History of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Breed
Named for a specific valley located in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland, the Glen of Imaal terrier has an interesting past. It is said that the region from which this breed originates is considered to be one of the most remote. This terrier breed is believed to be a cousin to three other terriers, including the soft coated Wheaten, the Kerry blue, and the Irish terrier. Researchers agree that the geographic isolation of the Glen of Imaal is important to the evolution of the breed. It is said that in the late 16th century, approximately 1570, Queen Elizabeth I of England was concerned with a rebellion in Ireland. Because she did not have an official army and lacked money to pay soldiers, she hired Flemish and Lowland soldiers to help her with the trouble in Ireland and paid them with tracts of barren land located in the Wicklow Mountains. The men were happy to accept the land as payment and settled within the Glen of Imaal. It is believed that these soldiers brought their dogs with them, and over time they were bred with other Irish breeds, including hounds and terriers. This led to a breed that was adept at hunting vermin, fox, and badger. This breed was low to the ground, and it also served as a turnspit dog.
During the mid-1800s, England hosted its first dog show, and Ireland followed within a decade. There was even a terrier class at that time, and it included any terrier that was bred in Ireland. It was in 1933 that the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of Ireland was formed to seek Irish Kennel Club recognition for the breed. Recognition was realized in 1934, and the Glen was the third of the four Irish terrier breeds to be recognized overall. It is believed that a number of Glen of Imaal champions were quickly bred, but during the following years of war, the development of the breed came to a halt, and very few dogs remained by the end of the war. However, in the 1970s, the revival of the Glen of Imaal terrier took place in the United Kingdom. This made it possible for the breed to make a comeback in its native Ireland. In 1980, the Glen of Imaal terrier was granted full breed status in England. It is believed that the breed was introduced to the United States in approximately the 1930s by families who emigrated from Ireland with their dogs. The first record of a litter born in American was 30 years later. In the early 1980s, breeders imported foundation stock of the breed from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Finland.
Size and Appearance of the Glen of Imaal Terrier Breed
The Glen of Imaal terrier has a strong, powerful head featuring round, brown eyes and small ears. The strong muzzle tapers to the black nose, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The muscular neck is moderate in length, and the broad shoulders are well laid back. While the front legs are short and bowed, they consist of good bone. The strong hindquarters are well muscled. The compact feet are strong and have rounded pads. The tail is normally docked to about half-length and is carried gaily. The gait of the Glen of Imaal terrier is best described as free and even, and it enables the breed to cover the ground effortlessly. The medium-length coat of this breed is harsh in texture, but features a soft undercoat. The coat comes in wheaten, blue, or brindle. Wheaten can span from cream to red wheaten; blue ranges from silver to deep slate; and brindle can be any shade but is usually blue.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Temperament
Spirited and intelligent, the Glen of Imaal terrier can be tough and game when hunting. But when inside, this breed is generally well-behaved and calm. It takes a while for it to mature, but overall this breed is loyal and devoted to its family, making it a great family pet. This dog is often playful and excellent around children, but it can be a bit feisty with other animals. If socialized from an early age, this breed will be fine with other dogs. Be careful with smaller, non-canine pets such as hamsters, mice, or even rabbits. Note that this breed loves to dig and will often chase. It makes a good watch dog because it will bark if it detects something out of the ordinary. Although it tends to be sensitive, this breed often responds well to gentle but firm and consistent training tactics.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Recommended Maintenance
Overall, this breed is quite easy to groom, but the coat should be stripped twice a year. Be sure to trim the hair under the tail and between the pads on the feet with scissors as necessary. The hair in the ears should be plucked on a regular basis. The Glen of Imaal terrier is known to shed little to no hair. This dog is appropriate for apartment dwelling, as it stays fairly active when indoors. As with most breeds, daily activity is important, and it loves to run and play outside. However, it will adapt well to just about any family situation in terms of exercise needs.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Health
Life span: 13 - 14 years
Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: overeating tendencies, skin defects, PRA
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: none
