Terrier will do okay in an apartment. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. The Glen can sleep outdoors if the weather is not too hot or cold, but would much rather be indoors with its owners. |
