Glen of Imaal TerrierCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Glen of Imaal is an old breed, long overlooked, linked to the harsh land of the Glen of Imaal valley. The farmers there, descendants of soldiers who had been given land in the 16th and 17th centuries as payment for their service to the British Crown, needed a dog that would earn its keep.

The dog turned the spit wheel for hours on end and was once made to fight other dogs, customs that have since disappeared. The Irish Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1934. Wikipedia says it came close to disappearing and was rebuilt in the 20th century; today there are about 3,100 dogs in the world.

How the breed developed

• 16th–17th centuries – Soldiers receive land in the Glen of Imaal; the dogs work on farms.
• 1934 – The Irish Kennel Club recognises the breed.
• 17 September 1975 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 2004 – The AKC recognises the breed.
• 2017 – The Canadian Kennel Club votes for full recognition.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

Wikipedia describes it as a “big dog on short legs”, a breed with achondroplastic dwarfism, more solid than it looks in photographs. The AKC says it has a broad head, slightly bowed front legs and a wiry, single coat.

General appearance

The ears are rose or half-pricked. The topline is straight and rises slightly towards the tail. Wikipedia says a Glen may need up to four years to mature fully.

The accepted colours are blue brindle (not reaching black) and wheaten, from light wheaten to golden red. Puppies may be born blue, wheaten or red, and the light ones often have a blue mask that fades with age.

The standard describes it as active, agile and silent when working, brave when needed, but otherwise gentle and docile. Its loyal, affectionate nature makes it a very suitable house dog. It is less excitable than other terriers.

The AKC says Glens are versatile, easy to train and very clever, but they are still terriers: brave, sometimes stubborn and very interested in small animals. They love people, but usually do not make friends easily with other dogs.

Tips for effective training

• Be patient. It can be stubborn, like any terrier.
• Be careful with rodents. It sees them as natural prey.
• Introduce it carefully to other dogs. It does not make friends with them easily.
• Do not push it as a puppy. The AKC says to avoid long walks for puppies with bowed legs.

The AKC says it is more laid-back than the typical terrier and needs moderate exercise. As a dwarf breed with bowed front legs, puppies should not be pushed into long walks on the lead.

Tips for a balanced life

• Avoid jumps from a height.
• It adapts well to family life.
• Keep it on the lead near small animals.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the double coat should be brushed moderately every week, so the soft hair around the ears, neck, legs and belly does not tangle, and stripped two or three times a year. That way it sheds very little.

Common health problems

The AKC says Glens are generally healthy, but breeders test for:

Other care

• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.
• Check the ears weekly.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to its age and activity level. Extra weight puts a strain on its front legs.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• It turned the spit. It was made to turn the spit wheel for hours on end.
• One of the four Irish terriers. It is one of the four native Irish terrier breeds.
• Rare. Wikipedia estimates the world population at about 3,100 dogs.
• It matures late. It may need four years to become an adult.
• Silent at work. The standard says it works in silence.

Where does the Glen of Imaal Terrier come from?

From the Glen of Imaal valley, County Wicklow, Ireland.

How big does it get?

Males measure at most 35.5 cm and weigh about 16 kg; females are slightly smaller.

Does it bark a lot?

No, it is calmer than most terriers.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–15 years.