Glen of Imaal Terrier Dog Breed Profile

by Amanda

AKC Group: Terrier Group

The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a medium sized dog originally from Ireland. Used to hunt badgers in the past, they still have a strong instinct to chase small animals like cats and gerbils. Very intelligent and easy to train with a rough coat.

History

Originally bred to eliminate the farm and home of vermin, search for foxes and badgers. These tough dogs also were built with a unique job, for they were exclusively built to work a turnspit. This was a big wheel that, when turned by a dog, would move a spit above the hearth. These days Glen of Imaal Terriers are very similar to those of decades past with very little refinement in their breeding.

Physical Features

The Glen of Imaal Terrier, named after the place in Ireland where they were created is an average-sized terrier. The body is longer then it is tall, and it has a double coat of moderate length.

The height is usually between 12 and 14 inches. The weight is around thirty five pounds, with females weighing a bit less.

Available coat colors include blue, brindle or wheaten. Wheaten contains all colors from cream to wheaten red. Blue may vary from silver to deepest slate, and not black. Brindle could be any colors but is mostly viewed as blue brindle, a combination of light blue, dark blue and tan hairs in any proportion or combination.

Personality

This breed is a brave, devoted, patient and spirited little dog. Gentle and mellow with the family. Unyielding and vigorous when hunting, or else mild-mannered and quiet inside. They're clever, but a late bloomer, taking longer to develop then a typical dog.

Common Health Problems

Slightly susceptible to hip dysplasia, flea allergies and progressive retinal atrophy. They also apparently require a low protein diet later in life.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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