Glen of Imaal Terrier

Although as a type of working terrier, the Glen of Imaal has likely been around since the 1500’s (first mentioned in 1575 in George Turbeville’s “The Noble Art of Venerie and Hunting”), as a recognised and standardized breed their history is somewhat vague and filled with charming if unlikely stories about Irish Wolfhounds having dalliances with local working terriers.

Ireland has several tough, rough or longer coated working terriers including the Irish Terrier, the Kerry Blue and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. It is highly probable that the Glen of Imaal shares its ancestry with these, and was selected for a longer body and shorter legs to aid in its work, going to ground after badgers. A badger is a formidable foe, and this job would require a heavy set, fearless, short-legged terrier – the Glen of Imaal fits this bill perfectly.

Required to also be economical to feed, adaptable enough to be an all-round farm dog and with a temperament sweet enough to be a family pet, the Glen of Imaal has found a new role in life as a pet and show dog.

First shown as a properly recognised and standardized breed in Ireland in 1933, but not given Championship breed classes in the UK until 1982.

Glen of Imaals need an owner who can match their sparky, funny nature, and serious stamina. This is a terrier who can go all day with a cheerful grin and a spring in their step – can you keep up? If you don’t like terriers who wish to kill small furry things, you’ll need to work hard at providing suitable alternatives such as stuffed toys and chasing-catching games. Some grooming skills are necessary to maintain their coat in a neat and weatherproof condition. 

Glen of Imaal Terriers will love a good long walk twice a day, although an hour’s exercise out walking per day will be just enough but they will take more if you have the time. This is a breed with a high prey drive and a strong scenting ability so care must be taken with where you let them off the lead. Capable of taking part in a variety of dog sports and activities, the Glen of Imaal just wants to do stuff with you!

Easy to house in almost any sized home, their main requirements are that you are there with them, and a good-sized garden to play in, or access to secure areas outside such as parks and secure fields. Although better suited to rural living, the Glen of Imaal is adaptable and many live in inner city areas – this will take more work on the owners part to make sure they get the exercise they need and are not overwhelmed with the noise and bustle of human and vehicular traffic.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.

The rough coat of the Glen of Imaal will need regular combing down to the skin. They do not shed, and so without combing through every few days, the soft undercoat will felt to the skin. Traditionally hand-stripped once or twice a year, this keeps the coat manageable and much more weatherproof than clipping, but you can also leave them longer coated if you prefer.

Check ears, beard and paws each day after exercise to remove foreign matter and debris.

Positive reinforcement training using food, toys and the opportunity to follow scents and find hidden items will go a long way to creating a dog who is a joy to live with. They absolutely will not tolerant being pushed around or punished, this will result in a shutdown dog who doesn’t want to be with you at all. Glen of Imaal Terriers do things on their own terms and in their own time, so this is not a dog for someone who loves a fast responding, sharp dog – but if you’ve the time and patience, they will reward that with their devotion to you.

Suited to an active family who enjoy doggy activities, and are happy to spend their time with their dog. Great with children if raised with them and socialised well but of course, very small children can push a terrier too far quite easily. Better with older children or teenagers who can understand how to respect a dog’s space.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.