Glen of Imaal Terrier
Possessing an elusive background, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is a rare breed of Irish terriers. It’s hypothesized that these four-legged friends were bred from dogs brought over by French and Hessian mercenaries hired by Queen Elizabeth I to put down an uprising in Ireland. Affectionate companions who always want to be close with their human family, regardless of if they’re playing fetch or cuddling on the couch -they are happy doing either! This small sized pup manages well in city life due to its gentle nature and relatively low exercise needs.
Like most Terriers, the Glen of Imaal Terrier thinks that he’s bigger than he is. His coat is low maintenance and sheds very little, making him easy to groom. He has an aversion towards other dogs and it’s best that cats are kept away from him. The Glen of Imaal Terrier’s distinctively soft, thick coat is rumored to be a result of possible lineage from the Irish Wolfhound.
Prepare for a multitude of “What breed is that?” inquiries if you are fortunate enough to locate the least-recognized Irish dog breed. Appearing much like a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and having stubby legs, this spunky pup was initially bred as an agricultural and hunting dog but now primarily serves as a family companion.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier’s frame may be small, but his presence is larger than life. Weighing in at under 40 pounds and possessing short legs, this pup gives off a fierce yet noble vibe. And don’t worry about noise complaints; he’s much quieter compared to other terriers! His moderate exercise needs make him an ideal fit for city or apartment living.
“Moderate” does not mean “low.” Without taking your Glen on regular outdoor walks and providing him with plenty of opportunities to exercise, he will find a way to entertain himself in ways that are undesirable for you. It is best not take your Glen to the dog park given his inclination towards other dogs (and cats, small pets and wildlife) as prey; this can make it difficult to provide adequate playtime for him – so be sure you consider all these points before deciding if a Glen fits into your family life!
If you decide to bring a Glen of Imaal Terrier into your home, it is important that you are prepared for training and hard limits from the first day. A sense of humor and plenty of patience will be necessary as this breed loves to challenge both! Early socialization with children is key too if you want them to grow up comfortable together; when done right, these pups can handle some roughhousing without being overwhelmed – supervision should still take place though if young ones are involved. However, they may not be suitable companions for toddlers due to their high energy levels.
Pet Glen of Imaal Terriers necessitate far less grooming than those used as show dogs, only requiring an infrequent bath and weekly brushing to remove dead hair, with the occasional trim or clipping if needed. And best of all – they shed almost nothing!
Glen of Imaal Terriers thrive in the warmth and companionship of a loving family. If left isolated for too long, they become lonely, bored, noisy and destructive – traits that are hard to undo even after being welcomed back into the family fold. Make sure you embrace your pup as part of your household if you want to avoid these behavioural issues altogether!
- Furlyfe Rank
- Group AKC Terrier
- Origin Ireland
- Size Medium
- Weight 32 to 40 pounds
- Coat Length Medium
- Coat Type Wiry
- Colors Black, Blue, Brown
- Other Names Glen, Glennie, Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Temperament Active, Agile, Courageous, Gentle, Loyal, Spirited